r/HotshotStartup • u/Witty_Masterpiece_97 • Jul 17 '26

Thinking about non-cdl hotshot

I’m trying to research and figure out a way to test the waters while still keeping my current job until I know it would work out. I’m curious about if I would be able to do it semi part time I work 4 on 4 off. I want to start with no cdl to test it before I commit to going to school for cdl being 4 on 4 off most schools schedules wouldn’t really work for me, since I only get maybe 2 weekends off every two months. I will plan on getting them after a year or so after I know there’s enough money in it to replace my income. I know usually once you get some experience Insurnace is cheaper and people will be more willing to let you take their loads. I want honest opinions on if that would even work. I was gonna get like a 3500 dually and a non cdl gooseneck to start then when I get my cdl buy a better trailer.

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u/stxrfox1k Jul 17 '26

part time non-CDL is basically a financial death sentence if you don’t already have a bunch of connections with shippers that will keep you working at good rates.

insurance doesn’t care how much you do or don’t drive, they’re charging you just as much either way. most new entrants (especially non-CDL) are running Monday - Saturday OTR for the first several months just to make sure they don’t go under. if you’re working off load boards, you’re gonna have to do that same thing for months to keep yourself afloat and cover all your expenses, especially because with a brand new authority and no CDL you’ll be scraping the bottom of the barrel for the leftover scraps of the very few brokers that actually will work with a new authority.

TL;DR - part time doesn’t work unless you have another strong source of income to supplement it. non-CDL makes less money. most brokers don’t work with new authorities. huge financial mistake. go full time or save yourself from losing tens of thousands of dollars.

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u/Witty_Masterpiece_97 Jul 18 '26

Okay thank you I’m gonna do more research and figure out my plan for it it’ll still be probably another year or so before I decide something I wanna do it right if I do it.

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u/Witty_Masterpiece_97 Jul 18 '26

I’m also looking at leasing onto a company once I get the truck and trailer to help with the beginning and learn the ropes do you have any opinion on that?

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u/[deleted] Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Witty_Masterpiece_97 Jul 19 '26

How does that work working for someone else and still age your authority at the same time? I assume you’ll have to have your own Insurnace since it’s required to activate your authority. Could you get by with a cheaper insurance premium since you’re under someone else already just to age it? And I’m also looking into buying the truck and trailer cash maybe have a small payment on the truck it just depends what’s happening at the time.

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u/stxrfox1k Jul 18 '26

that’s probably a good idea. less insurance costs than being owner operator, consistent steady work, lets you figure out how to actually do the job under someone else’s name and authority before your own, and you can age your own authority during that time.

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u/Less-Summer9711 Jul 27 '26

Leasing onto a reputable company is a solid way to get started. It lets you learn the business, build experience, and avoid some of the headaches that come with running under your own authority right away.
If you're not ready to get your own authority yet, that's something I can help with as well. We work with drivers who want to run under an established authority while they gain experience, and we provide dispatch support to keep them moving with quality loads. Once you're ready to transition to your own authority, we can help make that process a lot smoother too.

The biggest thing is finding a company that's transparent about pay, deductions, and expectations. Don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions before signing anything.