10 Hotshot Trucking Tips to Get Set on the Road to Success

Hotshot trucking can be a lucrative career that offers unmatched flexibility. Hotshot haulers have a unique opportunity to set their own schedule, choose their own jobs, and master a diverse range of skills.

If you’re a natural-born entrepreneur with a desire to hit the open road, then hotshot hauling is the career for you. With the right amount of dedication and preparation, you can have a successful career as a hotshot hauler.

If you’re looking for ways to make money with your truck trailer,  join the Open Road team today and start hauling.

10 Hotshot Trucking Tips to Ensure Success on the Road

Although hotshot trucking can be considered beginner-friendly, it does come with a unique set of challenges. Between tight deadlines, complex regulations, and fierce competition, there are several challenges to navigate if you’re just starting out as a hotshot hauler. 

To help you overcome these challenges and achieve success, here are ten essential hotshot hauling tips:

1. Choose the right equipment
2. Find the right jobs
3. Optimize your routes
4. Monitor traffic patterns
5. Maintain your equipment
6. Take care of yourself
7. Network with others
8. Practice consistent communication
9. Make safety a priority
10. Stay organized

Let’s take a closer look at these hotshot trucking tips to determine how they can help you achieve a successful hotshot career.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Equipment

Before you start hauling, you need to make sure your truck and trailer are capable of hauling heavy cargo. To do this, you should check the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of your setup to determine your maximum carrying capacity.

It’s better to have a setup that accommodates a variety of cargo types, rather than limiting yourself to specialty cargo. Although reefer trucks and other specialty haulers can take deliveries you can’t, it’s always best to cast the widest net possible. Most experts recommend a heavy-duty, one ton pickup truck paired with a 30-40 ft. trailer. 

Read our related article to see if hotshot trucking is worth it. 

Tip 2: Find the Right Jobs

To find jobs as a hotshot hauler, you can utilize online load boards and partner with freight-matching companies. Before accepting a job, you want to make sure your hauling setup is compatible with the type of cargo you’ll be hauling.

Read our related article to learn how to find hotshot loads.

Tip 3: Optimize Your Routes

Whenever possible, you should optimize your routes to avoid deadhead miles. Deadhead miles, or empty miles, are miles driven without a cargo load. To put it simply, deadhead miles are miles that you aren’t getting paid for.

To avoid deadhead miles, you can bundle multiple shipments together and take shipments on your way back home. If you take multiple shipments at once, make sure they don’t interfere with each other’s deadlines.

Tip 4: Monitor Traffic Patterns

Although most GPS apps will circumvent traffic blockages for you, it’s still a good idea to monitor traffic patterns while you travel. Timing is everything when hotshot hauling, so always keep an eye out for potential disruptions along your routes. When possible, you should avoid peak traffic hours and severe weather conditions. 

Tip 5: Maintain Your Equipment

Think of your equipment as an extension of yourself. It needs to be in proper working order to get the job done right. In addition to complying with safety regulations, make sure you perform routine maintenance and inspections and to ensure your equipment is functioning properly. 

Read our related guide for a comprehensive hotshot trucking equipment list.

Tip 6: Take Care of Yourself

Sometimes, hotshot hauling involves long hours and back-to-back deliveries. This can make it easy for you to miss out on opportunities for self-care. To make sure your mind and body are fit for the road, get plenty of sleep, eat balanced meals, and take breaks when you need to. 

Read our related article to discover how many hours you can drive while hotshotting.

Tip 7: Network With Others

Establishing connections and building relationships is important in the hauling industry. Developing your professional network can lead to repeat business, job priority, and referrals to other customers. 

The best way to develop your network is by consistently delivering professional service. Your customers need a driver they can rely on, and they’re more likely to work with you if they trust you can do the job right. 

Tip 8: Practice Consistent Communication

It’s important for shippers and receivers to get frequent updates on the status of their shipments. 

Whether your delivery is going smoothly or not, you should always keep an open line of communication with your customers. Consistent communication can not only help them prepare for potential delays, but it can also give them peace of mind knowing their shipment is safe, secure, and on time.

Tip 9: Make Safety a Priority

As a hotshot hauler, you’re responsible for the safety of yourself, your cargo, and other motorists on the road. 

Before traveling, ensure that your cargo is properly secured, your cargo weight is distributed evenly, and your equipment is functioning properly. Performing safety checks before hitting the road will prevent unnecessary damages or injuries.

Tip 10: Stay Organized

Organization will make life a lot easier while you’re hotshot hauling. Staying organized will help you keep track of delivery times, manage expenses, and make sure your permits and licenses are up to date.

To stay organized, you should file important documents, keep a detailed schedule, and make sure your equipment is clean inside and out.

Join Open Road’s Team of Hotshots

Open Road connects independent hotshot haulers with businesses that need them. Our driver app makes it easy to sign up, claim a job, and start hauling. With Open Road, you can take charge of your schedule and be your own boss.

If you’re a hotshot hauler or if you’re looking to become one, sign up today to join our team of hotshots.