Can You Hotshot Without a CDL?

To make this short, you can drive hotshot without a CDL, and there’s not that much of a downside. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is needed to drive certain jobs and certain vehicles, However, drivers with their CDL mainly drive semi-trucks and jobs that aren’t typical of hotshot jobs.

If you’re thinking about getting a CDL for your hotshot business there are some things to consider.

Considerations for Non-CDL Hotshot Drivers

If you’re new to driving hotshot it’s hard to know what is needed and what is nice to have. A CDL is not needed for hotshot trucking, but if you don’t have your CDL there are requirements you’ll need to meet.

Vehicle and Cargo Weight

Veteran drivers will understand the various weight categories and requirements, but for newer drivers and outsiders, weight requirements are confusing and daunting. 

Weights are categorized by gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), and gross axle weight rating (GAWR). Here’s a quick explanation of each:

• GVWR: The maximum weight a vehicle can weigh while driving. This number includes the weight of the vehicle itself.
• GCWR: The combined maximum weight of a vehicle and a trailer. Similar to GVWR, this includes the weight of the trailer and any passengers.
• GAWR: How weight is distributed is important to consider. GAWR is the maximum weight each axle can carry. This includes vehicle and trailer weight. 
• Payload Capacity: This is how much a vehicle and trailer can haul. To find this, subtract the weight of your rig from your GVWR or GCWR.

The non-cdl hotshot weight limit is 26,000 pounds. However, they also can’t exceed the GVWR of their truck and trailer separately. The federal law requires any driver to have a CDL if the vehicle’s GCWR is over 26,000 pounds.

Related Article: How Much Weight Can You Haul Without A CDL

Materials

Hotshot drivers without a CDL can haul almost anything. However, there are several categories of freight that require a CDL to haul. The materials that non-CDL hotshots can’t haul include:

• Liquids that require tanker trailers
• Hazardous materials
• Double trailers
• Livestock

It’s important to note that a CDL is not the only thing needed to haul tankers and hazardous materials, and most states have tiered commercial licenses for weight ratings. 

Hazmat Requirements

Drivers don’t just need a CDL to haul hazardous materials, they also need a hazmat endorsement. That’s because hazardous material requires extra care while transporting. 

A hotshot driver without a CDL and a hazmat endorsement is unable to transfer hazardous materials, and that’s a good thing. 

Hauling potentially dangerous materials without the knowledge of how to properly handle them is dangerous and could lead to big issues. That’s why we take the utmost care to ensure our drivers are qualified to haul your freight.

Trailer Length

Open Road is located in Prescott, Arizona. In this state, vehicles and trailers cannot exceed a length of 40 feet. That length is different in the neighboring state of Colorado which has a maximum length of 45 feet. 

The only way to exceed this limitation is by using a semi-truck and trailer which are exceptions to these rules.

That means if you’re a hotshot driver, you’ll need to consider the length limits within your region, but if you want to get around it you’ll need to acquire a semi-truck and a CDL.

Payment

The wages CDL hotshot truckers and non-CDL hotshots are the same when hauling the same load. So, if you’re looking to maximize your profits, you don’t need to worry about being paid less for doing the same job.

What Can Non-CDL Hotshots Haul?

Hotshots with their CDL have a lot to take care of, and they only have slightly more options for jobs than non-CDL drivers. Hotshots without their CDL are still able to haul some of the most important cargo including:

• Construction materials and equipment
• Agriculture equipment
• Heavy machinery
• Vehicles
• Landscaping materials
• Solar panels
• Furniture
• Roofing materials
• HVAC
• Gym and workout equipment
• So much more

Non-CDL hotshots can haul just about anything, and they don’t need to spend time updating their licenses. 

Hotshot drivers don’t have to jump through hoops to make money through Open Road. What are the requirements if not a CDL? You need to be 18 years old or older, carry vehicle insurance, and a vehicle inspection (that Open Road facilitates). Learn more about hotshot driver features at Open Road.

Get Hotshot Jobs With Open Road

Open Road is a shipping platform that helps shippers find drivers and drivers find jobs. When using Open Road shippers have access to a network of professional and vetted hotshot drivers. 

If you’re a hotshot looking for a platform to find jobs that fit a flexible schedule, receive reliable pay, and earn bonuses, Open Road is the platform for you.

Sign up to be an Open Road driver and start getting hotshot jobs.