What are the best trucks for hot shotting?
Generally, there are 10 best trucks for hot shotting. They are RAM 2500 Big Horn, Nissan Titan XD Truck , Ford F-350 XLT Super Duty Commercial Truck , Ford F-250 XL Super Duty Commercial, GMC Sierra 2500 Denali HD, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC’s Sierra 3500HD, Ford F-450 Lariat Super Duty Commercial, CHEVROLET Silverado 3500HD, and RAM 3500 Big Horn.
With a more on-demand, Uber-like approach, hot shotting trucking is a relatively new way for people and businesses to transport goods, like materials or large equipment, over long or short distances. Since drivers don’t require a special license for hauls under 10,000 lbs, this has grown to be a well-liked way for truck owners to make money on the side or as a full-time job. You’ll need the appropriate tools if you want to start a hot shotting trucking business. When looking for a truck for this business, find out about the best ones below.
Best Trucks For hot shottingting
RAM 2500 Big Horn
As one of the top pickup trucks for the hotshot industry, this vehicle can also be said to be. The Gooseneck towing capacity of this vehicle is 20,000 pounds with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds. This truck has an excellent snowplow rating as well.
410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque are produced by the HEMI engine, while 400 horsepower and 1000 pound-feet of torque are produced by the turbo diesel engine.
Although light in weight, it is strong. Along with features to help you park, it has a backup camera. The towing aids include systems for trailer brake control and trailer sway control. The cost exceeds $42,000.
Nissan Titan XD Truck
This truck could be the perfect choice for your hotshot business because it is sturdy and functionally versatile. Both models with gasoline and diesel engines are available. The gas-powered version has 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. As opposed to the diesel models, which produce 310 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque.
The Nissan Titan XD has advanced features like Android Auto, blind-spot warning, tow-haul mode, trailer light checking system, etc. It has a GVWR of 8990 pounds and a gooseneck towing capacity of 12,310 pounds.
This truck costs just over $32,000 and has nearly every type of safety feature.
Ford F-350 XLT Super Duty Commercial Truck
For many successful business owners, this truck is the best truck. The Ford F-450 Lariat Super Duty Commercial and this vehicle share a number of features. This truck’s gooseneck towing capacity is 32,500 pounds, and its gross vehicle weight rating is 14,000 pounds.
The gasoline V8 engine produces 430 pound-feet of torque and 385 horsepower. With 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged diesel engine is powerful. It is strong and has a large towing and hauling capacity. The cost exceeds $38,000.
Ford F-250 XL Super Duty Commercial Truck
This truck, which has a gooseneck towing capacity of 34,000 pounds and a GVWR of 14,000 pounds, may be the best option for your high-growth enterprise. It comes in models with both gasoline and diesel engines. 385 hp and 430 pound-feet of torque are produced by the gasoline V8 engine. The diesel engine has 935 pound-feet of torque and 450 horsepower, which is comparable to the Ford F-350 XLT Super Duty Commercial.
This truck has excellent hauling and towing capacities. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Quad-Dual beam halogen headlamps are some of its features. Despite being a truck that is relatively light, the frame and chassis are sturdy. This truck’s starting price is more than $32,000.
GMC Sierra 2500 Denali HD
This strong truck has all the features you need to make it your best option for hotshot business. It has a gooseneck towing capacity of 15,400 pounds with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds. It has a Duramax turbo-diesel engine that produces 910 pound-feet of torque and 445 horsepower.
This robust truck has contemporary features like 4G LTE Wi-Fi, a cooler induction system, a trailering camera, a rear vision camera, etc. In addition, it has a cozy interior and a cargo box. This truck’s starting price is $57,985.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Having your Silverado recognized as the “Most Awarded Commercial Pickup Truck In America” can legitimately make it your best vehicle for the hottest industry. In terms of engines, it offers both gasoline and diesel choices. The gasoline engine produces 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. 445 horses and 910 pound-feet of torque are produced by the Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine.
The gooseneck towing capacity of this truck is 28,000 pounds, and its GVWR is 9,500 pounds. The Chevrolet Infotainment System comes with cutting-edge features like 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Starting at $33,610 is the cost of a Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD.
GMC’s Sierra 3500HD
One of the most modern duallys available today is this pickup truck. For moving a lot of freight, it works perfectly. You can be sure that it has the power to move your cargo because it is available in 1-ton and three-quarter-ton configurations. It has modern safety features, opulently refined interior decor, simple handling, and powerful capability.
Either diesel or a gasoline engine is an option. Both vehicles have 6.0-liter gasoline engines that produce 380 ft-lbs of torque and 360 horsepower. The larger 3500HD Chevy and GMC models have a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 engine and an Allison six-speed automatic transmission from GM. It’s GM’s most potent diesel engine to date.
Additionally, both have six-speed automatic transmissions. If you prefer, you can always choose the four-wheel drive option. The Sierra 3500HD is capable of towing 23,200 pounds when using a fifth wheel. 7,180 pounds is the maximum payload. When your truck is towing a heavy load behind you, you can enjoy a peaceful highway ride.
When towing 8,500 lbs, this truck gets more than 12 miles per gallon. Compared to a 3500HD with a single rear wheel, the dualies can tow a lot more. Towing capacity for an 8-foot crew cab with 2WD or 4WD is 20,000 pounds. That goes beyond what the Ram 3500 is capable of. It can carry up to 5,381 pounds of payload in 2WD.
Ford F-450 Lariat Super Duty Commercial Trucks
The suspension has been revised, and the engine has been improved by Ford engineers. 31,200 pounds are now the maximum weight that the F-450 Super Duty can tow. 7,260 pounds are the maximum allowable payload. Additionally, you only have one option for the cab, bed, and powertrain. A cargo bed measuring eight feet long is included with this four-door crew cab.
It has four-wheel drive, two rear wheels, and Ford’s powerful 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine, which produces 440 horsepower and 860 ft-lbs of torque. The F-450 has standard engine exhaust braking to help it control the load when descending hills. A limited-slip differential and a six-speed transmission complete the powertrain
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
The Silverado 3500 has the strength and durability of a rock, and it can transport heavy items over great distances. There are two options for the truck: A gasoline Vortec 6.0-liter V8 with 360 horsepower comes first. It has a six-speed automatic transmission and generates 380 pound-feet of torque.
Secondly, a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 with 397 horsepower. A stronger version of the six-speed can produce 765 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet also provides both a four-wheel drive and, in this case, a six-wheel drive. Keep in mind that the payload and trailer weight limits for dually trucks are 7,180 and 23,200 pounds, respectively.
The dualies tow significantly more due to their high torque rating of 910 pound-feet and maximum 445 horsepower. 2,000 pounds more than the Ram 3500, a crew cab with an 8-foot bed is rated to tow 20,000 pounds and can carry a maximum payload of 5,381 pounds when in 2WD.
RAM 3500 Big Horn
It is one of the most powerful trucks on the market right now. Both gasoline and diesel are available as fuel options for this truck. With a 24,000-pound capacity, it is designed for gooseneck towing. 13,910 pounds are considered to be the GVWR, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
The HEMI engine in this vehicle produces 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, and the turbo diesel engine produces 400 horsepower and 1000 pound-feet of torque.
It has a strongly built body with excellent features like
- Abundant interior storage and a rear reclining seat
- 6 Airbags
- The surround-view camera of 360 degrees
- High-Beam Headlamps
- Better-quality towing and brake-system hardware
- Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension System
This truck costs more than $34,000.
How Does hot shotting Trucking Work?
hot shotting trucking, according to Truckstop, entails transporting shorter, time-sensitive loads within a set period of time, typically to a single client and location. Construction supplies, equipment, appliances, heavy machinery, or farm supplies are frequently included in the loads. While hot shotting deliveries are typically more regional than traditional freight, some may involve traveling across states or even the entire country.
If your loads weigh less than 10,000 lbs., according to Trucking Truth, you can work as a hot shotting truck driver without having a commercial driver’s license. However, you’ll need to get a Motor Carrier Authority Number and be in good physical shape to drive in order to get the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s approval. As owner-operators, hot shotting truckers accept jobs from load boards, which are online marketplaces where transportation industry professionals post urgent, small load jobs for eager drivers. See more about Best Hybrid Truck To Buy
Characteristics Distinguish A Truck That’s Ideal For hot shotting Hauling
A truck needs a few essential features in order to be a viable candidate for hot shotting trucking. The first is torque, which is the force generated in a circular path. Torque, which is measured in pound-feet (lb-ft), can help determine how effectively a truck can haul heavy loads, particularly up steep inclines or over long distances, according to Driving. The maximum amount a truck can safely tow is known as its maximum towing capacity.
hot shotting truckers may have to travel long distances at odd hours, so safety in terms of construction and features are additional important considerations. An accident on the job would be the last thing you’d want. For this kind of work, trucks with better fuel economy are also preferable options because you’ll make more money per delivery when your truck uses less fuel than competitors’ trucks.
Finally, comfort is essential for these kinds of jobs, especially ones that require traveling long distances. The job can be made much more enjoyable than it otherwise would be with a truck that has a cozy interior in addition to excellent infotainment features. So which trucks meet these requirements?
See more about How To Get Your Trucking Authority?
Find A Good hot shotting Trucking Company To Work With
Since not all trucking companies are the same, if you’ve worked in the field for any length of time, you probably already know this.
This applies to hot shotting carriers, LTL, truckload carriers, and everything in between.
Nothing is worse for a new driver than signing up unintentionally with a struggling or dubious carrier.
This is particularly true following months of planning and a sizable upfront investment.
If you have the misfortune to be in this situation, you might regret leaving the comparatively secure environment of your company driving position.
The good news is that this situation can be completely avoided with some advance planning and research.
It all comes down to researching the businesses you’re thinking about working with, obtaining unbiased feedback from former and current drivers who have worked with them, and ensuring that they are financially secure and able to fulfill the commitments they made to you during the recruiting process.
Are There Any Profits At hot shotting Trucking?
The response could be yes, no, or maybe, just like many other questions in the trucking industry.
Because there are so many different factors at play, many of which you won’t have much control over, this is the case.
Some business-savvy operators who have mastered the art of developing relationships, working effectively, and discovering dependable high-dollar loads are wildly successful.
On the other hand, there are many devout hot shotting truckers who have failed miserably despite their hard work and good intentions.
If you have the time, spend an hour or so watching some YouTube videos about hot shotting trucking.
Type ‘make money hot shotting trucking,’ or ‘is hot shotting trucking worth it‘ into the search bar and see what pops up. You’ll learn a lot as well as be entertained by what you see.
Downsides & Risks Of hot shottingting
Although most drivers find that operating a company truck doesn’t give them the freedom, income, or lifestyle they desire, it’s still a pretty low-risk job compared to operating a one-truck hot shotting business.
If the business you’re working for fails, you might not receive your pay or you might end up stranded at a truck stop in Des Moines. Other than that, though, you’ll typically be unharmed.
On the other hand, if the economy collapses or the business you’re leased to suddenly closes its doors, you (and your family) may be in a world of hurt. This is especially true if you’re a hot shotting owner operator who mortgaged his home to buy expensive equipment.
Things To Know Before Getting Into The Business
hot shotting trucks largely slipped under the regulatory radar when they first appeared on the scene more than ten years ago.
The developing industry was permeated by the “Wild West” vibe.
CDL Needed?
However, the DOT now heavily targets them because hot shotting owner operators frequently lack a commercial driver’s license. Compared to Class 8 truck drivers, they frequently know far less about the laws that apply to them.
The three classes of CDL licenses are A, B, and C.
Which (if any) you’ll need for hot shotting trucking will depend on the weight ratings that the manufacturer has assigned to the power unit and trailer as well as the overall gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the entire combination.
What About Brakes?
A light, medium, or heavy-duty fifth wheel, as well as the manner in which it will need to be fastened to the truck bed, will also need to be decided upon for your truck and trailer.
You can easily find this information, so familiarize yourself with it.
Knowing the laws governing axle weights, proper load securing, and hours-of-service (HOS) regulations is crucial in all facets of the trucking industry.
Load Securement?
Knowing how to secure loads properly is essential for safety and regulatory reasons because the majority of hot shotting trucks are flatbeds.
Are hot shotting Trucking Subject To The Hours Of Service Regulations?
Although it’s a common misconception in the hot shotting industry, HOS regulations do apply when moving commercial freight.
Although it’s possible, drivers frequently fail to maintain log books.
Many drivers aren’t even aware that they must stop at scales.
Although many are true professionals, a sizeable percentage of hot shotting drivers have no prior experience or formal commercial driver training at all.
Making A Few Extra Dollars Here And There!
It’s not uncommon for farm hands looking to make some extra cash during the off-season to hitch an old trailer to an even older pickup truck and go on the road hauling freight, particularly in the northern oilfields where hot shotting trucking first gained traction.
You are correct if you assumed that their equipment is frequently subpar and that they are unaware of DOT regulations.
And Insurance?
In addition to frequently lacking the necessary permits and licenses to conduct business in the states where they travel, many hot shotting operators also don’t have the appropriate insurance.
It’s a sad fact, but big rig drivers often look down on hot shotting drivers for the aforementioned reasons.
Consider An Enterprise Rental
The Enterprise rental is really that good. I am aware of the cost. Consider it: If you drive 10,000 miles per month, that works out to 20, 22, or 23 cents per mile. Yes, you could reply, “Oh, I’ll just take the same money and you set us aside.” If you’re that disciplined, go ahead and avoid renting from Enterprise. Let that cash serve as your maintenance reserve.
The issue is that something constantly comes up. And after traveling for four months, you’ll have—let’s say you travel for four months, clock 40,000 miles, and now have nearly $10,000 in your maintenance fund. You’re going to say, “Oh, I’m balling bro, I’ve got ten grand, I’m gonna go get new wheels, and I’m gonna go take a week or a month off.”” Then your truck breaks down just as you’re about to leave for the second or subsequent trip. And you just used your maintenance fund.
So long as you have the self-control to do that and you know yourself, that’s fine. Simply set aside the same amount of money for your maintenance fund. The majority of Americans, however, do not have $500 set aside as an emergency fund. Since most of you are watching me, I genuinely don’t believe you have enough self-control. And I can attest to this because I lacked discipline. So take it from me, someone with some experience. The Enterprise rental forces you to be disciplined. due to the fact that they steal your money despite calling you once per month.
The End
So which trucks work best for hot shottingting?
A good truck is essential for running a hotshot business. How dependable your garage’s trucks are will likely determine how successful your business is. So, if you want to succeed in this industry, you only need hotshot trucks that are powerful and efficient. However, picking the best ones is difficult. Competition is fierce. While there are many brands, there are only a few models from which to choose.