Hot shot trucking is a specialized type of trucking service that focuses on the expedited transportation of small loads, typically less than 10,000 pounds.
These loads can include anything from industrial equipment and building materials to oilfield equipment and automotive parts. Hot shot trucking companies are known for their ability to quickly and efficiently transport these loads, often on short notice and with tight delivery deadlines.
Let’s take an in-depth look at hot shot trucking, its benefits, types of jobs available, what to expect as a hot shot truck driver, and what makes Dolly different.
Benefits of Hot Shot Trucking
- Speed: One of the biggest advantages of hot shot trucking is the speed at which loads can be transported. Hot shot trucking companies are equipped to handle expedited shipments, which means they can often deliver loads much faster than traditional trucking companies.
- Flexibility: Hot shot trucking companies are able to accommodate a wide range of loads and can often work with customers to create customized transportation solutions to meet their specific needs.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Hot shot trucking is often more cost-effective than other expedited shipping options because companies are able to transport smaller loads, which helps to keep costs down.
Types of Hot Shot Trucking Jobs
- Owner-Operator: One of the most common types of hot shot trucking jobs is that of an owner-operator. This is a person who owns and operates their own hot shot trucking business.
- Company Driver: As a company driver, you would be employed by a hot shot trucking company and would be responsible for transporting loads for the company.
- Independent Contractor: Another option is working as an independent contractor. In this role, you would be responsible for providing your own truck and equipment, and would work on a contract basis with a hot shot trucking company. This type of job offers a lot of flexibility, but it does require a significant investment in equipment and may not offer the same level of job security as a company driver or owner-operator.
“As independent contractors, Dolly Helpers work on their own terms, choose their own hours, and work as much or as little as they’d like”.
What to Expect as a Hot Shot Truck Driver
- Long Hours: These jobs often require drivers to work overnight and on weekends, in order to meet tight delivery deadlines.
- Physical Demands: Hot shot truck driving can also be physically demanding. Drivers may be required to load and unload heavy cargo.
- Time Away from Home: Hot shot trucking jobs often require drivers to be away from home for extended periods of time which can be challenging for some people.
- Stressful: It can be a stressful job, especially when tight delivery deadlines need to be met. Drivers may also experience stress due to long hours, isolation, and being away from home.
Requirements to Become a Hot Shot Truck Driver
- Good Driving Record: Hot shot trucking companies typically require that drivers have a good driving record, with no major violations or accidents.
- Background Check: Many of these companies also require that drivers pass a background check. This is to ensure that drivers have a clean criminal record and can be trusted to transport valuable and sensitive cargo.
- Medical Examination: You will also need to pass a medical examination. This examination ensures that you are physically and mentally fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
- Age: You must be at least 21 years of age to legally drive a commercial vehicle across state lines.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): To become a hot shot truck driver, you will need to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
How is Dolly Different?
Dolly connects independent contractors (we call them “Helpers”) with local people and businesses who need help transporting or lifting anything from a couch to an entire one bedroom apartment.
As independent contractors, Helpers have the flexibility to work on their own terms, choose their own hours, and work as much or as little as they’d like. Helpers also have full control over what Dollys they request, so they are free to go for only the ones that suit them. And unlike hotshot drivers, Dolly Helpers don’t require a CDL.
What’s even better: with Dolly high payouts are guaranteed. Helpers see how much you’ll get paid before requesting a Dolly, receive 100% of customer tips, and make an average of $50/hour.
Looking for a flexible side gig that gives you full control of your schedule and which jobs you take? Sign up to be a Helper!
Dolly helps you move on your schedule and at an affordable price. Book now and see the difference: https://dolly.com.
