A REAL Look into What Hotshot Trucking Looks Like (Non-CDL)

[@TheLjel]

I appreciate your videos. I got my authority a year before I planned to drive. I own multiple businesses, so it made sense. I know that not everyone has that luxury, but if you are considering Hotshotting, get your authority early. There is money to be made going to California or the northwest, or Florida, but you pretty much need to make twice the money that you would normally make, because good luck making money on your way out of those places. Obviously, the Midwest is where the action typically resides. Follow the manufacturing. Thanks for the video.

[@robsnyder2461]

You should go 10 and 2 on the tire straps!!!

[@ricardosaenz2823]

Great video!!! I usually go 10 and 2 on the straps around the tire and angle it inward when tightening down

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Thanks!! I’ll definitely try that on the next one.

[@newvibesdre6963]

Front straps aimed back and back straps pulling forward.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I appreciate it, that’s what a few others said too, sounds like this is how I’ll do it from now on.

[@joeljeter5026]

I use D ring straps. I loop thru the rims all the way around. I put the front pulling forward and the two in the back I cross them with each other so they pull side to side and not let the back end hop around. I use to run a wrecker for 7 years. So cars was my thing lol.

[@jdksynthetics]

If a vehicle had nicer wheels, would the strap material leave light marks on them?

[@x4x4offroad87]

Man usually whenever I tie down a vehicle I'm not hot shot yet but whenever I do haul a vehicle put your straps at the front from the tire put it more towards pulling the truck forward and pulling the truck backwards at the back that makes it to where the load doesn't want to shift forward and back as much

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

You can do it either way. Mine were angled inwards vs out like you’re saying. Both work the same. The bad part about this new trailer is the rub rail over the wheels, there’s no place to secure the straps and that’s exactly where I place a vehicle when I haul it.

[@nicholastincher6371]

As a Heavy Hauler myself 24-36 wheeled rig what he was trying to imply is that you hook points on your straps need to be either further forward or backwards of the wheel not right off on the side hence pulling your load both forward and backwards AKA straight down to the deck of your trailer. If you had to suddenly brake the way you have it strapped now would either very much if not completely loosen your load. There are plenty of places to fasten those straps if not use chains and binder hooking at the “TOW Points” under the vehicle. Just looking out Buddy

[@panderson3657]

I always make the load “part of the trailer” in that, the load cannot move. I would lean towards front straps pulling forward, rear straps pulling to the rear.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

That’s what I figured but a guy that hauls cars told me to go straight down with the straps so I did, but it just seemed wrong. Thanks for the info.

[@happyrootsfamily1276]

I'm in Southern Oregon just started my own authority don't seem to be a lot of loads out of here

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

There’s not, especially working off the boards. It’s a tough spot at first, but if you can find good brokers or customers with freight to get you out then it helps.

[@howardpaxtonjr5071]

10 and 2 position. If the tires and wheel too big go between the wheel,back wheels pull them backwards or inwards and fronts opposite of the backs

[@newvibesdre6963]

Definitely would place the straps higher and inside the tires. Just my preference though.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Thank you!!

[@kriskringle3164]

Here in Colorado we have a 10K limit on non CDL trailers. Can't really do it with that small of a trailer...

[@Mr.Clean86]

Want to make sure I’m safe on the road not just for myself but for others as he’s recording a video while driving 😂😂😂😂😂 I love these videos all bs aside your good at your job it just sounded goofy

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

The camera is mounted to the dash so it’s basically the same thing as talking to a passenger or talking on the phone. If I thought it was dangerous I wouldn’t do it.

[@ismaellaureano4738]

Your clearly holding the camera buddy lol

[@StevenHammond-v1k]

Straps pull towards each other. Front towards back and back towards front.

[@StingerJake]

I don't pull them often either, but when I do, I set them pulling a little opposite each direction. I've pulled John Deer's with big back tires the same way and had no issues yet.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I appreciate it, that’s what I’ll do from now on.

[@frankiemabry1726]

i was always tought to angle the staps like the back angle to the back and front angle to front idk if that matters or not though

[@jdksynthetics]

I like the info in your video. I'll sub for latest updates! Do you run any fuel additives to maximize fuel economy?

[@chrishoward8187]

Driving is a very stressful job on your body. Sitting 3/4 of the time. Your legs and back aren’t being used much. This is more than likely the reason why you are short of breath and it wears you down easier than it used too.

[@UNFORTUNATETRAVELER]

You got a sub here. Detailed but not rambling.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Thank you!! I always think I’m talking too much so that’s good to hear.

[@20team73]

I would say a little more to the top and inward a little on both.

[@JB-mf1zc]

I like the content but The music is way too loud!!!! God Bless

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I appreciate it. Next time just use that volume button and it will fix the loudness issue.

[@cesarmontes7547]

I want to start my hot shot business i looked in what i basically need but need some one who is already driving and how can i start need some information i would really appreciate it🙏?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Email me and I’ll try and help the best I can. [e-mail]

[@JacintoSantos-yo5pc]

Hook up with ten o'clock and two o'clock to have more stability, center of your trailer 😊

[@t.l.robinson2162]

You are going to receive many different answers. You strapped your tires down properly.

[@jbsanger696]

How about some back story... I'm curious how you decided to start your own hot shot business?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Good idea!! I’ll make a video really soon that includes my back story and how I got here and why I chose this business. 👍

[@DLewis1]

Yes that would be awesome

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

@@DLewis1 hey I saw both of your comments. I’m out on the road right now but was planning on making this video at the end of March. If you need info before then just reply on here and I’ll see what I can do.

[@masonrings1233]

How often do I have to stop at a weigh station? Do I have to weigh when I’m empty? Just once every time I get a load or partial? Once every state?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Anytime a weigh station is open (unless the sign tells you to bypass) you have to go through whether you have a load on or are empty. You usually don’t have to go over the scale itself when you’re empty, just follow the arrows and signs and they will let you know. Even if you just went through an open weigh station 5 miles prior, if it’s open and they don’t bypass you, you have to go through. This is the same for any state you go through.

[@masonrings1233]

Awesome thanks!

[@MydogTagz]

What's the truck and trailer. And max payload weight? Thank you! Love the channel. Keep up the hustle!

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Thank you I appreciate it!! It’s a 2022 Ram 2500 and a 2023 Big Tex 16GN 35ft. Since I run non CDL right now the max payload with this equipment is 10,400lbs roughly.

[@MydogTagz]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots Thanks for the info. I'm trying to get into this myself. Just getting more info and looking for equipment... I'm in KY. Do you have a preference of truck, Dodge ( assuming Rams ) Ford, etc that you think is better for towing and or dependability?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

@@MydogTagz I honestly prefer Ram, especially if you’re going Non CDL. If you’re going CDL then Ram or Ford are good choices. If you go Ram make sure to try and get the High Output engine with the Aisin Tranny. If you go Ford, they have a 10 speed automatic I’ve heard really good things about.

[@Trucking4America316]

Does 5 tons limit the freight you can choose from? Has it ever affected your load choices? Time to get that CDL brother. I have all endorsements no restrictions. But drive semi locally, not pickup.

[@RedTruckRanch]

You really need a mic attached to your shirt. Your road noise when you’re talking is crazy.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Ya I wish I would have known that these GoPros have crap mics on them, I probably would have looked into something else. I’ve noticed it a bit too, we might be able to filter it out a bit more.

[@mikelopez4148]

I’m curious how do you get paid say you drop ths load off how you know they will pay and where you get paid ????

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I use a factoring company for half of what I haul and they pay me the day after I deliver for a 3% fee. The others are people I’ve checked credit on and they pay me direct in about 5-7 days. This is an industry where you have to be very careful who you haul freight for, I’ve only had to threaten to call on someone’s bond once and they finally paid after almost 60 days.

[@bdlii]

Just found you. Cool stuff man. Do you sleep in your truck at the Pilot? Doesn't look like any room in the backseat. Bad back too?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Thank you!! Ya I sleep in the back on a bed I made with 4x4 feet and 3/4 plywood. I bought a memory foam mattress and then put 3 inch memory foam on top of that, it actually is pretty solid. I can’t stretch out completely but it beats spending a ton on hotels.

[@corywortham6432]

I'm in Fayetteville NC do your broker book loads out of Fayetteville North Carolina

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I’m not too sure honestly. I deal with brokers over here on the west coast so I’ve never asked for freight east of here.

[@mstephens814]

Great video! What's your MPG like in your truck? Thanks

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Thank you!! It really depends on how tall the product is on the trailer. Weight affects bigger setups but not really mine. I get between 12.5 - 13.5 mpg fully loaded, but if it’s tall and dragging on the wind, it can drop me down to 8.5, it’s a big difference.

[@AniYehudi]

Are you looking for leased on drivers in Colorado?

[@juanpablomontenegro9258]

Nice video, is big difference having cdl A for hotshot?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

The biggest difference is weight. I can only put a little over 10k on my trailer, the CDL makes it so you can go over 26k total.

[@juanpablomontenegro9258]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots thanks for the information! And be safe

[@DLewis1]

Is there any way I could actually talk on the phone with you and ask a couple questions about this?

[@Happ1971]

What eld do you use my friend? Subbed!

[@caysoncoontz1239]

If I’m correct in California you have to have a cdl if your trailer gvwr is 10,000 or more

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Technically you do, but I’ve had 3 level 1 inspections there and every time they say the same thing, since I’m based out of Oregon and it’s allowed here they’ve been told to honor that. I’m not sure why, but I’ve ran through California for over a year without problems.

[@caysoncoontz1239]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots ohhh gotcha right on man stay safe out there

[@AdjudicatorBrbal]

Im about to get into this, and ive been hearing people say i need to get home. Im learning the language so do that mean youre equating the next load to your fuel or just to say youre lookong for a load to get you back home while making money doing so?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Always do everything you can to take the loads that make money and also land you in a good area that has freight. When you’re close enough to home, that’s when I usually say it’s ok to take a partial or full load that will at least cover fuel to get you there. Home time is very important and I see people try to stay out for months at a time, it will burn you out in a hurry.

[@AdjudicatorBrbal]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots thx so much for this your response helped out more than you know

[@AtifGill-el1fb]

Can you please let me know how much max weight that you are doing on 40ft hotshot with non CDL? Because i just bought a week ago 40ft hotshot.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

The max I can do on my setup is 9,600lbs. That might be different for you depending on the truck and trailer you have and all the equipment you carry.

[@inchaoswearereborn9586]

I find it really hard to believe its dead. Maybe in Commiefornia

[@peshmerga7868]

How and why r you not CDL

[@northernfinn2998]

I need help getting a trailer cdl with no credit check

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I’m not sure how to do that, unless you pay cash for it. Any places I know of would want to run credit to give credit.

[@moorefaith23]

😂

[@ThomasEvanchick-gk7os]

Chain that shit down!

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

If I could chain everything I haul I would 😂, to me it’s easier and way more secure. In this instance they required tire straps since it was going to auction so I had to just go with it.

[@Art-Dean]

Well hey "hotshot" stay in Your Lane while driving on my highways.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I’m up on a narrow canyon road with very sharp turns, if I slow down the video you’d see that. That’s also not a “highway” and they definitely aren’t yours!

[@CloudCityVapors]

leave California you'll find good loads

[@swissmove1]

If i can x2 speed your video and still understand what you're saying... You're talking to slow.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

I just wouldn’t watch them if I were you!

[@swissmove1]

@@Blue_Sky_Hotshots I'm no quitter, I watched the whole thing just hard to stay focused. And I say it to everyone who has a cadence issue on here and in person. Lol 🤙🏾 also for the record I'm from Tennessee everyone talks to slow 🤣

[@ronowens4359]

When your non cdl, do you still go through the ports.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Do I pick up at the ports sometimes? Or are you asking if I go through the scales/weigh stations as a non CDL? I guess either way the answer is yes I do.

[@ronowens4359]

If your non cdl why do you go through the scales? Do you pull permits?

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

Permits?? For what, I’m not hauling anything over dimensional. And I go through the scales because it’s required by law. Non CDL is just a weight difference in hotshot, but it’s still for hire commercial trucking and falls under DOT and FMCSA regulations