HOTSHOT TRUCKING HotShot or Semi? Which should you choose?

So you’ve decided to get into the trucking business. Should you buy a semi or go hotshot? If you’re going hot shot, should you go CDL or non-CDL? Today I dive into some of the pros and cons of each set up.

[@fcong8935]

I appreciate you taking the time to help us

[@ninefingerstrucking5735]

You’re very welcome. Feel free to shoot me an email or ask any questions

[@ajrulessss]

Is the market getting worse ? I’m a current cdl holder waiting to start flatbed with western bs express. By next year I was looking to invest into a semi but honestly I really want to do hotshot but I’d hate to start and lose… specially since everyone keeps saying you have to replace your truck every other year or so…

[@ninefingerstrucking5735]

Yes, the general market is still getting worse. I stopped driving mid October. It just wasn't worth it for me any more. For the amount of time you work every day in Hotshot, you could easily get a full time and a part time job, work fewer total hours, make more, and be home every day. Now, when the market turns around, it would make driving worth it again.

[@jaysonlavictoire6076]

F600, Ram 5500 or a Silverado 6500 is the best for pickups.

[@ninefingerstrucking5735]

I agree with you. Just like I said in the video, if you’re going the hotshot route, get the biggest truck you can. Just opens up more options.

[@brandonberg7703]

I would rather go with a 5500 than a semi because the cost of maintenance and insurance is more on a semi than a heavy-duty truck. If you are making payments on a new truck, some dealerships offer you free oil changes and / or other things. Semi dealership charges you an arm and legs for oil changes, fuel filters, DEF filters, and prices for tires.

[@ninefingerstrucking5735]

Really depends on what your ultimate goal is. Also, your customer base. The total cost of ownership for a semi over its lifespan, can actually be less expensive than a 5500 if you break it down by total miles. All that being said, I’m currently grossing the same or more per week than several people I know running semi’s. There’s many ways to run in this business. I am always open to learning and getting other peoples points of view.

[@brandonberg7703]

Semi, you're only loaded up for one customer product at a time and not enough room for another. You can load more than one customer at a time as long it's out on the same route. I flatbed for a while through a company and asked for advice on starting a business with other flatbed owners and operators at truck stops " Hotshot or Semi?" Answer is starting small and get your clientele up, save up and become profitable before you thinking about a semi. "Bigger the truck the more money for parts and services. I know an owner and operator who spent 4 weeks in a hotel in Organ while his 2022 VOLVO was in the shop and waiting for a DEF filter replacement, and he lived in California. Filter cost him $8,000.

[@ninefingerstrucking5735]

@@brandonberg7703 I can agree with pretty much all of that. Definitely want to save your money and be prepared for expenses. One thing I personally would never do is run a Volvo. Way too many issues. I do agree that for many starting smaller is probably the way to go. building a customer base is the best way to go.