Should You Lease on to a Trucking Company?

[@rajasultan7473]

Started Hotshot two months ago got my own authority one month ago. It’s hard at times but every other day I’ll get a good load. That’ll put a smile on my face at the end of the day. The only thing I’m happy about is that I don’t have to pay anybody, next step CDL

[@Babylionhotshot]

HELL YES!!!! Good job. and the more time you have it only gets easier. If you were to lease on you would have nothing to look forward to and you would be reliant on that company forever or until they feel like they are done with trucking or you. That is not a position I want to be in. Good job man im proud of you.

[@rajasultan7473]

@@Babylionhotshot yeah I really appreciate it man you’re the inspiration. I’m learning. I’m only 25 years old glad I got in it early 👍

[@josephcha1854]

​@Babylionhotshot if I'm leased on. I'm under the leasing company's insurance and everything else. Can I start the application process for my mc# and dot# using the lease company's insurance?

[@ballaucapone6826]

Is it really good money in it? Or small time money?

[@rajasultan7473]

@@ballaucapone6826 it’s good money but hard work is required!

[@outlawtrucker187]

This is the only guy that is honest on youtube. I dont know who he is but hes 100% right

[@dougdanger57]

Awesome job Stuart ! I wanted to take time to tell everyone who watches this video and reads this comment, Stuart is an absolute gift to anyone thinking about Hotshot ownership. Do yourself an enormous favor and take advantage of the learning opportunities he provides. You will get the real deal unbiased straight forward information you need when going thru the process of starting your trucking business. I also highly advise you at some point in your start up process to schedule a consultation call with him to go over the fine points of what you are up to. I am most grateful to him for his willingness to share and his absolute attention to details , it is the details that matter when you set out to do this, they equal money! Thanks again and keep it coming!🤘

[@jtother1242]

Getting out of doing powerline work, looking to starting my own hotshot business. Im definitely gonna sub to you because you are straight to the point without the BS. And for me i need it lol

[@BigA1994]

Been watching your videos for a while great information. Start in non cdl box truck worked up to cdl about to buy my own set up piece by piece to get the ball rolling. The community appreciates your hard work & information

[@dwhole8396]

Thank you! I’m learning so much in the past few days I’ve been subscribed to your channel.

[@Babylionhotshot]

Thanks. Trying to paint the picture. The market sucks right now but shoot people told me that when I started and fuel was 6$+ a gallon.

[@BESTDADD]

Real stuff i have my own authority I do CDL hot shot and I just want to support Baby Lion. He is telling the truth! It's out there. You just gotta get it, learn how to get it on your own. It's the best way.

[@Babylionhotshot]

Appreciate the support and your comment. Having another person verify that having a CDL set up and your own authority is crucial will hopefully help some pole trying to make a decision or their next move. Thanks Jimmy!

[@ultimatefitness8817]

You have been such an inspiration! Thank you for the time and effort you put into these videos, man.

[@grindmodehittaz]

i truly appreciate this man content

[@temitopegbolagade5864]

Starting my CDL class next week. Will be in touch after then regarding your tips for trailers. Thanks for all you do.

[@MOGtransportion]

Amen, I have my own Authority and up running. Hopefully, will be running full CDL setup within the next 3-6 mos. I do already have my CDL. Just Insurance costs holding me back. Running Big Tex 14GN 28' w/Mega Ramps. And use my 24' Single Car Hauler also.

[@Babylionhotshot]

Hell ya MOG! Glad to hear you are out there running. I hear you on the insurance costs!!! thats the main entrance fee there is. everything else is fairly simple. but coming up with cold hard cash for that down payment is tough. its kinda like buying a house vs renting. Renting being leased on to someone. where you may not need that down payment but at the same time leasing on will never help financially.

[@albertotrejo8531]

Tried leasing on, not worth it at all. No matter the %, at the end of the day, it's a lot of money that you could use to keep your truck running. Not only that but most companies pay once a week and in this business, having a constant flow of money is a must.

[@PuppyHeaven-k5k]

The $300 piece of paper is NOT the only thing holding you back. Not everyone has 3k-5k for the insurance to put down right away, and then have to wait 3-6 months for brokers to want to work with you. I think leasing on is a good start, but eventually you would want to get out as soon as you have the money saved to work on your own.

[@kevinwell748]

You are killing it baby lion

[@0xArjay]

The biggest question is apparently most of these jobs now require an authority that’s 3-6 months old at least..? Then what?

[@highcountrystories]

Thanks for all your advice!! And I'm definitely tired of paying someone else 1/2 while they go buy a new truck!! I have my CDL so just need to get my authority.. currently rebuilding the engine in my truck and redecking my trailer. Then I'm ready to roll debt free!!

[@LoneStarBassPursuit]

Man this is what I've been looking for. I need to get a truck and trailer and change jobs. Need to start making actual money for my time.

[@theshawndavisshow]

I tried it.. I maxed out both credit cards. 25k in fuel straps and tarps being torn in storms blown tires.. 2 k in fuel or better every week.. I had to fight with them to get my money.. constantly trying to cheat me.. I got 3900 for the month and went in the hole 25k... I tried it on my own for a while but couldn't make another money.. 6200 per week sounds great.. but it won't cover expenses... Also you can't get your authority for 300.. mine cost me 2400

[@nickpalmer6023]

the edits are hilarious! by far my favorite Hotshot youtuber! Crazy you live in Marion too. I'm in carbondale but only 20 rn so cant cross state lines yet. Ill definitely be going thru your course when the time comes.

[@sgmz610]

Don’t need it. Cdl is 1 day cdl in Iowa FMcsa stuff etc is all on the website LLC is all easy

[@RoyMiller-p2e]

I called you to ask the same question thank you for the best advice

[@Babylionhotshot]

Yes I remember. you calling was the reason I made this video. because I really thought leasing on was going to stunt your growth.

[@RoyMiller-p2e]

@@Babylionhotshot yeah bud thanks a lot for that I really appreciate it, I'm focused on building a fleet

[@Mr.Partial]

I’m dying 😂😂 love the videos!!! Anyone saying anything good about leasing on is probably a dispatcher lol

[@Babylionhotshot]

Words from Mr. Partial. I concur 💯

[@Nochero]

Woww 👏👏👏 just subbed thanks for keepin it real with us G!👏👏👏🙏🙏

[@sgmz610]

Also do not need to spend 120k to make money in hotshot can make money with 40k in hotshot.

[@Babylionhotshot]

Yup this is true as long as you have your CDL and Own authority.

[@jessielinville3181]

I will be checking out your website

[@bengrajeda6397]

I have a cdl and make plenty 💴 non cdl loads. Definitely wont get rich and people need to lower their expectations and stop believing these you tubers lying about how much they net. Love your videos bro. Edit: I also started with no overhead. Already owned my truck and trailer.

[@Babylionhotshot]

Ya so something I want to start explaining to people is hotshot isn’t a get rich quick thing. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It once you learn the logistics industry jumping into brokering would be the next logical step and that is more scalable and that is where you can potentially get a large pay bump. But even that isn’t easy. And comes with its own set of problems. I have my equipment half paid off right now. When it’s paid off that’s my plan. Hopefully the market will be coming back again by then. Good stuff Ben

[@megasmoothone]

@@Babylionhotshot Stop telling people they can't make any money doing non CDL to begin with. That's just a lie

[@Babylionhotshot]

@@megasmoothone fine one instance I told somone that after I got my CDL.

[@alfonsogonzalez6412]

Right on bro ur clear as water congrats🎉🎉 $$$ is already made, u just need to find the way to get the most of it by being smart and having the proper set-up. Awesome videos and the quality of the video is insane, be safe and keep grinding.

[@JosephLorenzo-ed9cy]

Thanks bro. I have my class a and have everything done. Just need my dot mc . Just scare to start and leave my current job.

[@Babylionhotshot]

Heard that. Just run the numbers. Your job may be a better option. You don't have have to do the leap in a day. just make sure you have enough money for a down payment for your insurance. and get quotes.... those are free

[@jtrevino12345]

Great video!

[@Richey4Fun]

Been following you since b4 hotshot.. always awesome keeping it real! Going to check out your course, got a cdl already, grossing only 700-900 weekly doing over 60 hours. It's sad to see MacDonalds is starting in even citys in Florida with MORE pay than I'm making if you count hours/overtime. Never knew the first year working with a company could pay so little:/

[@megasmoothone]

You're working with the wrong company if that's all you're making

[@THE_BaconPirate]

​@@megasmoothone😮 same pay here driving a dump truck locally. But what he may not be saying is if that's gross or net, benefits etc. My bring home pocket money after taxes, etc is $600 to $900 a week average. Yeah, that's not *great* but it does have a 401k and a lot of PAID DAYS Off.... I like being home every night and knowing that I have work tomorrow (unless it rains 😂) and I like sitting at home on Thanksgiving, knowing I'm getting PAID TO SIT ON MY ARSE! 😊 Having that said, if I could make a guaranteed $70k a year after all expenses, (even without the benefits and such) and at least be home 2 weekends a month, I'd consider it. 🤔

[@jorjesosa9601]

The entire point of leasing on to a carrier is to not pay for insurance. That’s what the 20% is for. Etc. Now days new drivers and their rigs are misinformed. They pay 20% plus insurance. That’s insane. New drivers with their own rigs… DO NOT pay a carrier for insurance if they are already charging you 18%-20%. Disclaimer. If you have a bad MVR, that’s a different story. Bad MVR = no money made in this market.

[@Babylionhotshot]

Ya im honestly still confused on if the carrier you lease under pays your insurance included in that 20%. if they are paying for your insurance that make a little more sense. But I know if they pay your insurance they are taking a hit on their profit and I will bet that they aren't going to take that hit. It's Called Greed. But with that being said in order to grow a business and become successful beyond just having a job... working for someone else won't get you there. Not jabbing you,... just writing this incase anyone else is reading.

[@jorjesosa9601]

@@Babylionhotshot that 20% should cover the leased on operators Insurance Dispatch Factoring ELD

[@Quay775]

I don’t have a cdl I have a R250 in Miami I make good money weekly it’s different for everyone sir no disrespect

[@megasmoothone]

Yes this guy's full of $hit telling people there is no money in non CDL

[@bryanjase6930]

Please keep in mind? Some of us are trying to get in and keep getting scammers and if you have a new authority? Most broker or shippers don't wanna mess witb you cause it a new deal. If I coukd get someone to let me drive for them? I can get all that done in a month's time

[@thechoznjuan6886]

Yeah but I also heard a lot of people won't even work with you if your MC is less than 6 months. Wouldn't it be smart to stay afloat leasing on until the MC ages?

[@Cowboy1957]

No stay away from lease!

[@luckysavagetv4356]

Are you not posting content anymore?

[@FunnyAnimalsCrew]

It that 300 dollar paper Dot and MC numbers?

[@Babylionhotshot]

Yup.

[@henrytedros3969]

I already had a f250 before i found out about Hotshot can I do cdl hot shot with it

[@josephcha1854]

What about the "brokers won't give you loads if your are new" spill. Is that a myth?

[@bryanjase6930]

You are very correct

[@outlawtrucker187]

You just need 90 days. Some are 6 months. Not all. But you do need a few months

[@923Trucking]

That's not true I had my authority for less than a week and I had loads all week.... never lease with any one.

[@adventuresofaliftime4989]

There's some truth to it but if you are willing to work there is always work out there.

[@Bradsmobilecarcare]

Looking at getting a CDL set up either a Ram5500 or F550 with a Buckeye SDX trailer. This is my thought on the trailer, and I would like your input. It's a 4 car trailer with enclosed center with a 10 foot flat upper and 35 foot flat center. It also has the track system to haul trailers. I know the industry can be tough at times, so I am looking to maximize what I could haul cars, fright, and trailers. Do you have any input on this?

[@adventuresofaliftime4989]

Theres ton more to having your own authority than just a 300$ piece of paper. I have my own authority and i know what your saying but being the owner is not for everyone.

[@Blue_Sky_Hotshots]

And that’s a fact!!

[@HotShotOck]

I rock wit Stew, but why he ain’t tammbout the fact that you also have to attach the appropriate commercial insurance to that $300 piece of paper, and it’s going to be nearly impossible to book loads, being a new MC, which means you’re going to go 90 days to six months paying $2000 a month or whatever your insurance is on an MC that you not making money off of.

[@champstone]

@@HotShotOck💯%

[@Babylionhotshot]

Yup and if those people are fine just floating by I respect them just as much as anyone. But you won't Catch me dead telling people it's okay to get taken advantage of. With the upmost respect (because sometimes text can come off the wrong way) but a genuine question. Why are they taking 20-25% of peoples gross pay? So when they buy fuel, it's 20-25% more.... when get an oil change it's 20-25% More. Why not take 20-25% of their profit? My answer: because thats way too small of a number and companies are greedy. I could do the same as them by leasing on people to mine. But I actually care about people and the truth.

[@Babylionhotshot]

On the load (which was half of the run I didi) I talk about in this video, I ran that in 3 days. So for the week I would have given a company 2K$ (which would be 20%).... so for the month(but I know it's hard to run a whole month so let's say 3 weeks) multiply that 2K$(20%) but three weeks. Now im giving a company i lease on with 6K$ a Month. -That will more than cover insurance. -Also companies are greedy and make you pay for insurance on top of the fee they take. -Also yes it's hard for the first 6 months, But in any business if your time horizon is 6 months. I wouldn't even bother entering into that industry. Just adding some clarification and context so maybe if someone reads the comments they can read some back and forth. Not coming at you in any particular way. Appreciate your love and support!

[@JoshuaEarnest-z7c]

Hello, question, whats the better way to go, hauling cars or other commodities like you do?

[@hawthornetransport]

Leasing on to someone else gives you the opportunity to gain experience, get relationships with brokers, and understand the ins and outs. Getting your own authority these days are way different then back in 2019. It’s more then 90 days to 6 months now u need 6 months to a year. You also need dot inspections. And let’s not forget more than one truck. The failure rate is 100% getting your own authority with no knowledge of what to do out here. Just my 2 sense coming from a guy that has 5 1/2 years in this industry as a non cdl hotshot.

[@champstone]

Great advice brother everyone don’t have the financial freedom to just go out on your own authority. I just subscribed to your channel too keep trucking brother 🦾🦾

[@Babylionhotshot]

I hear you, and the first 6 months are hard yes. but id rather suffer for 6 months than forever. Hey Hawthorn! I see you on here all the time and hope you are doing well. I know CDL schools are ridiculously expensive but I promise you the school I went to will be the best decision in your hotshot Life. I think he was charging $650 it may be up a little now but cheap and fast. If you ever did think about leveling up I can promise you it's worth it.

[@champstone]

@@BabylionhotshotYou and Mac are the ones that inspired me to get in this business I’ve purchased most of my equipment from your equipment video/link. I take at least 90% of your advice and I’ve learned a lot watching your videos. My channel is called “Hauling Champions” I’m subscribed to you on that channel as well appreciate you brother 🦾🦾

[@PuppyHeaven-k5k]

Can I still net atleast $1000-1500 weekly if I drive 2500miles a week leasing on with someone? I’d like to get my own authority but first want to get the experience in leasing like you’ve mentioned.

[@megasmoothone]

I got any authority in the moving business in less than 60 days last year. Stop telling people it's 6 months 🙄

[@brookegarvey7205]

What insurance company did you go with ?

[@Babylionhotshot]

Progressive unfortunately.

[@DylanSmith-fl4fs]

I thought Leasing On to someone else was a necessary evil? Isn't the only real point of it to age your MC# until companies will actually give you your own loads??

[@Babylionhotshot]

Only if there was a course that could teach you everything you need to know. so you don't have to pay another company Tens of thousands of Dollars. People will work with you day one. You just have to make more [phone calls and the amount you will learn.... no one can take that away from you.

[@truckinsince9617]

I’ve been thinking about this business for a while now. I have been a CDL truck driver working for different companies my 28 yrs of driving. I would like to pick your brain a bit. Thinking about starting my own business after winter. Please respond if you can. Thanks.

[@onpoint1882]

How to get on call. Your site only has course info

[@Hiebert91]

If there’s 26k on the deck whats your truck regigisyeted for? Just curious.

[@experiencemiami]

Is it hard to get loads with a new authority. That’s my issue, I don’t want to pay $1800 a month for insurance and not be able to make any money because brokers want to see 6-9 months active authority

[@RobertJones-ce7cg]

May be a dumb question but my brother was setup in the business but went belly up. He deactivated his DOT number and has been deactivated since 2021. I am getting into the business, can I reactivate his DOT and change company name and owners name??

[@KEMC4765]

What is that exact trailer you are using now??

[@K1nGD0LLa]

Hey what class cdl do you need I have a class b at the moment do I need a class a?

[@evanoliver4297]

Thank u for ur video just hope u help us explain which LoadBoard we can use so I can start I have CDL I have experience 3 years and hazmat and W ,car hauling too ,,hope can get ur advice to start my own Authority because I work with western express they are stealing me some week I got just 600$

[@ridindirtyface]

What SDX model is this trailer? Are you not over 65' in length?

[@rayvalentincruz9399]

Hey thanks for the information, how much cost to get a CDL?

[@Babylionhotshot]

Under a grand if you go to the school I went to.

[@rayvalentincruz9399]

​@Babylionhotshot I'm from south carolina, where is the school that you want? Thank you

[@jessielinville3181]

I know you don’t recommend leasing, but, I am looking till I get experience and enough money to purchase a trailer, I can get a loan for a truck, but not a truck and trailer. My funds were depleted this past year due to multiple deaths in my family. Death industry is a multi billion dollar industry for a reason, lol. Any recommendations on a company that is leasing on new class A cdl hotshot drivers, for temporary driving till I get enough experience? I’ve been driving a F-750 dump truck for my current job.

[@adventuresofaliftime4989]

I can help you I have a trailer for you. Looking for a cdl driver with a truck.

[@jessielinville3181]

@@adventuresofaliftime4989 , hi, let me know if you still need a driver

[@OdennaTnL]

Could someone answer me, is he talking about a class a cdl? same cdl to drive semis or no? forgive me i’m not too educated in trucking

[@All-Miles-Matter]

Yes. Same license! Just buy a semi.

[@OdennaTnL]

@@All-Miles-Matter would it be fine to still do hotshot without a semi?

[@All-Miles-Matter]

@shigg7855 yes its fine but I always tell people "why limit yourself?" these pickup trucks will depreciate so fast your head will spin. They are tough little buggers but a semi is purpose built....haul freight. I did non-cdl hotshot, cdl hotshot, now in a semi. Why? It's wayyyyyyy more comfortable to sleep in, mu h tougher truck, I can carry more weight, more loads for longer miles. A semi is basically a BIG HOTSHOT. Anyone can buy a pickup truck and trailer and do hotshot. It's a HIGHLY saturated market. No thanks. It's very limited loads nowadays. More weight=broader market.

[@Babylionhotshot]

Yes, Class A CDL means you can drive any combination of truck and trailer more than 26,000 lbs combined gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). You may have restrictions depending if you took your test in an automatic like most people do (which is fine in this day and age). but you'd still be able to drive a semi. Im telling you I have the cheapest school in the country its on my website.

[@Babylionhotshot]

I mean like All Miles Matter said, The bigger the better. A pick up is easier to get your foot in the door with because you can use it as a personal vehicle, and they are cheaper. unless you get a used semi then you will just have maintenance problems. Why hold anyone sell a perfectly good semi. better question... Why would all the successful trucking companies out there buy new semi's then sell at about 300-400k miles. My guess is that they start having problems and down time in a semi truck is not only a maintenance expense but people forget opportunity cost of not being able to be out there driving. So in conclusion a semi is better if you can afford a new one and run it till the wheels fall off. Also a semi trailer is more expensive too.