Top 5 NEW owner operator mistakes | Hotshot Trucking

[@tim1894]

Hey Alex. Take this how you want but I’ve been doing my own local shipping with the things I’ve learned on your channel. I’m a carpenter so I have a half ton truck, and my wife and I bought an 18’ car trailer for when work is slow. You’ve taught me a lot about weight distribution, strapping methods, and trailer maintenance. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge

[@dirtbikesanddiesels978]

better get a bigger truck

[@tim1894]

@@dirtbikesanddiesels978 lol one day I will. But for now it does the job and earns her keep

[@happypappy6371]

Need a bigger truck and car trailer. The first car usually only pays the expenses tor the trip.

[@tim1894]

@@happypappy6371 like I said it’s just local side hustle things, a buddy buys a bmw, the farmer needs some pallets of seed, I shipped a salad bar for a restaurant. Eventually I’ll buy a 2500 or even a 3500 and after that I’ll get a bigger trailer. But for now it’s a good way to get my feet wet and learn some things as I go

[@happypappy6371]

@@tim1894 Well, before you buy a truck or trailer, decide what you want to transport. Then buy what is required to do that. To many get a truck and trailer and then wish they had something different for the loads they want to do. Then that also effects what you pay for insurance and tag and if you will need a CDL.

[@trentdowdell5943]

Tarping was the best reason you listed. Very demanding tarping odd shaped loads. Since I dispatch myself I avoid these loads but if someone leases on they gotta put the work in.

[@TaylorHaubrich]

You avoid $ because you scared of a tarp?

[@trentdowdell5943]

@@TaylorHaubrich you clearly can’t read bud. It obviously states odd size loads. That’s how you damage tarps, decrease your mpg etc. you’re not that guy pal…

[@craigpippin3132]

@@TaylorHaubrich been doing this for 3 years. Quit tarping about 8 months ago. Plenty of loads for good dollars without tarping. Haven't taken a load for less than $2 a mile in over a year.

[@jasonbourne1596]

@@craigpippin3132 I sort of agree with this. I don't care about the labor but if I can shed the expenses and weight of tarps and still get good paying loads, I sure would do that too.

[@zeldamaster550]

Been watching all your videos man. Been really helping me visualize it all. I should have my setup ready by next year

[@bumsmodified98xj]

I went to school of hard nox I've worked for a landscaping company for 13yrs I learned how to drive pulling a trailer Did my pre-trip inspection every single day That's where I literally learned how to use ratchet straps and ratchet chain binders Hauling all kinds of equipment I've also made all kinds of mistakes but I learned a ton from that job It pretty much shaped me up for me to be out here in the wild As far as tarping goes that's something I had to learn new in this business but it's a piece of cake ain't nothing I'm scared to tarp But that is oh so true you got to have some sort of knowledge or experience with your loads and strapping and chaining because you will mess up if you have no experience

[@Koala-Express]

We just sit here in Australia downing the beers and watch our mates in America on youtube - great entertainment. Ta!

[@johnschubert4665]

Yep, I know you try to have new equipment but daily maintenance such as greasing the trailer once a week, checking tires for abnormal wear, checking and repairing lights as needed and how to chain up. One thing I did on my trucks was install a "Y" OBDll port so I could monitor the troble codes and reset them with my smart phone. I use "OBD Fusion" for software and "Veepeak" (from Amazon) for the hardware. Total investment - under $50.

[@richardmathers1567]

I was driving for lowes and decided to become a Hot Shot driver and it is the best decision

[@colinlawrence2186]

Good morning Alex you hit the nail right on the head with your assessment i really can't understand O/O no knowing how to register there equipment correctly 🙃 i hope you can manage to sort that one out for them one point you didn't mention out of your 30% Trailer maintenance and you are so proud of your maintenance program There should be a #6 you have to be a problem solver being able to fix what ever needs to be fixed to keep you rolling without calling for road side assistance My dad's favorite expression was IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT YOU HAVE KNOW BUSINESS DRIVING IT 😎 As always God bless you and stay safe always 🙋‍♂️🇬🇧

[@73macrino]

All your points far as I’m concerned are spot on. If your out to make money, the drive hours should be maxed, tarping loads is not easy and not for everybody for sure. Great points and awesome channel!

[@jasonbourne1596]

Right, you can't always do that. but you should be trying to always do it.

[@CurtJunya]

I’ve been semi trucking (OTR, regional, reefer, flatbed, everything) for nearly a decade. All this seems like light work. I gotta start doing this stuff myself. Company has been good to me tho.

[@stevethomas5209]

Alex , I have a year + hs road experience and I will tell anyone watching this it is honesty to the core. Your first year will be a total unbelievable experience from your regular 9 to five job. And you better have a backup plan for a truck in case you break down and a hell of a good wife supporting you if your married or plan to be divorced quick. It will ruin your home life if your not a team and both on the same page.

[@zombie777stream8]

We have rts too. But I whole heartedly agree with all this info !!!!

[@burt714]

Happy to report...O/O out the gate. New F350(2020) new Diamond C (2021), no factoring. CDL. Tarps...kinda part time...and still operating part time. I will say your videos and many others have helped me tremendously. Keep on keeping on.

[@brodeypecha9233]

Hi Burt can you give an update? I see your comment is a year old. Im going to be staring CDL O/o out of the gate and curious how it went for you. thanks

[@americantrucknation4891]

Saw one of your trucks yesterday on 475 heading northbound into Michigan. Silver 21 Ram 3500

[@RafaelRodriguezROS]

Seen that same truck yesterday in Illinois

[@blackhole35]

Thank you sir. I love to hear the nitty gritty. When there’s problems there can only be solutions and once you’re able to figure thoes out what’s from stopping you

[@robertesposito9871]

Your right on point, congrats on stepping off the road, I have a feeling your gonna wish you were back on the road after running ten trucks for awhile

[@JordonRenn93]

Hey Alex, My big question is when you are leasing on other peoples equipment, what steps are you taking to make sure they keep up with the maintenance on their equipment as to not effect your CSA score due to bad inspections?

[@STEVEN-hv7ds]

The main issue with o/o is the revolving door. Once an o/o gets their feet wet they'll leave. They don't need to give up any percentage they'll get good in the boards find their own loads. I pay our (customer service drivers) a set percentage and a safety bonus. I say customer service because we have private accounts some are contracts or MSA's. Our drivers have been here for years and personally know some of our account contacts So before you go out and purchase equipment drive around your area see what companies are around whether it's a tractor dealer or rental equipment or construction supplier and make contact see if there's a need. When you purchase equipment buy something versatile. We run hydraulic dovetails with winches . Also get your CDL you need to be able to haul up to 15k freight. Good luck and happy hunting

[@LotusCreek]

Last comment, YOU HAVE GRADUATED. STOP small fishing and START on how to scale. Much love

[@jimhughes6568]

Alex your 100% right what you said in this video.

[@cooderrr64]

ALEX! your back at it again with the good tips and pointers man, good stuff as always man hope to see some more from you -from cali brotha

[@vince5506]

Great video Alex - to the point, non- judgmental, and informative! 👍🏼

[@1taketommybchristianhiphop67]

Great stuff my man 🔥🔥

[@wyattgraham5711]

Might need to do one on how to strap and tie off the slack. There are so many people who I’ve seen that lack that skill.

[@joeaugust9002]

Great video Alex! Congrats on getting to be home now!

[@cedriccasher9683]

spot on with this video, I've been thinking about becoming an owner operator. I can get the equipment but I don't have experience drive a truck with a trailer.

[@happypappy6371]

Too many inexperienced divers on the road now.

[@lisamackay2080]

We just cancelled RTS and we can do our own factoring but we do have a company that does miles in each state, taxes ECT. Just my opinion.

[@billupstateny9151]

Accurate presentation

[@theoiv]

100% Agreed with everything that was said here. Good list Alex.

[@ryder7984]

I definitely agree with it all, but shooting for 10.5 hours drive time regularly as a new driver is risky, especially if they refuse to sleep in the truck. I had quite a few close calls starting out doing just that--anything from an hour long traffic jam to a flat tire to your chosen parking destination being full can put you over if you're at the 10+ hour mark already. This IS less of an issue with hotshot being that we can pull off into areas that semis can't, however.

[@bartman8876]

I've been watching alot for your intertainment value and very much listening to all your knowledge. I'm starting my list and checking things off. dot physical being done Monday non cdl interest. But getting all I can done before I jump for a trailer and looking to lease on somewhere.

[@Analaurat816]

I hope you’re getting help booking all this loads! 😩 I used to be a driver/dispatcher. We drove cargo vans. I was in charge of 4 vans and was extremely busy!

[@Analaurat816]

Oh never mind you answered all my questions 😏 even some of the ones I had on previous videos.

[@MrOddsmurf]

Don't forget knowing how to do roadside repairs!

[@lorenyoder3271]

Thanks Alex great advice I love your channel

[@mikestrucks]

One of the first 3 🤷🏻‍♂️👍🏻

[@dixiemae5042]

💁🏻‍♂️🦺

[@snoolee7950]

The biggest mistake in this video is the sheetrock finishing on that painted wall.

[@johnmahoney2398]

Tow piglet!!!!! I’m so excited to get on the road and potentially work with you!!! I just got my new 2021 ram 2500 limited megacab!!! Looking at a 40ft trailer today!!! Let me know if you need anymore owner operators!!! Thanks again for all your video’s!!! Your an inspiration!!!! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@happypappy6371]

A mega cab and 40 ft trailer may put you over length.

[@randygealogo4990]

Alex my IDOL in hotshot

[@riverbig4279]

You got office rental you got overhead you got computers you got office supplies she got electricity bill on top of the insurance the factoring fees load boards etc...

[@myawesomebeard4574]

Question: Just went and bought a truck last week I plan on leasing on with someone with in the next few weeks and I have been going around looking for a trailer ect Had someone tell me that I needed to tell the dealership to register my truck as a 26k truck witch I did not I did tell them I would be using it for non CDL Hot shot is this true if so is there any way I can fix it sorry if this is a stupid question I’m just new to the industry. Thank You For Any information

[@richardmathers1567]

being a hot shot trucking you have to enjoy driving

[@davisstephens8405]

My first trip became my last when I failed to check my oil at a gas stop before starting up a mountain. Rod knock halfway up.

[@happypappy6371]

Checking the oil should have been done in the pre trip. Not later at a fuel stop. If you were that low on oil at the fuel stop, you were low when you did the pre-trip or you had other major problems.

[@davisstephens8405]

@@happypappy6371 bugger off

[@happypappy6371]

@@davisstephens8405 Truth hurts.

[@cruzbraulio]

This is great information, nice shirt and very informative video.

[@tagtruckingllc1087]

Greetings Alex. Any advice for team driving? Also….. maximizing fuel efficiency . You are appreciated man!

[@outdooradventures7106]

I have 2 tarps 20 foot with 8 foot drops only used them once this year. Why tarp if you don’t have to? To many loads to choose from also most tarp loads pay crap anyways so I take the non tarp loads for the same money if not more.

[@Rangerdnger]

Being a driver is also mentally demanding. You have to stay alert and drive defensive can’t be on the phone texting and looking at Facebook and you can’t be getting tired. Even with E logs only being able to work 14 hours a day and drive 11 so many people can’t handle that after extended periods of time. Depends on what type of person you are, some people easily get tired while driving. And dealing with other idiot drivers on the road, and construction zones, and weather, it’s very stressful work

[@happypappy6371]

Being on the phone in a commercial vehicle is a $2750 fine for the driver and a $10,000 fine for the company.

[@damiang9968]

Much respect to you my man

[@LotusCreek]

And btw you have a graduated into a fleet manager role, your experience shows it. Timeline on your ambition in advancing to the medium fleet operation, aka scale.

[@spiderdude444]

All excellent point great info as always

[@angelasanford4505]

Talked to RTS yesterday and he said they wont FACTOR hotshots

[@johnmaxwell1356]

RTS will factor a hotshot. I was going to go with them but I went with Thunder Funding. Great people decent rates. Been with them 2+ years. I do have, and use, the RTS fuel card. That and an EFS fuel card. They both save me .25cents per gallon. Also, use an app like the EFS app. It will give you all the fuel prices around where you are. And you can use it when planning your trips. Will give you all fuel prices along your route. Can save you a lot between the big national chains and/or independent stores. I've seen as much as a .60cent, per gallon difference in pricing but usually around .30cents per gallon. May not sound like much but for every 100 gallons your either saving or spending $30 dollars. It adds up.

[@angelasanford4505]

@@johnmaxwell1356 so not sure why the interfence here but I got the fuel card from them and said i was interested in factoring, and I got a call from tha guy handleing that and he was like what type of setup. I then replied hotshot and he point blank said we dont facotr for hotshots

[@johnmaxwell1356]

It's possible that RTS did change their offerings/policy. When I got my fuel card from them they were trying to recruit me pretty hard. Things change. Either way the fuel card does help. Like I mentioned in another post, I went with Thunder Funding for my factoring. I started at 3% but am currently at 2.75%. Great people. Feel free to contact them.

[@LotusCreek]

Hey brother congrats and much respect. When are you going to jump up into the semi world for your drivers. You’re basically a mini fleet manager now

[@cheriepjones]

o/o here. If on average my driver does 10,000 miles a month. How much does the driver get paid through your leasing company?

[@drivenenterprises5529]

What’s the name of the videos u r talking about I can’t find them

[@DanielGarcia-zz9eg]

This is true, lease on is not the same as lease purchase or lease equipment

[@lovepeace1552]

Hope you see this Alex, within this month I’m getting my equipments. Planning on keeping it as minimal as possible, going for a used srw truck and single axle 32 ft trailer as non cdl setup. Shoot me a msg I’m in Fort Worth if you looking for guys.

[@IA-py9by]

Before I had my own authority I was leased on I got 88% of th gross but paid my insurance which is around $350 a month...seems your insurance is to high then.

[@howhigh2781]

What insurance is 350 a month?

[@IA-py9by]

@@howhigh2781 I'm with shelter here in Oklahoma...1 million policy and 100k cargo.

[@happypappy6371]

Don't see how you can get insurance that cheap and have the proper coverage. That is only $4200 a year. My last renewal was $15,200 for the year.

[@IA-py9by]

@@happypappy6371 well I pay that much every 6 months its about $2100.

[@happypappy6371]

@@IA-py9by What do you transport?

[@chrisboyd4433]

I love your videos, my suggestion is you look into some sound deadening for your office. There is a bot of an echo on the audio.

[@joseywales2037]

how much drive time are you allowed per day fpr non cdl yrs ago was 10 hrs a day 70 hr per wk not up on all that non cdl still jave to run log book?

[@happypappy6371]

Non-CDL and CDL are he same. 11/14 per day and 70 per week.

[@rayasol1]

How do you ride legally in Cali with drw 14 k gvwr and trailer derated to 12k with no cdl? Isn’t the trailer going to have to be derated to 9990, then if so it doesn’t seem reasonable for a 40’ trailer, 🤔 I found a 36’ Lamar derated to 12k but I live in truckee/ northern cali , and I’m guessing I would only be able to dead head to Reno with that setup,any advice? …..hard as f worker with a 2020 ram 3500 mega 4 wheel drive with 15 payments left and $ for a trailer, and don’t want to wait to order the proper trailer and don’t want to be limited to-north of 5k lbs just for cali loads…. Thanks in advance

[@TowPiglet]

Cali laws apply to Cali residents, I’m in Texas

[@tomherron4334]

HS-102 Owner Operator: the largest class ar Tow Piglet University.

[@HotshotJimmy]

Shhhh…. I like my Platinum. However it’s $10k max for a trailer. I have $15k wrapped up in 2 trailers that work well for me.

[@maxithotshotadventures9616]

Actually being a company driver looks more appealing these day, the smog on all these trucks has killed the industry, let them pay for it and just drive.

[@kingsolo7959]

Yeah!!! N put some shoes on.

[@joseywales2037]

what all insurance do you provide for oo

[@yohandyrodriguez7105]

Hello friend, I congratulate you on your videos. I am Cuban and I want to go in to do Hotshot. Which truck is best for you? The RAM 3500 or the RAM 5500?

[@happypappy6371]

Depends on what you want to transport.

[@yohandyrodriguez7105]

Weight up to 40,000 lbs. It is to do Hotshot.

[@happypappy6371]

@@yohandyrodriguez7105 That will require a CDL. If you want to transport that much weight, you should go with the 5500. A 3500 won't hold up hauling that much all the time.

[@truckingjourneys]

I feel like we should make a distinction on your last point, there's a difference between not knowing how to talk and being unwilling to get out there and do the work to tarp and to learn to tarp. It's honestly not all that hard to learn how to do it and you know say a day. Would you have to be willing to put in the work

[@Rbaddict]

Could you make a video how to lease on other owner operators to a company?

[@renaultmchenry]

Alex, Can you list the main videos you have uploaded that your owner operators should see?

[@chriskahlson]

Very difficult to sustain O/O hot-shotting, something is going to fail and cost somebody time and money, putting in all the hours while having to sacrifice your entire life and health, how will it end ? I’d like to see Alex do a video all the various endings, name it PICK YOUR ENDING let’s be real there’s going to be a huge ongoing turnover of O/O’s so let’s put all the deal breaker, game over scenarios on the table and include HOW it ends, email, phone call or text, it’s WHAM GAMEOVER BRO.....

[@Mikie_7777]

Just passed you unloading a large metal ac unit or something in NJ. Did you make a second channel, thought I was subbed.

[@Mrmartinezwork]

Hey brother. I just saw you on the 10fwt Eastboud passing Yucaipa!

[@FindingMyOwnPath]

They charge a lot more to register a truck commercial than as a pickup.

[@pedrolagos2094]

I’m in cal want to start my own I don’t know were to start need aliste help

[@miguelpadron1105]

Álex, do you take leases for CDL?

[@rogerzahn1981]

Are you looling for drivers ?

[@ryanp9412]

Hello Alex, I wanted to pick your brain for a second, I heard you want people to run 10 to 11 hrs a day, that's good! But... if you run 8 to 8.5 hrs a day, you won't ever have to do a reset, And end up further ahead of the guy doing 10 to 11 hrs, specially when he is sitting for reset, and Mr 8 hr guy passed him 2 days ago and is now days ahead. What are your thoughts on that?

[@jssj2851]

Alex big fan, but I feel your asking your drivers to do something illegal, even in cdl school they teach that your on "duty" not driving (which cuts into your drive time) when your fueling,pre-trip, post-trip, eating, breaks, tire, equipment checks as well as maintenance. 11 hours strait only after 10 consecutive hours, I cans see 8 hour maybe, maybe, 9 hours of driving tops. Or is there something I am not understanding?

[@guyrazzino9341]

You're A GOOD friend Alex !!!!

[@KC-Transport]

load placement is one of Is the biggest issues I see out there with other hot shots

[@KC-Transport]

The lack of knowledge in load placement is not only dangerous Is for the driver and others on the road it also destroys equipment

[@happypappy6371]

@@KC-Transport Also can put you over weight on an axle group.

[@ManuelGonzalez-lk5eo]

Do you have your Drivers do the oil change or do Alex have to do the Oil Change.

[@JDJrealestate95]

Hey ALEX!! Just givin ya a heads up, I got your email and a 40' is in the works as I type! Keep up the great work and I look forward to meeting with you soon😁👍

[@yohandyrodriguez7105]

Hello, excuse me for my English. Up to how many feet is it allowed to make a Trailer for Hotshot with a RAM 5500 truck?

[@BrianWalsingham]

@BLE SCH I believe 65 feet is the max with a pickup truck with a bed on it. If you remove the bed and register your truck as a tractor then there is a waiver on the length. I’m not 100% on all details but I know some of this from transport.

[@johnmaxwell1356]

@@BrianWalsingham you are correct. 65 feet for a truck with the standard bed. If you put a flat bed on your truck your length is no longer limited to the 65 feet. I know, it makes literally no sense. The length of the trailer has next zero relation to the weight you can carry. A 40' trailer allows you to carry longer loads but a longer trailer will most likely weigh more, also. That added weight will reduce how much total weight you can scale. Anyone new to hotshot I'd recommend a 30 foot trailer with 8,000lb tandem axles. Your trailer weight should be close to around 7,500lbs. Even if you get a load for say 34 feet, you can extend off the back of the trailer and still not be over length. Just remember your red caution flags for anything over length/width.

[@2020HotShotTruckingLLC]

@@johnmaxwell1356 Flat bed truck body has the same 65' restriction as the factory bed. To be a tractor and exempt from the 65' limitation, your truck cannot have any bed to haul on, whether it be flat or with sides doesn't matter. Tool boxes and fuel tanks are ok though. And, it's important to note that after you register your truck as a tractor, you cannot at a later time change it back.

[@happypappy6371]

@BLE SCH Incorrect. CDL is based on weight, not length. Up to 26 K is non-CDL. 26,001 and over is CDL. Depending on the truck and trailer ratings, effect the requirement of class A or B.

[@Adrian-vp3kb]

I watch this for entertainment... I don’t drive a truck or delivery stuff Ahha

[@justinhurst5937]

Same here. I like driving, but I’m no truck driver.

[@floors2ceiling957]

Hi Alex. I would like to talk to you more about leasing on. I was going to file for my MC to Become a hotspot carrier. I didn’t want to lease on before, but I would be new in this field.

[@vdubbub1986]

Hey Alex, you don't run aux diesel tank?

[@happypappy6371]

That adds weight and reduces cargo.

[@vdubbub1986]

@@happypappy6371 yeah, but that's for those non-cdl drivers that run a 3500. I'm thinking about getting one, just to save on fuel before entering Cali. Fuel prices here are ridiculous.

[@happypappy6371]

@@vdubbub1986 Well, adding a 100 gallon tank, adds roughly 700 pounds for the diesel, plus the weight of the tank. That is lost cargo. As for buying fuel before you go into Cali, it depends on what the cost of fuel is in the other states, as to how much you save if any. California has one of the highest fuel taxes, thus the high price. Calif fuel tax is $0.7950 per gallon. Nevada fuel tax is $0.2700 and Arizona is $26.00. So when you file your IFTA each quarter, you still pay the fuel tax for the miles driven in each state. California still gets their fuel tax, even if you didn't buy fuel there.

[@JohnTheMexicanic]

alex I have a question, one of my uncles wants to lease on to my trucking company but progressive wants to charge him $2,500 monthly due to his record. do you have your Owner Ops included in your insurance policy or do you only have their equipment covered with no driver?

[@briansullivan.1341]

Hey bro. I wanna lease on and learn the hot shot biz.

[@coreygerken8107]

Do you pay for their fuel?

[@richg0203]

What’s the best place to find jobs?

[@TowPiglet]

My website

[@richg0203]

@@TowPiglet I have only found you on KZbin. What is the website? And by the way thanks for the content so far. It is bringing slot of things to light.

[@FreeBladez]

Alex I suggest upgrade your mic if you plan on making more these “office video” the echo ruins the quality of video

[@pigybak]

does any of your drivers have a channel?

[@danclapper626]

It's because they don't have a clue and don't do the work to learn on their own. Same is happening in junk hauling, people go buy equipment and go broke within a few months...no clue what they are doing on the business side.

[@jimmyjabb6101]

Hey Alex I have some questions on your leasing on job and would like to talk with you if you have the time please let me know how can I reach you to do that

[@dangda-ww7de]

Forget this flipping at burger king, im going over road.

[@happypappy6371]

Just what we need. Another driver with no experience.

[@bertharosas2551]

I have 15000 and i really wanna start i just really dont know my first step.please help

[@HAJHH00]

Top one is listening to TP

[@CarlosGonzalez-br9xk]

You’re crazy over charging

[@mstg966]

I got a 86 ford ranger with a trailer that use to be a camper. I have -$300 in the bank and will not tarp lol sign me up lol haha 😆😂

[@spiritualinsight]

What about twic cards

[@TowPiglet]

Highly recommend but not required

[@spiritualinsight]

@@TowPiglet fair enough what about CBs for monitoring traffic, hazards, and helping with routing from other drivers? (Btw I'm a company driver with my CDL. I definitely watch your videos for entertainment as well as insights of things I might have thought about myself.

[@TowPiglet]

@@spiritualinsight if you want to listen to truckers spew garbage all day long then a cb is perfect otherwise I’ve never needed one

[@happypappy6371]

@@spiritualinsight Any good driver will have a CB and always have it on to monitor traffic and such. Most of the steering wheel holders don't use them and then end up rear-ending another accident because they didn't know about it and slow down ahead of time. Also, if you have a problem with your rig or load that you can't see from in the truck, another driver following can let you know of the situation before it becomes a major problem or accident.

[@dixiemae5042]

First outta the gate 👊🏻💪🏻

[@TowPiglet]

👑

[@martinc334]

Are you looking for any more o/o