TOP 6 Things I DID made me SUCCESSFUL in HOTSHOT TRUCKING

[@TowPiglet]

1. Speed 2. Perfection 3. Ideologue 4. Laws 5. On Time 6. Experience

[@tourtravel4008]

Tow Piglet nice bro ‘ following your step

[@musaalkhadim5600]

Disclaimer, admitting to breaking the law can cause you to become a target. Those in your nitch in the industry may also be targeted? So please think of the impact you have when SAFETY is not your industry focus! There is an FMCSA please follow the rules. Safety first!😎👍

[@jerrythompson8532]

Great advice, Thanks Alex!

[@bfe671]

You could’ve easily made this a 10 point list. One I would add is stay informed by doing all the research and asking all the questions

[@gilbertfranklin1537]

For a speech like this you do have to limit the number of talking points to attract viewers. But we who know you would add a few other items that help make you successful, both in trucking and KZbin. +1) Verbal communication - you speak well... a little fast but clearly and intelligently. I watch some other hotshot guys who are virtually incoherent, and cannot express their thoughts or make no sense at all. +2) Energy - somehow you seem to have boundless vigor, and you channel it directly into what you are doing,,, without distraction. I have actually seen a couple of drivers yawn while driving on the highway- scary. +3) Disposition - no doubt your charisma is personified by the simple fact that you come off as being happy most of the time. At least 50% of trucking posts are by drivers who moan and groan, bitch and gripe, and talk down other drivers, the govt, DOT, etc. And there are more items, but you covered a lot - though some will be argued about in the comments, I am certain. (Delivering on time should be a matter of time management, not speeding). 🙄

[@Cee_Four]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. A time is coming where ALL truck drivers need to take (1) week off - across the USA - at the same time. Imagine, not a single truck on a highway delivering goods to a distribution center, or busines for 1 week. Will it cost us? Yes, but that should get the shippers/brokers attention. Who's for it? NO MORE CHEAP FREIGHT!!!

[@jessesanchez3162]

Yor right sir

[@devn3813]

Charles Worthy #nationwidestrike

[@rickpatterson4495]

back in 1979 -1980 when fuel went up to $ 1.80 gallon, when there more one truck owners following the white line,, it only slow things down for a short time, there is always somebody out there will to work for Free.. Run until they are broke..

[@Cee_Four]

Rick Patterson, although I was six at the time I was there. My Dad brought all four of his drivers in and had our driveway look like a Love's for a full three days. Now keep in mind other carriers were out there still rolling but the fact that my Dad took a stand for what he believed in still resonates with me until this day. Just Say No To Cheap Freight, Pass it On!

[@IamAdamfirstandlast]

I agree

[@ericbuchta9765]

I just bought a 2019 Duramax! It’s my first time owning a diesel. Now one day I could join the hot shot family 😁 For now at least I’m in the Diesel club anyways!

[@bogeyjoesr6254]

congratulations, you have a hella payment for little reason...good going.. itsa start

[@FandFcustomcarts]

Would you prefer to have a local business like handyman , construction etc than hot shot? i have a local business but been thinking in getting a big truck anyways I need it for my business but thinking opening a llc for trucking and maybe doing it few days a week or maybe 4 times at Month.

[@riverbig4279]

Good morning! Great advice. My birthday was yesterday and my sweetheart hit the road with gifts chicken wings and a birthday cake and surprised me on the highway. If that doesn't show support nothing does. Big shout-out to her. Anyway just sharing. Have a great day Alex

[@frankrodriguezit]

River Big Ur fortunate, take good care of ur significant other. It’s not easy finding a good partner/spouse that supports u in life

[@riverbig4279]

@@frankrodriguezit Yes sir

[@joen5332]

Thank you my son has been seriously thinking about doing this for a living and he's continuously looking into all the expenses and overhead that's involved I'm going to send this to hím

[@jessicaballard9407]

I would like to add I learned so much about hot shot trucking thanks

[@kjenkins8648]

Man you nailed it all at 16:06. So much food for thought here!

[@adorianlazar1780]

Excellent points, and your tutorials are outstanding! Rule #1 in the military is "Adapt and Overcome!"

[@FarmStrong88]

Good points, works for all of trucking minus the laws part. Cdl drivers cant afford that risk.

[@FR8GUYHotShotAdventures]

Well said. Couldn't agree more with the 'learning curve' and doing it now as opposed to when things are good. Everyone has to take the good with the bad in all aspects of life in order to get true fulfillment from it.

[@traceylee8547]

Alex,,,,this is by far one of your BEST vids, EVERY SINGLE POINT YOU STATED IS SPOT ON. And to expand on this,,,,,ALL of these concepts apply to EVERY aspect of life,,,,,,,Be Diligent,,,,Be Pro-active,,,,,Know and understand Commitment,,,,Under-promise and Over-deliver in other words, do what you say you are going to do when you say you are going to do it and ALWAYS try to exceed your customer's expectations. By doing these things you will earn and gain the trust and respect of others,,,BUT, more importantly,,,ALL of these things will become habit and part of your mindset, in essence, you will be programming your self for success

[@titomelaza]

You are the best brother. Thank you for all the information and you provide.

[@darrellborder8555]

Thanks for info on the tires, TP.

[@sandtransllc1824]

Good info. We are excited about our second year in the Biz. Thanks to you we avoided alot of mistakes.

[@spurs5677]

you still busy do to this virus?

[@sandtransllc1824]

@@spurs5677 we have slowed down some. Still running some fair loads.

[@spurs5677]

that's good to hear

[@galsov]

Good stuff TP. Best part is these are good rules to live by in any industry.

[@courtneyspurlock8794]

Just a helpful and thoughtful tip you should try and record somewhere that’s not on side of the sleeper I use to drive semi and even now while I do hotshot it sucks trying to sleep when someone is talking right outside of your truck on top of the load noise from the other trucks.

[@dougbourdo2589]

Great info Alex. NOt a driver but I admire your Drive. Keep it up. Bravo to you.

[@ericbuchta9765]

Good video brother, that’s really cool that you share your experiences with hotshoting I in-joy watching. 👍👍👍

[@philzone6944]

THANK YOU TP!!! I've been thinking about getting into the business for some time. All of your videos are helpful, but this is the one I needed to see.

[@HNAA2025]

I totally agree with hustling and putting the load first but that can’t come at the cost of safety. When you run tired and/or with shady equipment you’re playing with house money and IT WILL catch up to you. You’re putting a band aid on a gunshot wound. It will stop the bleeding for now but you won’t make it in the end. Talking about a company failing, you kill someone because you fall asleep or your trailer loses an axel your company is finished. Patch what you need to get the delivery done then you permanently stop the bleeding. Hustle on brother but don’t do it at the risk to lose everything, God Bless.

[@gee1353]

Now that is the VIDEO IV been wanting to C for quit sometime, I started my hot shot business in late September of 19 thinking it was gonna be peaches and cream " Great Rates" and Huge pay outs easy money.......👎 Wrong!!!!!, You will only get out what you put in.......and what I mean by that is U need to stay on the road and grind it out, the longer your chasing pavement the more money you'll make even in this shitty market were facing. Husle is the game. Thanks Tow piglet for setting it straight in this video. Magor props to ya. Scott S.......Top Notch Transport.......

[@Haulin4ya]

Good point on reality check. If your going to do something do it and stick to it. Keep rolling. I appreciate the shared info. 👍🏽

[@bigstaff666]

Thanks TP....Great Video!!!

[@AJ-nh8ik]

Ok so rule #1 to being successful is wear shorts in the cold. It helps you move faster. Dont want to be out there in the cold for too long. Gotcha. But you hit it on the head of how to work towards success. Those aren't the only things, but they are things to help put you where you need to be.

[@e.j1292]

Thank you so much Alex wish you more success com into your life, you definitely deserve it because you're a hard worker, and very honest thanks a lot for all information you charging. by the way I'm asking you a favorite as you explain everything perfectly with the details could you please just please whenever you have a time before January 10th make a video for pre-trip inspection with all mechanic parts under the hood and the suspension for the truck and trailer. if you can that would be great. because I'm tired to find Hotshot pre-trip inspection and I failed once with the DMV, they're need alot of more details for the test at pre-trip inspection. Thank you buddy may God bless you Be safe out there.

[@gg-qt7io]

Awesome motivation skills Thanks buddy i definitely will adopt you're advice!

[@grmu007]

My big Tex license plate lights went out on my second run. I replaced them with led lights and that solved the problem

[@Rostabenny]

Great vid as always. It’s your take on it which is good. Others have comments and that’s their take. Which was one of your main points Take what works for you and leave behind what doesn’t. Are you dispatching yourself or using a dispatch? I just started getting a little help dispatching and man it makes a difference.

[@SaintsPurgatory]

He works off load boards like most owner/ops do with hotshotting. All broker freight.

[@Rostabenny]

CJThunder yeah. I got that part. I do the same thing. But was wondering if he uses a dispatch service or does it himself.

[@timothyfritsch8801]

thats a great profile to look at behind you take a couple still pics let everyone see the differences look look look everyone

[@colinlawrence2186]

One more awesome video your work ethic is fantastic i hope people take notice of your advice .YES you have sacrifice a lot of things to become successful in any career field more so in the transport industry God bless stay safe out there 🙋‍♂️🇬🇧

[@randycessna4403]

Great business advice for any type of business.Stay steady.Run lean.

[@johnschiermeier]

this was very helpful i been a truck driver for 12 years and im looking at getting into hot shots my self thing you just got to see where i can rent a truck from for this

[@ericbuchta9765]

Reading that comment I think you give good advice, and some people will take things the wrong way even though you explain in black and white 👍👍👍👍

[@lithtweezie1]

Alex, I have been enjoying your videos for a while and this is one of your best! Keep up the GREAT work.

[@situationaladventures]

One of Alex’s best vids...

[@bananagaming0113]

What do you do about sleep do you rent a hotel room or sleep in your truck

[@chrisward405]

I watched to the end too!!!!!!! Great info man.

[@gallofino8]

Great amazing video like always definitely you are the best of the best keep the good stuff and grind on massive development 👌👌👌

[@jessesanchez3162]

Alix man thanks for all the information you give us all.im just stating im leasing next week i do have experienced in it i haul boats but im so interesting in flat ded hauling.Thank you again for all your information.God Bless you sir

[@ozziecrosby2092]

Ever thought about a single axle rig with a sleeper? Saving on hotel rooms too. Tires would probably last longer?

[@ozziecrosby2092]

@@moblack5883...Ohhh..

[@rastudio8123]

What do you do with your old trailers when you buy a new one? Do you trade in and get money for your trade in? Does Big Tex do that?

[@ryanpatterson336]

What do you guys do in the winter for open trailer flatbed? Do you tarp everything??

[@TowPiglet]

Yes, buy I’ll find out this coming winter because my drivers don’t carry tarps

[@dexterscottjr.1782]

Wow I needed this man. I just started hot shot this year and started to get very frustrated! But this video definitely helped me out just now 👌🏾 #ThankS

[@erik7180]

Hey man I’m looking into it seriously as well ! Hows things lately

[@Gearjammer741]

Vince Lombardi used to coach his players, and I am paraphrasing here, "We will always strive for perfection; We will never achieve it. Along the way we will find excellence". I would advise caution on pushing when tired to be on time at all costs. I would advise taking a hard look at time management to maximize productivity and getting rest. It's really all about risk management. The reward must be worth the risk. A major accident involving a fatigued driver and death or bodily injury can be game over. Safe travels.

[@SaintsPurgatory]

You are 100% right. It only takes one time to really screw up and then you are begging for a job stocking shelves at Walmart. I get it though, he's young and if there's one thing the young are not good at is critically sound judgement.

[@hotshottruckingtrainingcou9645]

What tire have you found to be best for 2019 Ram 3500 dually?

[@chrisandersonCR16]

I like this video, I don't love it. But a lot of what you say is correct and very important. You know me and that my first career was very structured, and I've brought that structure to my Hotshot business. I've lasted 17 years. Watching this video makes it seem like you are somewhat saying, breaking the law is part of the business and you have to do whatever it takes to complete the job. Whether legal or illegal. But, I know that that's not what you're advocating. Just remember, most of your information is directed to the new guy starting and is watching your videos and others, and absorbing everything. You don't want to be the guy, that lead and new guy down a dangerous path. Majority of the information you put out is really good, watchout for the grey areas. Peace brother!

[@justinbarnes5498]

Notice the Cowan driver in the green International next door taking a pic of TP at 0:10 lol. He's probably like what's up with dis hotshot dude man?

[@kristenrobb5837]

I think i just saw you in Albuquerque nm pilot of 40. U was checking out behind me. U was in a f350 with a flatbed tarped

[@restoremyride6325]

I know you dont choose tires on rental but for other hot shots the Michelin Ltd ms2 tire. It's great I got 80,000 on a set. On F350. Dully

[@restoremyride6325]

Lol Ltx ms2. Not. LTD.

[@richardgreen7821]

Good tire

[@daveberkovits4976]

They let you keep your drivers license after speeding? Your Lawyers must be GREAT!!! Excellent point about weighing the risks!

[@Buuboi214]

#1 don’t have a family

[@charliesfamily8915]

Wow 600,000 miles in 4 years is about 625/day 5 days a week non stop my man that’s insane work

[@SquirrelsPlace]

Man! Pep talks like that will put Gary (Vee) Vatnerchuk and Tony Robbins out of bussiness. I can see you doing speeches at colleges on a national tour.👍

[@davidkrueger3227]

Outstanding video Alex!!!

[@kentonquint8688]

As a former log auditor, sleep is not required. It just says time off.

[@ahmedabdulla2105]

Keep doing what you do you are inspire. What go and go it ?

[@drewporth3426]

Hey Alex in one of your other videos you said you’ve been in hotshot for about 4 years and 500,000miles, just messing with yuh 🙂you’re very helpful 🙏🏻👍

[@calsam4112]

This is great. Wish I could shadow you for a few days or so.

[@nealchristensen1610]

I do not think that it is acceptable to compromise safety, as you described with your habitual speeding. Professional drivers have a responsibility to be the best drivers on the road. To me, endangering other people is not success.

[@daveberkovits4976]

Neal Christensen agreed and I hope Tow Piglet sees what you said!! He is not right on everything but he is a hustler.

[@motordaddy5]

That's the same thing that got me through driving 18 wheelers many years ago

[@boritaly9490]

I'm close to jumping down from this semi and attaching a 40ft gooseneck to my f350.

[@jtromans8307]

Bori Taly thinking the same thing

[@sickman1655]

Goose ball or 5th wheel, which is better for hotshot?

[@exotichotshot7221]

What up Mr. Tow Pigs! This is Steadfast Auto fyi, just rebranded my youtube. Getting ready to drop a whole season of my hotshot startup. Look out for my comments and know Exotic Hotshot = Steadfast Auto :) Been watching your latest stuff as I cross the nation from Colorado to NY this past week! Keep up the good work

[@kentlane8269]

Maybe being proactive and put that $10k in speeding fees into better trailer and tires. But I’m self employed too and yes pushing through is key. Also reputation and reliability is also important in any business

[@carlsea-eagle1098]

Hello, Alex is, right, I started my business in 01/1979, After Vietnam, basically the only job a veteran could get, after a War. I hate it 1 day, love it a week later, I fired myself, several, times, I wake up, & I am right behind the wheel again, in 41 plus yr, I drove, semi-step deck, etc, when the rate got slow, or bad, I end up back in my 5500 Ford, I could, do that because I learning the rope. When I had a bad year, I was switching between the semi- & the 5500 & gooseneck. When I say a bad year, for me 250,000.00 a year, I had to run & work, my butt off, my semi, $1500. a month, my gooseneck truck $900. month, on the break down kill me. I sacrifice my family life, 12,000 miles a month in the semi. 2018, I broke my 6 million miles. My 2 daughters, though I was a stranger or a great uncle. My wife stuck it out with me feel each pain, she eve felt it when I was on leave from Vietnam, I would come home & be, by myself. I made my own Island, I was strange in my own house. Then I carry 2 log books, threw both in the sleeper, caught up to them, maybe at the scale, with a 2,000 ticket, not having a logbook. In Washington State, the last scale, before going south of the border into California, it was self-inflicted. But now you can not run that way. Big brother is always watching. Later, listen, & heed, What Alex says, he is right on the money. or be a hard-headed, & learn the hard way, in life. Ok later.

[@franzvincentsarangaya746]

I have a 2010 f250 xl super duty regular gas. I'm thinking of starting my own hotshot business. Would it be smart to start up with only converting the truck bed into a flat bed rather than buying a trailer? Second is would it be okay to start off with a regular utility trailer rather than gooseneck until I can save money to fully invest?

[@albertmartin6298]

Great tips

[@joshsuperduty1270]

Would you buy a Diesel Ford Super Duty truck for hot shot trucking

[@daydreamerssoul779]

For coming out with 2020 6.7L diesel power stroke.

[@dankruger2890]

that's a good video. So many truths

[@marinecustomusa7657]

I get on hold with enterprise in Indiana. And they told me that they aren’t doing a long term lease anymore. Any update on this please

[@nemesismonanemesis2372]

No entiendo nada de lo que dices pero me encantan tus vídeos tankyou👍🏾😀

[@mrkabwila983]

Great Job!!!! Very True

[@sirvilhelmofyonderland]

DOT has their eyes on HotShot, heads up

[@sirvilhelmofyonderland]

George Washington I've got NO love for the DOT. They've cost me about $1,000 so far. For tiny infractions.

[@brandihand9706]

Where can I find a company to hotshot for in Florida?

[@guidetruckersgmailcom6505]

👆📩 for more information.

[@Hery631]

Hi there, I’m starting to think about doing this job, and your videos are helping decide, what kind of driving license I’ll need to drive that exact same trailer and truck.

[@mesanders1113]

Hes non CDL but to maximize your potential you need a CDL. I believe its class A CDL. Either way you need a EDL to log hours. If you do not get a CDL and a broker doesn't list a weight correctly it could make you loose a load.

[@Hery631]

Crashz28 thank you for the info , might be a stupid question but , how i can find a broker , i might have to study so much this business. Sorry :)

[@mesanders1113]

Well you either need to set up a DOT number and drive as your own company or lease on with a company

[@mesanders1113]

towpiglet.com/faq check out his website lots of info and you can even sign up to be on a job list help you find a company to lease under

[@Hery631]

Crashz28 THANKS!!!!

[@sickman1655]

Great video.

[@PORTEY71]

what truck bed length is good for hotshot, long(8') or short bed 6'?

[@josueperez718]

So the cheapest way to start at no money saved is premier lease?

[@kennethbowen1818]

Good video Alex

[@jessicaballard9407]

I like this video Please let me see you sooner than you have been posting videos..

[@curtisstewart9594]

Not first. Good vid and info.

[@azizaespinoza3867]

I want to start doing hotshot loads and is it better to have your CDL B?? And how do I find a company or hotshot loads to start ??

[@Mr1shawnr]

What size and type tires do you suggest run on the trailer Alex

[@garysanchezphotography]

Excellent, thanks Alex.

[@reyesconstruction7895]

I have a old 2001 ram 2500 v 10 what kind of trailer should I use to start hotshot

[@alsoriano74]

Good info brother. Be safe out their.

[@eavesstreet6307]

Do need a dot physical running with no cdl? I dont get why you need a log book with no cdl. What about insurance? Authority? Load board?

[@jsolemi3281]

Any reason why you didn’t order that trailer with the deck on the neck?

[@ramonmacias1452]

Great info would you recommend to co pilot while hot shot trucking?

[@Broncitis6677]

Two guys living out of a pickup, I'll pass on that one for sure! I've been watching a bunch of these videos and kicking around the idea of getting into this, but I'm not really down with the idea of living out of a pickup with just myself, especially after spending many days in miles over the last 15 years in a Volvo semi which I have registered as an RV to haul our toys with. Lack of a decent place to live out of 4 weeks and weeks on end is seriously one of the biggest hang ups I'm having with the whole getting into hotshot thing. Maybe if I were 20 or 30 years younger it wouldn't matter as much? But I definitely like to be able to stand up when I'm getting dressed. LOL And actually, I don't know if you can even legally team drive in a hotshot due to sleeper birth regulations. There's been some talk that there are regulations that require removal of the front seat for the true back seat sleeper birth conversions with restraints. And then there is the issue that there will be times when both drivers need to sleep at the same time either due to HOS resets or just timing catching up and both being too tired to drive at some point.

[@danbyrd5237]

Lots of things get done in the gray area.

[@gambit6431]

Yup.... our whole government body across the planet operates in gray area

[@matthewsumter2099]

Hey im trying to get into hotshoting and I have my own 3500 6.7 Cummins dually and im having trouble finding loads and getting my name out there

[@matthewsumter2099]

And I need help finding a great broker

[@juanmedina7378]

Saludos alex cuidate gracias

[@bryanschmid1849]

Riddle me this TP. I think you said you paid $10,000.00 in attorneys fees fighting tickets!!! Doesn’t that go against one or two of your golden rules??? 1. How much $$ did you leave on the table fighting tickets or hiring (leaches) errr lawyers? 2. If you did accumulate points, how much has your insurance gone up? $$ off the table again!! Just a small piece of advice from an old guy that got it from an old guy when I was your age. The easiest wAy around compliance is compliance!!! Love your channel by the way. But when you mentioned 10 grand fighting tickets it became crystal clear how you do what you do!!🤣🤣😎

[@TowPiglet]

Excellent comment sir, I absolutely agree

[@musaalkhadim5600]

This is a recipe for failure for noobs? Hope this one gets a do over?

[@jakesixx5711]

Thanks for the information 🙏

[@maxithotshotadventures9616]

Thanks for the video, good information!

[@billnye146]

Can you use a 06 ram 2500 gas to haul a 2 car trailer?

[@maxithotshotadventures9616]

Licence plate lamps must be a common issue on bix tex, mine did the same thing!

[@dougbrown7413]

Good content. 👏

[@estanislaoandres9741]

Love u in good way

[@andreysheyfer546]

Do u scale? I ran every scale when i operated...