BLOGS
The Complete Beginner’s Guide To Hotshot Trucking
By Strong Haul Trailers – Where Strong Deals, Strong Service & Strong Haul Begin
INTRODUCTION
Hotshot trucking is one of the most accessible pathways into the transportation industry — but only if you start the right way. The internet is full of bad advice, half-truths, and misleading shortcuts that will get a new driver put out of service fast. This guide gives beginners the legally accurate, no-nonsense information they need, especially in Texas.
SECTION 1 — WHAT HOTSHOT TRUCKING ACTUALLY IS
Hotshot trucking is the hauling of time-sensitive freight using a pickup truck and a gooseneck or flatbed
trailer. Common freight includes construction materials, steel, machinery, oilfield tools, building supplies,
farm equipment, palletized freight, and more
SECTION 2 — CDL VS NON-CDL: THE REAL RULES
A CDL is required when the combined GVWR of truck and trailer is 26,001 lbs or more. Non-CDL is allowed
at 26,000 lbs or lower. DOT enforces GVWR, not what a driver “claims.” Examples:
- Truck 14,000 + Trailer 12,000 = 26,000 (Non-CDL legal)
- Truck 14,000 + Trailer 14,000 = 28,000 (CDL required)
SECTION 3 — RATED-DOWN TRAILERS
Rating down is legal only when done by the manufacturer. Altering a sticker yourself is illegal and will result
in violations. DOT checks sticker GVWR and actual weight.
SECTION 4 — CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRAILER
Common lengths include 30+5, 32+5, and 35+5. Axle choices:-
- 8K axles: Non-CDL friendly
- 10K, 12K, 16K axles: CDL required
Important features include mega ramps or hydraulic dovetail, 16–18 ply tires, toolboxes, load lights, slide
ratchets, and lifetime axle and frame warranties.
SECTION 5 — TRUCK REQUIREMENTS
Popular choices include 3500/350 dually, 4500/450, and 5500/550. DOT inspects tires, brakes, registration, VIN, safety triangles, lights, and fire extinguishers. Legal requirements include proper GCWR, brake controller, and breakaway system.
SECTION 6 — TEXAS INTRASTATE REQUIREMENTS
Drivers staying inside Texas need:-
- Texas DOT Number
- Medical card
- Proper commercial insurance
- Registered truck and trailer
IFTA is required only for GCWR over 26,000 lbs, vehicles with 3 or more axles, or interstate operations.
SECTION 7 — INTERSTATE REQUIREMENTS
Crossing state lines requires:-
- DOT Number
- MC Number
- BOC-3
- UCR
- Commercial insurance
- Medical card
- ELD (in most cases)
SECTION 8 — ELD RULES
Most hotshot drivers must run an ELD. Exemptions include:
- 150 air-mile short haul rule
- Intrastate operations following state HOS rules
- Drive-away tow-away
- Vehicles built before 2000
SECTION 9 — HOURS OF SERVICE
Federal HOS rules include:-
- 11 hours driving limit
- 14-hour on-duty window
- 30-minute break
- 10 hours off-dut
SECTION 10 — BUSINESS SETUP
Requirements include:-
- Business structure (LLC or sole proprietor)
- EIN
- Truck and trailer registration
- DOT Number
- MC Authority (if interstate)
- BOC-3
- UCR
- Commercial insurance
- ELD (if required)
SECTION 11 — LOAD SECUREMENT (FMCSA 393)
Proper tie-down requirements include:-
- Working Load Limits matching freight weight
- Minimum two tie-downs for loads under 5 ft
- Four or more tie-downs for vehicles
DOT inspects anchor points, strap condition, WLL tags, and securement angles.
SECTION 12 — TRAILER SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
A hotshot trailer must have:-
- Functional electric brakes
- DOT lighting
- Breakaway kit
- Safety chains
- Rated coupler
- Valid VIN tag
SECTION 13 — COMPLETE STARTUP CHECKLIST
- Choose business structure
- Purchase truck and trailer
- Register equipment- Apply for DOT Number
- Apply for MC Number (if interstate)
- File BOC-3
- Pay UCR
- Obtain medical card
- Secure commercial insurance
- Install ELD (if required)
- Acquire legal tie-down equipment
- Perform DOT-compliant inspections
SECTION 14 — WHY STRONG HAUL TRAILERS ARE IDEAL
Strong Haul trailers are built for reliability and compliance, with lifetime axle and frame warranties, 18-ply tires, load lights, toolboxes, and DOT-ready construction.
CONCLUSION
Hotshot trucking is a legitimate business with real legal requirements. With the right trailer, the right compliance, and the right guidance, new drivers can operate safely and legally. This guide provides the strongest foundation for beginners entering the industry.
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Strong Deals. Strong Service. Strong Haul.