Guides
Hotshot trucking guides
Straight answers for hotshot owner-operators, written by our dispatch desk. Every rule links to the official source with the date we checked it, and every number is either sourced or labeled EXAMPLE.
Starting and growing
- What is hotshot trucking?Trucks, trailers, freight, CDL vs non-CDL, and the honest pros and cons.Updated October 2026
- How to start a hotshot businessEvery step in order, from the CDL decision to your first load.Updated October 2026
- Hotshot business plan templateA fill-in plan with a cost-per-mile worksheet.Updated October 2026
Loads and freight
Rates and money
- Hot shot rates per mileHow loads are priced and how to set your minimum.Updated October 2026
- How much hotshot drivers makeGross vs net with EXAMPLE monthly P&Ls.Updated October 2026
- Hotshot startup costOne-time and monthly costs with official fees.Updated October 2026
- Hotshot insurance costWhat drives the premium and how to lower it.Updated October 2026
Rules and compliance
Equipment
Run the numbers
- Hot shot rate calculatorAll-in and loaded rate per mile, plus your minimum rate.
- GCWR and CDL checkerEnter your stickers: CDL class, legal or not, payload left.
- Load profit calculatorNet profit, true rate per mile and profit per hour on a load.
- Startup cost calculatorCash needed to start and your monthly fixed costs.
Next step
Rather have someone else find the loads?
7% of gross for one truck, 6% per truck for 2+ trucks (limited-time). No haul, no pay. No setup fee, no contract, cancel with 30 days notice. You approve every load.
Start with your setup: