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This question is about truck driver.
How to get into hot shot trucking
To get into hot shot trucking, you must have the required licenses, driver's insurance, and equipment, and you must be registered through the state, but most importantly, you must own your own truck.
Most hot shot truckers either buy or lease a truck and trailer to use for a variety of business activities. All told, hot shot trucking start-up costs can easily reach the $15,000-30,000 range, but this will vary based on personal circumstances. If you already own a truck, for example, then you just need a trailer and the various legal fees.
Other options include signing up for a delivery network such as DAT, which provides access to loads and backhaul opportunities, or joining an owner-operator network such as Hot Shot Carriers, which offers access to private fleets, insurance, and other benefits.
Once you are registered, you will also need to obtain a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which is a form of identification that is needed for safety reports, incidents, and audits. Hotshot drivers can apply for a USDOT number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website.
Filing for a USDOT number could be a $300 charge and is necessary to fulfill the legal requirements of hauling cargo for clients. Your USDOT number, however, helps insurance providers determine the right amount of coverage before you purchase insurance to ensure you have enough liability coverage
If you're a trucker already, there are numerous benefits to becoming a hot shot trucker such as higher earning potential, flexible schedules, and being able to select your own loads. Conversely, it does require some significant start-up money including the cost of a truck, insurance, medical care, equipment, and completing the requirements for registration in your state.
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