vendredi 14 février 2014

What It Takes To Become A Hot Shot Trucking Driver

By Jerri Perry


It is very easy to mistake hot shot trucking business for the expedited loads business. It is true that both cases may require delivery of time sensitive good but expedited loads are normally shipped by straight trucks, tractor trailers or even vans while the hot shot trucking is where drivers use flatbeds or the medium-duty trucks specifically designed for pulling trailers meant for hauling loads.

The hot shot trucking business is an industry that is very lucrative and very attractive for companies dealing in time sensitive cargo and parcels and drivers alike. Drivers are very happy with this business as it gives the freelance ones and opportunity of earning the extra cash. This is possible by leasing their services to the hot shot haulers or go for the online shipping companies that are also increasing in numbers by day. With an appropriate DMV driving license, you can join the industry and drive the trucks pulling trailers or even go for the overweight vehicles.

If you choose to work independently, there are still a number of tricks you can use to be competitive and avoid being jobless. You have advantages of choosing load size, the location and even final destination. Better still, you do not have to worry about any deduction from your pay. You must however be prepared to take care of the paper work and any payment related disputes or delays. You also have to be in active networking and marketing in general to secure businesses. The price to charge will vary depending on the size, nature and destination of cargo.

Leasing your services and truck to the brokerage company on the other hands also come with merits and demerits. Other than fulfilling the federal and state requirements, you must also fulfill the requirements set by the company.

If you choose to work as an independent driver, you need to be aware of most online freight matching providers as they can make the process of securing a business much easier. The alternative is almost free of bureaucracy and works well for businesses in need of very quick delivery services as finding freelance drivers is much easier.

For freelance drivers, getting acquainted with the online freight matching providers is very important. Through these services, securing businesses becomes easier. The demand is particularly high from only companies that need to ship goods purchased to their customer. This means that you can easily be matched to a load of your specification and to a distance you prefer.

Both the freelance drivers and those who choose to lease their services have some process to complete before the business can start. You must first get the DOT number, inspection certificate, take an insurance cover for personal injury and property damage, get services of an agent to deal with paperwork and related summons (freelance drivers only) and then go into marketing of your services. The best targets are large agricultural business around, manufacturing firms, stores and warehouses.

The online presence is also a good technique where you send emails and establish a website. With the proper authorization from FMCSA and other relevant bodies, it is time to call it ago for your hot shot trucking business. You must however be well versed withal laws and regulations in your state of operation.




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