Expand this section Additionally, it eliminates the necessity of dealing with large trucks allowing them to focus on transporting time-sensitive freight. There comes a time during planning that upcoming hot shot drivers must decide how they will operate, specifically whether they will operate using a CDLA or without one CDL. Aspiring hot shot driver has to be licensed and both paths have their advantages and requirements based on the type of freight they are planning to haul and also their career goals. Therefore, in order to be satisfied with decision, the following analysis will provide a detailed explanation about the differences of hot shot trucking CDL and Non-CDL hot shots.
What is Hot Shot Trucking?
Hot shot trucking is the trucking practice of transporting smaller time-sensitive freight in medium duty trucks and trailers. As opposed to standard trucking, hot shot drivers are more freelanced workers or use load boards to complete time-sensitive loads. This form of trucking is widely used within sectors such as oil and gas, construction and agriculture where equipment or materials may need to be transported immediately.
Non-CDL Hot Shot Trucking: Enjoy The Freedom But Do Raise Your Limits
Non-CDL hot shot trucking provides drivers an opportunity to move more miniature loads and no Commercial Drivers License will be requisite Licensing issues.
Drivers can qualify as long the vehicle and its load does not exceed the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs which includes both the cargo and the trailer.
Benefits of Non-CDL Hot Shot Trucking
- Cost of Starting Up is Cost-effective: Lower initial costs resulting from absence of CDL training and certification.
- Simple Requirements for Driving License: Apart from the typical driver’s license, no other requirements are necessary.
- Operations are Definately Flexible: Best fit for minimal cargo and regional or local distributions.
Disadvantages of Non-CDL Hot Shot Trucking
- Low Freight capacity: Due to the lighter vehicles and smaller loads, the capacity to transport the freight is limited.
- Earnings potential: Non-CDL hot shot trucking is usually less income-generating since the kind of freights they transport are lesser.
Higher Rights Over Controls: CDL Hot Shot Trucking
CDL hot shot trucking involves getting Commercial Driver Driver’s License that allows the drivers to transport massive and heavy loads. With a CDL, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) surpassed 26,001 lbs meaning larger trailers and trucks are put to use.
Advantages of CDL Hot Shot Trucking
- Variety Of Freight Adequate For Loading: A thier control over the load’s weight gives a huge potential to more profitable freights.
- The potential for greater income: larger loads attracting higher prices, improving profitability.
- Increased Credibility: CDL certified drivers are more appealing to the clients due to professionalism and liability reasons.
CHALLENGES OF CDL HOT SHOT TRUCKING
There are necessary requirements that must be achieved to obtain a CDL for hot shot trucking. Obtaining CDL hot shot trucking services comes with the following challenges:
COSTS OF CDL: Apart from the training and the tests, obtaining a CDL can also require extra fees which come at a price.
ISSUES WITH REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: Compliance to regulations is also difficult as the drivers with a CDL are required to abide by strict rules set by DOT.
HIGHER SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: More loads insist on the requirements for handling load to be more rigid and require higher skills.
Choosing between Non-CDL and CDL hot shot trucking is usually based on personal preference, the financial capacity available as well as the freight that the person wants to work with. If you are starting and looking for the easiest entry point, Non-CDL trucking may be appropriate, low-risk. In case you want to increase your income and want wider options, you should definitely go for the CDL with which you would be able to get the potential as it is worth the investment with the high returns it brings and the potential opportunities that will arise.
KNOW YOUR STATUTES: DOT regulations will need compliance regardless of whether a CDL is present or not.
KNOW YOUR TARGET MARKET: Make sure the specific requirements for your truck and your trailer align with your selected path.
USE LOAD BOARDS: Use sites such as DAT or Truckstop to source for load requirements that fit your qualification.
SERVICE AND REPAIR: Make sure regular checkups are done in order to minimize downtime chances and also having a smooth running business. It is evident that both structures of CDL and Non-CDL Hotshot trucking have their set pros and cons.
The hot shot trucking industry is quite competitive. Evaluate your goals and comprehend the differences for that will help you choose a path in the industry and be successful in what you aspire for.