There are numerous opportunities for trucking positions within the industry. Whether you choose to work for a traditional trucking employer or start your own hot shot trucking company, there is no right or wrong.
But before you make a decision on a career change, having all the pertinent data will help guide your choice — which is why you’re here. Hot shot truckers deliver time-sensitive loads. Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect a career in hot shot trucking to look like and the amount of income you can expect to make.
And when you’re finished, check out the other articles in our ‘Hot shot trucking’ series:
- How much do hotshot loads pay?
- What is the best non-CDL hotshot insurance?
- Best load boards to get hot shot loads for pickup trucks
- Guide to the best ELD for hotshot trucks
Key takeaways
- Hot shot load pay rates: On average, hot shot trucking loads pay $1.50 to $2 per mile, but rates can go up to $3 per mile for urgent or complex jobs.
- Annual earnings: A hot shot trucker earns an average of $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on workload, load type, and frequency of trips.
- Cost considerations: Drivers must account for expenses like fuel, maintenance, insurance, tolls, food, and licenses, which significantly impact net income.
- Highest-paying loads: The most lucrative hot shot loads include construction equipment, oversized loads, hazardous materials, and urgent freight.
- Rate determinants: Key factors influencing hot shot rates are load size, location, urgency, distance traveled, and personal expenses incurred during the job.
What is hot shot trucking?
Hot shot trucking is when a truck driver delivers time-sensitive loads to a customer. There are many reasons for the expedited service, but the rush delivery is part of the appeal to many drivers. No one day will be identical to the next.
Hot shot drivers tend to haul smaller, LTL loads to a single customer or location. Once the job is complete, they are on to the next. Hot shot trucking is not a full-time employment position. Instead, drivers act as independent contractors. This has its pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in a career.
How are hot shot rates calculated?
There are many factors that have to be considered when calculating hot shot rates. Things like urgency, load size, location, and type of load all factor into calculating rates. Some rates are even lower if they’re considered a partial load.
Many people like to gauge their payment off a pay-per-mile rate. In order to calculate this figure, you should take the rate that you’ll be receiving for the entire delivery, then divide it by the mileage you’re expected to drive.
This will give you a pay-per-mile freight rate. Once you have this number, you’ll be able to determine if the rate is on par with what you’re expecting and industry standards. Just remember, a smaller load that can be delivered with only a small truck will pay differently than a large load that requires the use of a Class 8 semi truck and trailer.
How much do hot shot loads pay per mile?
As we mentioned above, hot shot loads do not have a flat pay per mile. Instead, each load is based on the factors outlined above. However, to help guide you to determine if a load is a good opportunity or not, we’ll explore the industry averages. Again, these are just averages to give you an example — nothing is set in stone.
Generally, hot shot load rates sit around $1.50 to $2 per mile. Jobs that are more complex or more urgent can pay up to $3 per mile. Hot shot rates for jobs that are easier to complete could be as little as $1 per mile.
How much should I charge for my hot shot services?
There are many factors that you should consider before determining what to charge for your hot shot service. Start by finding the going outbound rate for hot shot services in your city.
Compare all the highest and lowest carrier rates to determine the average in your area. Once you’ve determined how much others are charging shippers, you then need to look at how much it costs to run your owner-operator hot shot trucking business.
You don’t want to offer your services so cheap that you can’t return a profit. If you only run a 3,500 dually, your costs will be lower than if you run a semi with a gooseneck trailer, for example. Be sure to take all these and other overhead factors into consideration before determining how much to charge for your service.
How much do hot shot drivers make?
If you were to talk to 100 different owner-operators, they would all tell you a different figure for how much they earn for their hot shot services. Earning potential relies on factors like load type and size as well as how frequently you work. If you are constantly hustling and on the road, you have the potential to be a top earner. However, if you want the freedom to pick and choose when you work, your income could still be comfortable but less than top performers.
As of December 2024, here are average annual salaries for hot shot drivers according to three popular salary-reporting websites:
- ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $58,947 for hot shot drivers.
- Glassdoor estimates an average base pay of $45,841 per year for hot shot drivers.
- Salary.com indicates that the average base salary for a hot shot driver is $41,540, with a typical range between $36,631 and $47,620.
Keep in mind that hot shot trucking does require you to pay for your own expenses. Fuel, maintenance, insurance, licenses, broker fees, food, tolls, ELD, and more all come out of your pocket, which will impact your overall income.
How to find loads for hot shot trucking
There are a few ways that you can find hot shot trucking loads. The first is the good ol’ fashioned way of contacting potential clients directly. Pick up the phone and call manufacturers, auto dealers, or other professionals who can help you.
This requires a lot of extra work but can foster trusted relationships with clients who can turn to you time after time.
The second and most common option is to use hot shot trucking load boards. Hot shot load boards do typically require a fee for their service. They are able to match your equipment and desired routes with the current needs of clients, helping you quickly find a match.
Factors to consider with hot shot trucking rates
As we explored above, there are factors that you should consider when determining appropriate rates for hot shot trucking loads.
Load board
The choice of a load board directly impacts hot shot trucking rates by influencing the quality and availability of new loads. Premium load boards typically offer higher-paying and specialized freight but come with subscription fees, while free hot shot loading boards often list lower-paying or oversupplied loads.
Choosing a load board that allows you to filter by niche, region, and equipment type helps you secure better rates and save time.
Size of freight
What are you hauling? Is it a small load that can be completed with just a pickup truck, an LTL load, or a full truckload? There’s the possibility that the load could be oversized or hazardous as well, requiring a flatbed trailer or tanker.
All of these factors should be considered when determining the trucking rate. A smaller or LTL load will pay less per mile than a full truckload or oversized load.
Location
Location is also an important factor. Getting the freight from point A to point B can tell you how many miles you’re expected to drive and the time frame, but the location is more than that. If your home base is in a location where there is a high demand for hot shot truckers, the price you can charge will increase.
It’s all about the availability of quality drivers and the demand for them. If you’re in a competitive market, you might be forced to charge less to keep active.
Distance traveled
Here’s where it’s important to figure out what is required to get from point A to point B. How many miles will you be traveling? Are there any tolls on this trip? How much fuel is required?
All of these questions are important to address before determining how much to charge for the hot shot rate. There are times where you’re able to negotiate a return fee for your load, but that’s not always the case. Be sure to factor in all the variables.
Urgency
Urgency in just about every industry costs a premium, and hot shot trucking is no different. Customers expect to pay more for fast deliveries.
Personal expenses
The last thing you should consider with your hot shot trucking rate is how many personal expenses you will have on the road. Outside of tolls and fuel, will you need overnight accommodations? Will you need to eat out while you’re on the road? These expenses all play a factor into your bottom line, so they’re important to consider in your pricing.
Which hot shot loads pay the most?
The highest-paying hot shot loads typically include:
- Construction equipment: Heavy machinery like excavators and skid steers often pays well due to sizes and weights.
- Oversized loads: Any cargo that requires special permits or escorts usually commands a premium.
- Hazardous materials: Transporting a hazmat shipment typically pays more due to the required safety measures and regulations.
- Urgent freight: Expedited loads, especially in time-sensitive situations, often command higher rates.
- Specialty cargo: Items like vehicles, livestock, or high-value goods can pay significantly more, especially if they have specific handling requirements.
Rates can vary based on market conditions, so make sure you keep an eye on current hot shot rates and market trends. A good hot shot load board will provide this information to you, and even alert you as new loads meeting your specifications are available.
Advantages of hot shot trucking
If you’ve made it this far, it’s safe to say you’re likely considering the advantages of hot shot trucking to determine if it’s worth it. As a hot shot trucker, you’ll be afforded these advantages:
- Lower start-up costs than other trucking businesses
- You may not need a CDL; many drivers haul hot shot loads for pickups and cargo vans
- Available loads are generally local or regional
- Loads are often expedited
- Income tends to be equal to or better than most Class 8 pay
Disadvantages of hot shot trucking
But before you make the decision to jump into hot shot trucking, you should be aware of the disadvantages or potential drawbacks that might arise along the way.
- Drivers are self-employed and responsible for all out-of-pocket costs
- Inconsistent demand for your service
- Hard to grow a steady client base
Hot shot trucking rates depend on you
That’s right. The answer to ‘How much can you make with hot shot trucking’ is based on many factors that are in your hands. Are you looking to work as frequently as possible, take urgent jobs, and drive further distances? If so, there’s great potential for pay.
However, if you are picky about the hot shot trucking loads you take and want the freedom to work when you want and how you want, your income will not be as high as others. There’s no guarantee to say how much you’re going to make as a hot shot commercial driver. However, if you’re ready to provide a reliable service, it can be a great career and business opportunity.
FAQ
Profitability of hot shot loads varies significantly based on workload and operational expenses. Typically, drivers who transport hot shot loads make between $60,000 and $120,000 in gross annual income.
The best truck for hot shot trucking is typically a heavy-duty pickup like a Ford F-350 or Ram 3500. These trucks offer a good balance between towing capacity, durability, and fuel efficiency. However, the ideal truck can vary depending on the specific requirements of the loads you plan to haul.
As a general guideline, hot shot rates can range from $1.50 to $3.00 per mile, but this can vary based on location; freight weight, size, and type; urgency; and marketplace demand. It’s a good idea to research current market trends in your specific region and consult industry resources for the most accurate rates.
A CDL is required for hot shot trucking if your combined truck and trailer GVWR exceeds 26,001 pounds, or if you’re hauling hazardous materials. If your setup is under 26,001 pounds GVWR, you can operate with a regular driver’s license, though some loads may still require specific endorsements.
To get government hot shot loads, you need to register as a federal contractor on SAM.gov and obtain the necessary operating authority and insurance requirements. You can then bid on government contracts through sites like FBO.gov or work with freight brokers who specialize in government loads.