Trucking: Hauling Rates, hot shot service, load brokers

Question
Where can I find information on starting a Hot Shot Service? I would like to know where to find customers and how to sign them up to do business with my company. Also, where can I get information on pricing my service so that I can be comparable or competitive within the market?

Than you in advance for your assistance.

Answer
Hi Carlos.

I've answered a lot of Hot Shot questions on AllExperts, review some of my previous answers and that should help you out a lot.

Next, there are a few forums on the web for Hot Shots.  Below is a link for one and you can get some good information there.

http://hotshotconnect.myfreeforum.org/

You can either lease out to a company, and let them find the freight, or start your own company.  If you start your own, you have two options.  First, you can find your loads through load brokers.  Or you may want to find business on your own.  The second requires good, old fashion sales and door knocking and will be hard.

If you go through a broker, you can go to web sites like www.getloaded.com to find loads.  I do think that you should door knock on local businesses too.  Then, you cut out the broker and more money goes in your pocket.

Your rates vary depending on what you haul, size of your equipment (how much weight you can haul), etc.  Again, call some brokers and other, similar, hot shot companies.  See what they charge.  Also, ask other drivers what they charge in the Hot Shot forums for certain loads.  I hesitate to tell you what range to go for not knowing more info, but like I said try the forums.

If you choose to lease out, Jones Motor Freight (Hot Shot Xpress) is a great company.

Good luck!

Bob Stephens