QuestionI currently have a M-F day job. I am wanting to start hot shotting on a part time basis, after normal hours and weekends, with perhaps of moving in to it fulltime. The question is, I have a 2001 Suburban 1500- 2wd with a vortec 5300 v-8 and a rear axle rating of 3.73, along with a thought of getting a 25 ft. trailer. Is the Suburban along with a 25 ft. trailer enough to start with, and would there be enough work after hours and on weekends to make it worthwhile?
AnswerHi Alan,
In all my years in the trucking business, I've never seen a Suburban hot shot. Not saying that you couldn't do it, but pulling any type of serious weight, you'll want a fifth wheel with a gooseneck trailer on a pickup. I've seen towing capacity listed on Suburbans from 3300 lbs. to 8000 lbs. Yours being a 1500, I would think would be on the lower end. The Ford F450 Super Duty, on the other hand, can tow 24,500 lbs! The other thing you have going against you is a gas engine. You won't have the torque and pulling power of a diesel and you'll get horrible gas mileage. That all being said, if your serious about hot shot work, buy a dually diesel pickup. Plain and simple.
As far as getting work, you may be able to get weekend work. The only problem with weekdays is that if something should happen in regards to missing a delivery, the receiver will want the freight (most likely) the next morning. This presents a problem if you can't deliver it because of your M-F job. Weekend work is more likely, and probably hauling cars. Focus on dealers and auto auctions. There may be other opportunities with other freight, so contact trucking companies in your city.
I think you can find the work and make it worthwhile, but like I said before, you should focus on a diesel truck if you want to make any money at it.
Good luck!
Bob Stephens
