Everything You Need to Know About Hot Shot Trucking In 2025

In recent years, the auto transport industry has experienced growth; other than that, there is also another industry called Hot Shot Trucking, which is a highly demanding service in the USA. Hot shot trucking is one of the most valuable sources for delivering small items faster and more efficiently than regular delivery.

In this article, we have covered all the essential details and insights of the Hotshot (i) trucking industry. It provides services that differ from ordinary transportation industry services, and how its trend is changing in 2025.

What is Hot Shot Trucking

In the USA, many companies require flexible options to fulfill their customers' demands and deliver products nationwide. The hotshot trucking industry typically uses small vehicles, usually class 3 to 5, enough for transporting small packages and loads over the customer destinations.

Many industry leaders often use these services to deliver their products to get cost-effective, fast delivery and customizable route options to deliver them to specific (iii) destinations in the USA.

The hot shot trucking industry is a perfect option for industries requiring cost-effective solutions without compromising on delivery time. With an increase in e-commerce industry demand, hot shot trucking is the only meaningful option left for them to stand out in competition with quicker delivery over a shorter distance.

Different classes of trucks are used for delivery purposes, classified as Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5. All these classes are widely used in this industry, with each class representing the size and weight capacity of vehicles used for delivery.

Types of Trucks Used in the Hot Shot Delivery Process

In the hot-shot trucking industry, trucks are classified in terms of class, ranging from Class 3 to Class 5. The most commonly used hot shot rig is a pickup truck with a powerful engine that can carry a heavy load, such as maneuvering machinery with a hitching system.

Here are a few (v) types of trucks being widely used in hot shot delivery.

Class 3:

Class 3 vehicles include a large pickup truck, box van, and walk-in trucks with a

weight ranging from 10,001 to 14,000 lbs. Numerous popular companies manufacture class 3 category trucks, the pickup truck that falls in the class 3 category, including GMC Sierra 3500, Ford F-350, Ram 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 3500.

Class 4:

The Class 4 trucks have relatively better weight capacity and engine horsepower

compared to Class 3 trucks. Class 4 trucks are heavy-duty pickup trucks with a

maximum weight carrying capacity of 14,001–16,000 lbs.

The most popular models launched by different companies include the Ford

F-450, Ram 4500, Chevy Silverado 4500HD, and many more super-duty trucks.

Class 5

Class 5 vehicles are one of the highest-weight capacity trucks used for hot shot

trucking, having weights of 16,001 to 19,500 lbs. Commonly used

trucks in this class include the Peterbilt 325, Ford F-550, Ram 5500, and Chevy Silverado 5500.

Hot Shot Trucking Industry Trends and Growth

The hotshot trucking industry has experienced valuable growth in recent years.

The increase in demands for delivery items and industries' approaches to

cost-effective ways to deliver products to customers are increasing day by

day. After the 2019 Lockdown, the increase in demand for door-to-door delivery

has gradually increased.

This industry experiences growth every year, but there are a (iv) few Industry challengesthat impact its performance. The major problem the trucking industry experienced over the years was (iii) workforce shortages, which led to an increase in delivery time.

According to Current estimates, there is a shortage of about 60,000 truck drivers in this industry, which raises the issue of supply chain management. The demand for drivers is expected to increase to 82,000 by the end of 2024.

A few reasons lead to the workforce shortage in the hotshot trucking industry, a few of which are discussed here.

Challenges in the Trucking Industry

• Aging Workforce: Most truck drivers are experienced and over 60 years old, nearing retirement.

• Lack of Young Drivers: The younger generation is not interested in trucking as a career, leading to a driver shortage.

• Training Costs: Companies must invest heavily in training new drivers to meet delivery demands.

• Delivery Delays: Fewer drivers result in slower deliveries, causing customer dissatisfaction and a loss of trust in carriers.

• Long Working Hours: Drivers work 70-80 hours per week for good pay, leading to fatigue, stress, and poor work-life balance.

• Career Deterrent: The demanding nature of trucking makes newcomers reconsider joining the industry.

Major Advantages & Disadvantages of Hot Shot Trucking

Advantages

• Affordable Maintenance:

  • Hotshot trucks (Class 3-5) have lower maintenance and repair costs compared to semi-trailers.

  • Easier to operate than Class 8 trucks.

• High Demand & Fast Delivery:

  • Businesses prefer hot shot trucking for quick, affordable deliveries with minimal package damage risks.

  • High demand allows drivers to find clients easily and increase earnings with fast deliveries.

• Customizable Pricing:

  • Lower delivery costs than Class 8 long-haul trucking.

  • Drivers can adjust pricing based on distance, weight, fuel costs, and extra services.

• Low Initial Investment:

  • Starting a hot shot trucking business requires $30,000 - $50,000, significantly less than Class 8 trucking.

  • Pickup trucks are easier to drive and more accessible for new entrants.

Disadvantages

• Limited Load Capacity:

  • Hotshot trucks can’t transport large or heavy shipments, restricting their use to smaller loads.

• Irregular Work & Income:

  • Demand fluctuates, leading to inconsistent earnings for drivers.

• High Fuel Costs & Wear:

  • Frequent short-haul trips lead to higher fuel consumption and faster vehicle wear.

• Regulatory Requirements:

  • Drivers must comply with DOT regulations, including CDL requirements for heavier loads.

Hot Shot Trucking Requirements

All industries have their requirements and protocols to follow to begin starting a trucking business seamlessly. If you are willing to start hot shot trucking, then here are a few requirements and steps you have to follow.

Driving License:

In the Hot shot trucking industry, you are transporting goods from one point to

another. The main and most important document you have is a Commercial

Driving License (CDL). If you don't have any CDL, then there is one thing to

remember, the gross weight should not exceed 26,000 lbs.

Owning Pickup Trucks:

The initial investment that hot shot trucking requires is to buy a pickup truck, Van,

or any vehicle ranging from class 3 -to class 5. This is the only big investment

required while starting a hotshot trucking business.

Trucking Insurance:

After fulfilling all the requirements, the next step is to get trucking insurance which is necessary for both types of drivers choosing hot shot trucking as full-time or even part-time. While on the road there are high risks of vehicle damage or accidents. You can get insurance quotes from different companies and choose the best fit for your business.

Essential Skills & Responsibilities of a Hot Shot Truck Driver

• Safe & Secure Deliveries:

  • Ensure timely and damage-free delivery of items, especially fragile or expensive products.

• Route Optimization:

  • Choose the best routes considering traffic, weather, road conditions, delivery deadlines, and fuel efficiency.

  • Plan multiple deliveries efficiently to minimize time and maximize earnings.

• Load Management:

  • Ensure proper weight distribution and efficient use of space to prevent damage.

  • Oversee safe loading and unloading to minimize risks.

• Client Communication & Customer Service:

  • Maintain real-time updates with clients, especially for special requests or sensitive deliveries.

  • Provide excellent service to build long-term relationships.

• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving:

  • Handle unexpected road challenges and adjust delivery plans accordingly.

  • Follow traffic rules and ensure safe driving practices.

How Much Money Do Hotshot Drivers Make

Hot Shot truck drivers are always available to provide secure transport services

along different destinations. As per reported earnings of freelance hot-shot drivers or the drivers working with companies, the actual earnings of hot-shot truck drivers may vary.

On an average hotshot truck driver nearly earn $40,000 to $100,000 per year. However, the actual earning also depends upon the driver's working hours, year of experience, load, fuel prices, and regional demands of hot shot equipment transportation.

Many freelance hotshot truck drivers often charge flexible rates based on their years of experience and reputation for providing hotshot trucking. While new drivers usually earn less money compared to experienced drivers.

If you are just starting a hot shot trucking business, then the starting rates should be within the range of $1.50 to $3 per mile. The cost to do hot shot business must be properly analyzed while keeping a quick eye on factors including current fuel prices, service area, insurance coverage, and vehicle maintenance cost.

Top 5 FAQs About Hot Shot Trucking in 2024

1. What is Hot Shot Trucking?

Hot shot trucking uses small trucks (Class 3-5) to transport urgent, time-sensitive loads faster and more affordably than regular trucking.

2. How Much Do Hot Shot Truckers Earn?

Earnings range from $40,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, workload, fuel prices, and demand. Rates typically range from $1.50 to $3 per mile.

3. What Are the Key Advantages of Hot Shot Trucking?

• Lower Maintenance & Startup Costs ($30,000 - $50,000 vs. Class 8 trucks).

• High Demand & Fast Deliveries for businesses needing urgent shipments.

• Customizable Pricing based on load size, fuel costs, and extra services.

4. What Challenges Does the Industry Face?

• Driver Shortages: Aging workforce with fewer young entrants.

• Long Hours: Drivers work 70-80 hours per week, causing fatigue.

• Delivery Delays: Fewer drivers impact supply chain efficiency.

5. What Do You Need to Start a Hot Shot Trucking Business?

• A Class 3-5 Pickup Truck

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) (if exceeding 26,000 lbs).

• Trucking Insurance for liability and vehicle protection.