|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11
12 point
|
|
12 point
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11 |
I know some on here have CDL's and I've recently read threads about getting your CDL.
I want some info as a buddy and I are interested in running hot shots. If any of ya'll do this or have info on CDL's etc please let me know. I'm gonna do some research and see what all the requirements as far as licensing and insurance/etc are, but it's always good to hear from guys that actually do it vice reading some website that may not be accurate or doesn't tell you all the ins and outs of it.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,616 Likes: 4
10 point
|
|
10 point
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,616 Likes: 4 |
There used to be an old retired fella around here that did it,the company I used to work for had other plants in Texas,Georgia,and Arkansas,he would do several hot shots for us a year,mainly big motors and other equipment,the only trucks he used was a dually and he'd pull a big trailer of somekind or a big flatbed pickup,no cdl Liscense as far as I know,I remember him taking a motor to Texas which was about a 2 day round trip and he charged $2500-$2700
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 32,451
Turkey Nut
|
|
Turkey Nut
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 32,451 |
I have my Class A CDL's, but I have never driven a truck, other than test day that is. 
Some men are mere hunters; others are turkey hunters. —Archibald Rutledge—
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 28
spike
|
|
spike
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 28 |
If the GVWR is over 26,001 you have to have a Class A. So the GVWR of the truck plus the GVWR of the trailer. Over 26,001 for a single vehicle(box truck/flat bed) you have to have a class B.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 463
4 point
|
|
4 point
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 463 |
don't forget, with non-exempt drivers you have to have a health card and keep a log book.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,524
10 point
|
|
10 point
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,524 |
Log Books are soon to be a thing of the past. Everything now is going to electronic logs. You can make good money with a hotshot and some LTL. But you will be sitting a lot because you cant haul just anything like a van or flatbed can.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11
12 point
|
|
12 point
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11 |
So...whats the easiest/cheapest way to get CDL "A"?
Also....in reading responses above, what is LTL and who are non-exempt drivers?
Obviously I know nothing about this. I know how to drive with big trailers....been doing it in the military for 19+ years...just figure I could keep doing it once I retire.
Would ya'll recommend going in feet first as an owner/operator? Or hire on with a company to get your feet wet?
I'd love to talk to anyone one here that currently or recently ran hotshots.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 25,712
Freak of Nature
|
|
Freak of Nature
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 25,712 |
Dad ran Hot Shot freight out of Mobile while in between jobs. He did of without an FFL.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11
12 point
|
|
12 point
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11 |
FFL? Was it a mobile gun shop? lol
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 25,712
Freak of Nature
|
|
Freak of Nature
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 25,712 |
It has been a long Monday.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11
12 point
|
|
12 point
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11 |
Alright....I get the CDL A being needed....what other requirements? Any minimum insurance requirements? How would you get your truck/trailer DOT certified, etc? Is there a website that walks you through this process? I've searched and can't really find a legit website (they are more company websites or personal websites - not local/state/fed websites).
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 25,712
Freak of Nature
|
|
Freak of Nature
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 25,712 |
Go to Hot Shot Delivery Service near 65/98 and talk to them.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 20,381 Likes: 38
Freak of Nature
|
|
Freak of Nature
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 20,381 Likes: 38 |
Alright....I get the CDL A being needed....what other requirements? Any minimum insurance requirements? How would you get your truck/trailer DOT certified, etc? Is there a website that walks you through this process? I've searched and can't really find a legit website (they are more company websites or personal websites - not local/state/fed websites). Call the alabama trucking association in montgomery
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 463
4 point
|
|
4 point
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 463 |
ok seth, a exemt driver is... someone who works for the state or Gov that drives for work. I work for a state agency , Hence i am exemt while driving one of their trucks. If i drive mine, I'll need a health card. I have a Class A with every endorsement but Passenger. I can ask around with some friends as to Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11
12 point
|
|
12 point
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11 |
Thanks so far! Keep the thoughts coming!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,236
8 point
|
|
8 point
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,236 |
I booked loads for hotshot at one time and I can tell you at times they make better money than the big trucks. Once piece of advice..... you will make lots more money if you are willing to tarp loads. It always amazed me how many flatbed/hotshot drivers don't even own tarps???
Lead, follow or get the HELL outa the way!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,172
6 point
|
|
6 point
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,661
14 point
|
|
14 point
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,661 |
That's what I do. I have a Fl 70 with a 24" flatbed on it. It under 26k with air brakes. I haul everything under the sun. I have a Cat engine on right now headed to Atlanta. You can make good money IF you have some body with customer freight. They call broker freight that for a reason. The longer i hauled broker freight, the broker i got! Under 26 you only need a medical card. You will have to keep log books.
Also LTL stands for less than truck load. Right now hot shots are doing good because of freight and fuel prices. They are getting paid say $1.79 a mile with 12-14 mpg vs 6 mpg in a big truck. There are many other advantages that most ppl will never think of. If you need to know anything else just let me know. Be glad to help.
Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11
12 point
|
|
12 point
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11 |
That's what I do. I have a Fl 70 with a 24" flatbed on it. It under 26k with air brakes. I haul everything under the sun. I have a Cat engine on right now headed to Atlanta. You can make good money IF you have some body with customer freight. They call broker freight that for a reason. The longer i hauled broker freight, the broker i got! Under 26 you only need a medical card. You will have to keep log books.
Also LTL stands for less than truck load. Right now hot shots are doing good because of freight and fuel prices. They are getting paid say $1.79 a mile with 12-14 mpg vs 6 mpg in a big truck. There are many other advantages that most ppl will never think of. If you need to know anything else just let me know. Be glad to help. Being under 26k, what does that leave you for room weight wise for a load? Can you explain the customer freight a little more versus a broker? PM me if you need to. This really has my interest right now.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11
12 point
|
|
12 point
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,580 Likes: 11 |
Okay.....learned a lot in the link above. Got a question though... why in the world is Alabama the only state that doesn't recognize the Military Skills test waiver??? That's ridiculous! I operate over 26,001 GVWR with air brakes and the waiver would allow me to skip the skills test for my class A CDL......BUT....Alabama doen't recognize it! REALLY??? [img] http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/reg-licensing/cdl/Military-Skills-Test-Waiver-Map.pdf[/img]
|
|
|
|
|
