Profitable loads fuel the hotshot industry. Without loads, there will be no hotshot business. It’s as simple as that. If you are new to this business, one of your hurdles will be finding regular loads. Here are six places where you can find loads:
1. Freight Brokers
Freight brokers are the middle men that connect shippers to truckers and they can help you out especially if you are just starting out. The best thing about them is that they do most of the legwork including negotiating the rates.
There are more than 20,000 licensed freight brokers in North America. You can easily find one by searching online or asking for referrals from other truckers in your area.
2. Load Boards
Load boards (sometimes referred to as freight boards) are an online marketplace where shippers, freight brokers and truckers can post and search for loads. Most load boards have a sophisticated and easy-to-use interface, allowing all users to filter their searches based on specific criteria. The basic features of a load board may include load matching, credit information, FMCSA verification and mobile access. Some load boards offer free access while others charge subscription fee.
Working with load boards has pros and cons. On one hand, it helps the industry’s new comers get started in the business. However, stiff competition for truckers especially on popular lanes drives the rates down which in turn reduces your profit margin.
3. Dispatch Services
You can also hire a dispatcher to get your business up and running. Looking for loads or negotiating with shippers can be tedious, time consuming and stressful and that is where dispatchers can help you. They have connections and negotiating skills to help you keep your hotshot trailer loaded at a competitive rate. In many cases, they also take care of other administrative tasks such as invoicing, billing, collections and other paperwork.
Dispatchers charge different fees. Some charge as low as 5% of what the load will pay while many charge between 10-15%. Others charge a flat fee for each load.
4. Register as a Government Contractor
More often, the government outsource their staffing needs, and transportation is no exception. Good news is, no matter where in the country you are, there is a government agency nearby. Being a government contractor does require a few extra requirements, including registering to be one. Sometimes, the government agency may also have specific requirements for a flatbed trailer to handle specialized loads. If you are interested, contact your city or state government for more details.
5. Prospecting
Prospecting may take time to work at the start but many hotshot businesses use this strategy as it produce great leads that oftentimes develop into a long-term business relationship.
To start, you need to do some research to know the shippers in your area, what they ship, and to where. You can then contact them by knocking on their doors or cold calling. When you contact them, introduce your business and then ask questions about their trucking needs. If you have a relevant portfolio, you can show it to improve your chances of getting a good lead. Once already contacted, don’t just leave the prospect behind but be prepared to check back with them.
6. Networking
Attending business meetings, social events and other networking activities can help make your business visible and raise your profile in the minds of the right people. In business, oftentimes it is all about who you know and not what you know. If you have connections, you can easily call them for anything. You can also generate referrals, which is one of the best forms of advertisement that allows you to find profitable loads.
With networking, focus on industry associations that use a lot of transportation or freight services. You will find a lot of prospective shippers there.
Just like with most marketing strategies, it is always good to try different approaches to getting loads and see which ones work for you. Whatever method you choose, stay with it and do not give up. Oftentimes, it takes time before you finally see the results.
Hi i am just starting out my truck BI
I have questions.
Can someone please call me
301-302-1500
I just opened my hot shot trucking company. Truck only. And dont know where to get loads from
Hey, I’m Issac a dispatch agent. Give me a call, I would love to help 833-335-8721.
Hi Issac,
I have a few question about what i need to do as i have the truck and trailer and i can open a LLC no problem. I am in NC and would like to know if there is any Hot shot needs in this area. will go all over the US. please fill free to email me at jgcholt2004@gmail.com
Hey Issac, my name is Chris and I am thinking about getting in the hotshot business. I was wondering if you could give me some info on how this work or not. Thanks
Hi my name is Oscar and i would like help on getting started with my hotshot business please contact me at neibymorales15@gmail.com
My name is James I reside in Baytown Texas, Ive had my authority for about 2 months now, I have 24ft flatbed 25,500 GVRW. Im not finding many loads worth moving for…Can U help Me with alternative methods?
looking forward to hearing from you.
JLGRIFFSHotShot@Gmail.com
Hello James , my name is Iris and I am a dispatcher and also a broker , if need help finding loads give me a call 502-953-1977 or email me at irisdispatcher@gmail.com
I am interested in loads in Louisiana for plant nurseries.
Hi Issac, Do you mind if I give you a call?
Hey Issac, I have a hotshot but I have a reckless driving ticket from over a year ago. Does that disqualifies me from starting a hotshot business? Thanks in advance
Hey Issac I have a F450 king ranch that I was using to move rv’s. Not really any money in that especially with fuel prices now. How can I get loads here in Texas. Barely starting out since the first of February. Need direction so I don’t fail.
Hi Ben,
I hope this email finds you successfully running loads today! My name is Shenet and If you need any help at all with your business, I think I can extend a hand friend. My email is Shenetm@happyhitchin.com and my phone is 6017617575 office of cell 6017913697 call me! Let’s make some money!!!!
Have an awesomely blessed day,
Shenet Myers
Do you dispatch loads for hotshot dump trailers
Hi Isaac, can you give me a call at 9107334572. I have a few questions and I want to get started pulling some loads. I only have a truck at the moment
Hey Isaac I’m Chris from Tampa fl in the process starting a hotshot business I live to get some pointers from you emailed me at CShauling724@gmail.com
Hello my name is Jimmy. I have experience driving a tractor trailer. I’ve been thinking about getting into the Hot Shot business, but don’t have any connections. Any advice, and help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Jimmy
863-559-5719, or
j.nesvacil@yahoo.com
Hi Isaac, I want to start my hot shot business but I have a few or maybe a lot of questions. Could you please get back to me whenever you get a chance?
Thank you!
How you doing Issac my name is Lee how can I connect with you when I contact you to get some info about hotshot loads . Thank you and God Bless
Hi issac Looking for dispatch service if u can call me 8302904586. Ric
What happened Ray?
Need help finding load
What kind of loads can I get with a 3/4 ton?
Looking for information on hotshot loads .
Hi Michael,
My name is Shenet and it’s nice to meet new people in the industry.
Mr. Yanney, I am reaching out to see if anyone has called you yet?
If not feel free to hit me up. Office is 6017617575 cell is 6017913697
TIA,
Shenet
Hi I have questions about hot shotting.
Just starting out in the trucking business. And three-quarter ton pick up and 24 foot gooseneck flatbed. No CDL. Loads under 26,000 pounds hopefully limited Oklahoma. I have two years experience working for another company before I decided to go on my own. Need some advice thank you
I am planning to start a hot shot trucking business,what would be the best type of truck to start out with? No out of state hauling.
Hello, because of the situation going on right now,is this a good time to start a Hot Shot business or any freight hauling.
I have a day cab with 930E trailer dove tail and 3500 dually with gooseneck dove tail. I’m gonna have a driver to drive my semi truck but getting to a hotshot I’m not sure about it. I’m seeing hotshot not a lot of works need some help getting a loads.
Favorite truck to start hotshot??
Hi, I have a lot of questions… can you call me please… thanks!!!
what is the best place or load bord to use to find consistent hotshot loads?
Look for hotshot loads
I want to start my own hot shot business but stay local within 600 miles is this possible?,
Hello I’m having trouble finding consistent loads. I have an llc with truck and trailer.
I wanna see what on a load board an the prices before I start a hotshot bussiness how do I do tht
Hello. My name is Tommy. I do have a 2020 F-350 King Ranch. It’s all setup for pintle trailers only. Anybody can tell how to get some hotshot deliveries (non CDL). I’m new in this business. Im driving since 1995.I appreciate it.
how can I look at a free load board with out having a MC number I have three trucks.right now I’m lease on to a company.Tractor only.
Hello there Darryl. I’d like to talk with you about your three trucks and your goal for the future. I can be reached at
I’m looking for a dispatcher to help me get started in hot shot hauling I have lots of driving and pulling trailer experience have a 1 tone and ready to make some money just need a little help getting kicked off. Email brian1821@icloud.com
I want to start my own hot shot business but need to know what i need to do. can someone help me ?
Interested in getting information on getting started picking up hot shot loads.
Morning, I got HOT-SHOT LOADS..
LOOKING FOR ( RGN ) HOT-SHOT PRICING & AVAILABLITY
Two 14 ‘ campers, on One Hot-Shot flatbed
From: Business
Los Angeles, CA 90039
and
From: Residence
Spokane, WA CA 99201
To (Address TBD):
Customer 1: Location 1: Trail, BC V1R 3A6
Customer 2: Location 2: Castlegar, BC V1N 1G7
Goods will be Cleared In Advance before arriving to Border ( PARS )
Needed with a Winch and Ramps
14′ Feet long x 2
8′ feet 5″ inches tall
6’feet 5″ inches wide
Tongue Weight – 150 lbs. Each
Model Type: HC1
Total Camper Weight: 1100 lbs. Each
Non-motorized Camper, Needs Hot Shot flatbed needed with a winch and ramps.
Here the HOT-SHOT LOADS looking to ship this next week.
From: LOS ANGELES 90039
4 campers (14′) going to Fountain, CO 80817
2 campers (14′) going to Wood Village, OR 97060
1 camper going to Manteca, CA
1 camper going to Sunnyvale, CA 94087
1 campers (14′) going to Morgan Hill, CA 95037
1 campers (14’) going to Sebastopol, CA 95472.
Non-motorized Camper, Needs Hot Shot flatbed needed with a winch and ramps.
Thank you in advance,
John Black
johnbl@sureway.com
Hi I do have my owe truck and trailer for hot shooting I also my DOT and MIC numbers
My company is Transall Logistics located in Houston, Texas. I have my own authority with a 32 ft flatbed gooseneck trailer and and one ton dually truck. I am looking for weekly loads.
Hi William,
My name is Talish and I’m a professional dispatcher at TA Freight Dispatching LLC. If your looking for loads weekly I can help you with that. Please give me a call at 815-957-9121.
Get in touch with me. I’m in Houston and we have loads for Owner Operators and can get you setup with Factoring.
CD Trucking Express, LLC
I’m looking to go under a company using my own authority I have 2 trucks 2500 Chevy Silverado flatbeds already registered through the state just have to get insurance and willing to go state to state I also want to hire my fiancé on to be my dispatcher is this possible??
Hi I’m just starting out. I have a 2021 3500 Dodge Ram with a 20’+5’ gooseneck Big Tex trailer. I have my DOT #, MC #, and insurance for $750k. Looking for loads. I’m in the LA area. Call or text me (818)689-1076
Hi, I’m starting my company safety cargo LLC, I have two dodge ram 3500 with 40ft gooseneck, we have CDL. up to 20.000Lbs
We can help you. We are professional freight dispatchers with loads all over the US and can set you up with factoring company 281-704-7029
Iam starting out in the hotshot business and looking to network with individuals in the industry.
Hi Adrian,
My name is Talish and I’m a professional dispatcher for TA Freight Dispatching LLC. If you give me a call I have some information I can give you on networking. I can be reached at 815-957-9121.
hey there my name is Robert im starting my own hauling and transport business in florida and i’m looking for a dispatcher that can help me get up and running my email is tkyhtr28@aol.com or (321)299-5548.
Hi William,
My name is Talish and I’m a professional dispatcher at TA Freight Dispatching LLC. If your looking for loads weekly I can help you with that. Please give me a call at 815-957-9121.
Hi Adrian,
My name is Talish and I’m a professional dispatcher for TA Freight Dispatching LLC. If you give me a call I have some information I can give you on networking. I can be reached at 815-957-9121.
I’m looking to move freight
I can help you. We are dispatchers with loads all over the US.
CD Trucking Express, LLC
An informative blog on hot shot trucking business and about loads for hot shot trucking.
Looking to change over from towing to hauling freight. We have 15 trucks. 350,450,550. Models and trailers for some. Would like to convert 5 trucks to hotshot
Hi my company is Frank Trucking Enterprise out of Houston TX I am seeking hotshot loads available to go to Louisiana, Texas, Laredo, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Alabama. Insured and have Authority
I can help you get loads. cynthia@cdtruckingexpress.com
CD Trucking Express, LLC
CD Trucking Express LLC – We provide dispatch services and get you setup with same day pay factoring company. If you have any questions get in touch. Loads all over US.
I have a heavy duty truck and both open trailers and a 26′ closed trailer – I’m looking for Hot-Shot loads in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Arizona, etc. I can also drive and deliver motorhomes, etc. Any help getting loads would be appreciated!
We need help! We have loads consisting of our moving leftovers . We need two pickup trucks with van (closed) trailers, minimum 37.5 ft. to maximum 40 ft. long each! One pickup truck will have two pu locations about 25 minutes apart. The other one has only one pick op location. Both loads will be loaded in San Bernardino in Southern California and must be delivered to the same destination in Reynolds near Butler in middle Georgia. Loading and unloading will be taken care of by us! Drivers must only assist with block & brace the load with two plywoods and two load lock bars every 6-8 ft.,which will be supplied by us!
Thank you!
Hello GM, my name is Rick my locations is Dallas,New in the hotshot business, I have the equipment to do my hotshot business I’m a CDL holder, only thing missing is loads. Anyone that I can network with, please reach out.
Hi. I’m in this hotshot business since 2 years ago . I’m hauling cars and I want to switch to flatbed . What do you think? Do you know where I can rent a flatbed trailer for starter? Do you know any company that I can talk to about loads ?
Thank you
I’m Susie. My husband and I are wanting to get into Hot Shot deliveries, but not sure exactly where we need to start…. We have a truck and a few trailers. would you be able to help us?
Thank you for your attention to this email
Respectfully
Susie
Richard
I am new into hot shot Business I am looking for help to begin to get loads I would like to work local all Texas area
I am Jerry I want to get into the hotshot business but I do not know where to start I have the truck already
Hey there ladies and gentlemen.I own a construction business and am.looking to get into the hotshot business.Already got a 2500 ram and 3500.Also got a 30 ft and 20 ft flatbed.Any info would help.Im out of Fresno ca but can go anywhere.My email is. coellos.construction@outlook.com.
TIA
Hey my name is Daniel me and my brother wants to get started in hot shot trucking but we won’t some more info first on it can any one help us out with it
Getting into hot shot. Currently do not own a trailer but I will get it by the end of the week. Is there anyone who can help me get started? I have a Dodge Ram 2500 super duty power wagon.
I have an f250 and currently a 16’ flatbed bumper pull trailer. About to purchase either a gooseneck or large bumper pull to hotshot. Need to get info. I’m in GA.
Hi,
This is Ian a professional dispatcher working with FA Dispatch service. Call me at 4062958466 and I will make sure that no one remains free 🙂
hi im just starting the hotshot trucking business i need help looking for work currently in Ne. Can anyone help me out
I am interested in landing some work through hot-shot trucking. Just purchased a new Sierra 2500 DuraMax. Please send more information.
Hello all my name is Jason. I recently purchased a truck and trailer and I am looking to get started. Please connect with me I am open and ready for work. 313-424-9197
I am in southern WV, I own a rollback & would like information on how to start hot shots…will get LLC, no problem.
hi this annetta me and my boyfriend is going to start up our own hotshot business and i have a few questions for if you dont mind giving me a call at 3194066470 i would appreciate it thank you
Need a dispatcher and/or broker who likes to make money and knows how.
I will get the truck and trailer.
Brian
boglesby5309@gmail.com
I am wanting to start a business with Hotshot hauling
I have a truck for hotshot hauling but I live in a big city and do not own a trailer. I want to work for someone who owns a trailer and I will just do the haul part. Please text me at 512.665.5416. PS I live in DMV area (Maryland, DC, Virginia).
Hi my name is Antoinette and I’m interested in starting my hot shot business, any information would be gladly appreciated. Thanks
Hello My Name Is Lupe Im checking to see if any one nneds a driver.
Hi, my name is Tim Williamson I am starting my Truck business and would like more information on how to work for you.
Hello, along with most the other comments I’d also like to get information on the hot shot business. My husband and I are freshly starting from scratch. We are still in process of getting a truck. Any info helps Thanks !
Hello, also wanting to get information on hot shot business from Texas area. Already have truck and LLC done. Looking to figure out how to become a dispatcher and also get these loads!!