Who Are the Hot Shots?
Transportation logistics companies such as Landstar contract with hot shot carriers. “Hot shot” trucking is simply becoming a freelancer, an independent contractor who owns his own truck and can take or refuse jobs as they are offered to him. When you contract with one company, you’ll never have to worry about a lack of work or having to find your own clients.
What Does Regular Trucking Work Require?
What’s expected of you as an employee of a trucking company depends on the company itself, but you can typically count on doing the same types of hauls over and over — perhaps even the exact same route from one day to the next. You may also be called in to work well over 40 hours per week on a regular basis and to cover the shifts of other drivers with little notice.
When Can You Become a Hot Shot?
You require the proper licenses to become any kind of truck driver, but it’s not recommended you try hot shot trucking before first getting some experience at a trucking company. This is so you become familiar with the different types of semis and hauls and you have a better idea of what type of truck you’d like to purchase and what type of hauls you’d like to undertake when the choice is entirely your own.
Once you have some experience under your belt at a trucking company and you’re certain you’re suited to the job, becoming a hot shot freelance driver is the best thing you can do to get more control over your trucking career. Contact Landstar for support in making the transition from employee to independent owner-operator.
