This article was originally published on March 13, 2025, and updated on May 5, 2026.

Hot shot trucking is one of the most accessible ways to get into the industry — lower startup costs, flexible scheduling, and demand that doesn't dry up. But accessible doesn't mean simple. We sat down with David Campos, founder of HotShot USA and a 10-year industry veteran, to get the full picture on what it actually takes to start and run a hot shot business.

What Is Hot Shot Trucking?

Hot shot trucking uses medium-duty trucks (Class 3–5) and flatbed trailers to move time-sensitive loads that don't need a full semi. It's one of the more accessible ways to get into trucking: lower startup costs, more flexibility, and steady demand even as other segments get crowded.

There are two types: non-CDL (capped at 26,001 lbs combined weight) and CDL, which can haul more depending on your truck and trailer's GVWR.

To break it down further, we talked to David Campos, owner of HotShot USA. He's spent 10 years in the industry and made it his mission to help others get in. "I had lots of time driving across the U.S.," he told us. "I would take notes — keeping notebooks throughout — and created my book." His site offers resources, connections, and his eBook Hot-Shot USA: Guide to Hotshot Trucking for anyone serious about getting started.

Who Is David Campos, Hot Shot Trucking?

David has always had an eye for opportunity. "If I see an opportunity in the market, I take it," he says. That instinct has taken him from selling self-defense products and Sci-Fi collectibles to freight — first driving semis in Fort Worth, TX ("not so fun," he admits), and eventually hot shot trucking, where he's built a real business.

He got into hot shot after seeing a friend make serious money in a matter of days. At the time, people were guarded about the industry — they knew what it was worth. David did the opposite: he took notes on everything and turned that knowledge into a resource.

David Campos, Founder and Owner/Operator of Hot Shot USA

Today, he runs a network he describes as "for Drivers, built by Drivers" — an integrated community across social media, websites, publishing, training, and marketing. With roughly 30 social media groups and 500,000-plus members, his network covers every service, product, and connection you need to get started and stay on the road.

The market is more saturated now than when he started, but David still has plenty of advice. "The best thing I can do is give people the right advice, making sure they're informed with the right equipment and knowledge." He acknowledges, with some good humor, that becoming a resource may have contributed to the saturation — but says it wouldn't matter either way: "people will enter the industry no matter what."

How to Start Hot Shot Trucking: Step-by-Step

Hot shot is a small-fleet or owner operator model. Most operations run shorter hauls, flexible schedules, and specialized or urgent freight. Getting started means setting up your business, meeting compliance requirements, getting insured, choosing the right equipment, and building a system for finding profitable loads.

We broke it all down in a free checklist—keep reading or scroll down to the bottom of the page to download it.

Here's how to do it.

1. Get Your License and Medical Card

Hold a valid driver's license and pass a DOT medical exam. If your combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) exceeds 26,001 lbs, you'll need a CDL.

2. Form Your Business

Most drivers start with an LLC to separate personal and business liability. You'll need to register with your state, get an EIN, and open a business bank account.

3. Register With FMCSA

Get your USDOT number and apply for MC (operating) authority if you're hauling interstate freight. You'll also need to complete your BOC-3 filing (designating a process agent in each state) and register for UCR. New entrants are required to complete a safety audit within the first 12 months.

4. Get the Right Insurance

You need commercial insurance before you move a single load. Most brokers require at minimum:

• $1M primary liability

• $100K cargo coverage

Depending on your setup, you may also need physical damage and non-trucking liability coverage. Expect to put down $3,000–$5,000 upfront for premiums.

5. Choose Your Equipment

Pick a truck and trailer that match your freight type. The FMCSA outlines their cargo securement rules here. Common trailer options include flatbed and gooseneck. Build a standard securement kit: straps, chains, binders, and tarps. Make sure your GVWR/GCWR limits are confirmed before accepting loads.

Pro Tip: GPS tracking is optional, but considered worth it. Many brokers prefer it, too. 

6. Know Your Compliance Requirements

Keep required documents in-cab at all times. Most interstate hot shot drivers are required to use an ELD and follow Hours of Service rules unless you qualify for a short-haul exemption.

As David puts it: "Everything in this business has consequences. Better to be compliant from the start." That’s becoming even more important as brokers and insurers pay closer attention to carrier safety history, documentation, and operational risk.

7. Start Finding Loads

Set up accounts on load boards, reach out to brokers in your preferred lanes, and define your minimum rate per mile based on your actual costs. More on this below.

How Much Does It Cost to Start Hot Shot Trucking?

Know your numbers before you commit. Here's a general breakdown of what to expect:

Most experienced operators recommend having $15,000–$30,000 in reserve when you launch. That buffer covers unexpected expenses while you're building your book of business.

Financing options include:

• Traditional bank loans

• Equipment financing (loan or lease)

• SBA loans (competitive rates, flexible terms)

• Personal savings or alternative lenders

CDL vs. Non-CDL Hot Shot: What's the Difference?

Your licensing requirement depends on your combined vehicle weight rating:

• Non-CDL: 26,000 lbs or less (GVWR/GCWR combined)

• CDL required: 26,001 lbs or more

This affects which loads you can take, what equipment you can run, and which regulations apply to you.

Additional Registrations to Know About

Not every new hot shot operator needs these right away, but they become necessary as you scale or cross certain thresholds:

• IRP (International Registration Plan): Required for apportioned plates if you operate across multiple states at higher weight classes

• IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement): Required for interstate fuel tax reporting under qualifying conditions

Confirm what applies to your operation before you start hauling.

How to Find Profitable Hot Shot Loads

Load Boards vs. Broker Relationships

Load boards are the easiest way to find freight when you're starting out. But as David is clear about: "The best loads come from established broker relationships." Load boards are accessible, but "a lot of times they are bottom of barrel loads." The goal is to get brokers calling you first.

How to Evaluate a Load

Before booking, know your cost per mile. Then evaluate:

1. Rate per mile (RPM): Your baseline

2. Fuel costs: Based on current prices and your route

3. Deadhead miles: Factor in empty miles before and after

4. Route efficiency: Is there a reload opportunity nearby?

5. Fixed operating costs: Insurance, maintenance, and other overhead

If a load doesn't support your margins, don't take it. Taking loads below cost just to stay moving is one of the most common and damaging mistakes in this business. For a deeper breakdown, check out our guide to Key Financial Variables in Trucking.

How to Get on Broker Lists

Deliver cleanly. Communicate well. Keep your paperwork tight. In today’s freight environment, brokers are increasingly paying attention to safety history, documentation quality, insurance coverage, and professionalism during onboarding.

After a few solid loads, ask brokers directly to be added to their email lists and first-call rotations. David's advice: "Staying in touch creates more opportunity and insight into the market and profitability of things."

What brokers are looking for:

• On-time delivery

• Clean safety record

• Clear communication

• Quick problem resolution

• Reliable tracking

• Organized documentation

• Accurate insurance and authority information

"Broker connections are everything," David says. "If they trust you, they'll come to you first." To be successful with brokers, he recommends: 

1. Researching and registering with reputable load boards

2. Connecting with freight brokers in your preferred lanes

3. Joining industry associations and online communities, such as one of David’s Facebook group HOTSHOT TRUCKING with 189k members.

4. Establishing relationships with maintenance providers

5. Building connections with experienced drivers

Common Hot Shot Trucking Mistakes to Avoid

• Taking loads below your cost per mile

• Skipping or ignoring compliance requirements (ELD, inspections, filings)

• Overloading or mismatching equipment to freight

• Relying on a single load source

• Working with unverified brokers (risk of non-payment or fraud)

• Poor financial preparation before launch

Current Market Conditions

The hot shot market has changed. David has watched it shift over the years: 

"Originally loads were booked at full truck price. Now partial loads are essential because rates are lower, but you can maintain good per-mile rates through smart load combination."

Taking partials is now part of the business model. "You must take partials because rates are so low, but you are always taking the risk." Understanding that risk and pricing accordingly is what separates operators who last from those who don't.

Heading into 2026, the freight market looks more stable than it has in the past few years — but it's still very competitive, with too many trucks chasing too little freight in many lanes. For hot shot operators, that means the fundamentals David talks about matter more than ever: know your costs, be selective with loads, and build the broker relationships that keep you off the bottom of the load board. For a full breakdown of what to expect this year, read TruckSmarter's 2026 Trucking Outlook. 

Keep Learning. It Pays Off.

David is direct about this: "You can't have too much experience. Things always come up." Investing in yourself means keeping up with regulations, reading industry news, talking to other drivers, and attending events or courses when you can.

HotShot USA isn't slowing down either. "I'm working on more training, having a school and courses and training members and pooling resources," he says. "My long term goal is to have regional hot shot summits in Houston and Dallas, TX."

His bottom line? "More success means more work." And in trucking, more work is always the goal. Join 500K+ drivers on TruckSmarter's free load board, the #1 rated app for owner operators with over 10K reviews, and find your next load today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need FMCSA operating authority to run hot shot?

Most hot shot operations do, especially if you're hauling interstate freight. It depends on what you haul and where. Verify requirements for your specific lanes and commodities before you start.

Do I need a CDL for hot shot trucking?

Only if your combined vehicle weight rating (GVWR/GCWR) exceeds 26,001 lbs. Below that threshold, a standard driver's license is sufficient — though a DOT medical card is still required.

How much money can you make hot shot trucking?

It varies significantly based on lanes, load types, and how well you manage costs. The key metric is rate per mile after expenses. Know your cost per mile first, then evaluate every load against it.

How do I get on a broker's preferred list?

Deliver on time, communicate clearly, and keep your paperwork clean. After a few loads, ask to be added to their email drops and first-call lists. Consistency is what earns you that spot.

Will brokers become more selective after the Montgomery ruling?

Possibly. Many brokers are expected to strengthen carrier vetting and onboarding processes, particularly around safety history, insurance, and documentation quality.

What insurance do I need for hot shot trucking?

At minimum: $1M primary liability and $100K cargo coverage. Many brokers won't work with you without it. Physical damage and non-trucking liability coverage may also be required depending on your setup.

Is hot shot trucking still worth it?

The market is more competitive than it used to be, but demand for time-sensitive freight hasn't gone away. Success today depends on smart load selection, strong broker relationships, and tight cost management.

What is the best load board for hot shot trucking?

Multiple load boards serve the hot shot market. The best approach is to set up accounts on several, set alerts for your preferred lanes, and use them as a starting point while you build direct broker relationships. TruckSmarter's free load board is a good place to start.