Essential Gear Every Hotshot Trucker Needs
Before you hit the road, you need the right equipment. Cutting corners on gear costs you time, money, and loads. Here’s everything you need — and why each item matters.
Load Securement (DOT Required)
Ratchet Straps
You need heavy-duty 4″ ratchet straps rated for your cargo weight. The DOT requires enough tie-downs to meet the cargo securement rules — typically one strap per 10 feet of cargo plus one. Budget 8-12 straps minimum.
What to buy: 4″ x 30′ ratchet straps with flat hooks, 5,400 lb working load limit. Get the heavy-duty ones — cheap straps fray and fail. Expect to pay $25-40 per strap.
Chains and Binders
For heavy equipment and steel loads, chains are required. Grade 70 transport chains with lever or ratchet binders are the standard.
What to buy: 3/8″ Grade 70 chains with grab hooks, paired with ratchet binders. Buy in sets of 4 minimum. Around $50-80 per chain and binder set.
Edge Protectors
Corner protectors prevent your straps from cutting on sharp cargo edges. They also prevent damage to the freight — which prevents cargo claims against you.
What to buy: Rubber or plastic edge protectors. $5-15 each. Buy a dozen.
Tarps
Many loads require tarping. Lumber tarps (24′ x 24′ or larger) and steel tarps (16′ x 24′) are the most common. Some loads pay extra for tarping — $50-150 per tarp.
What to buy: 18oz vinyl coated lumber tarp to start. $200-400. Heavy but durable and waterproof.
Safety Equipment
Dash Cam
Non-negotiable. A good dash cam protects you from false accident claims and can save you thousands on insurance disputes. Get a dual-camera setup (front and rear).
What to buy: A dual dash cam with GPS, loop recording, and night vision. $100-200 for a quality setup. This is the best $100 you’ll spend on your business.
Fire Extinguisher
DOT requires a properly rated fire extinguisher in every commercial vehicle. 5 lb ABC rated minimum.
What to buy: 5 lb ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher. $25-40. Mount it where you can grab it fast.
Reflective Triangles
Required by DOT — three reflective warning triangles must be in your truck at all times.
What to buy: DOT-approved reflective triangle kit. $15-30.
Safety Vest and Hard Hat
Many shipper locations require hi-vis vest and hard hat before you can enter the facility. Show up without them and you don’t get loaded.
What to buy: Class 2 or 3 hi-vis safety vest ($10-20) and a basic hard hat ($10-15).
Tools and Accessories
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
A blowout on the highway with a loaded trailer is dangerous and expensive. TPMS alerts you before it happens.
What to buy: Wireless TPMS system that covers truck and trailer tires. $150-300. Pays for itself the first time it saves a tire.
Portable Air Compressor
For airing up tires on the road without finding a truck stop.
What to buy: 12V heavy-duty portable air compressor rated for truck tires. $60-120.
Basic Tool Kit
Socket set, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, electrical tape, zip ties, spare fuses, and a good flashlight. You don’t need a full mechanic’s setup — just enough to handle minor roadside issues.
GPS / Navigation
Use a trucker-specific GPS or app that accounts for vehicle height, weight, and bridge clearances. Google Maps doesn’t know your truck can’t fit under that 11′ bridge.
What to buy: Trucker Path app (free) or a Garmin dezl GPS unit ($200-400).
Total Startup Gear Budget
- Ratchet straps (10): $250-400
- Chains and binders (4 sets): $200-320
- Edge protectors (12): $60-180
- Lumber tarp: $200-400
- Dash cam: $100-200
- Safety equipment: $60-100
- TPMS: $150-300
- Tools and accessories: $200-400
Total: $1,220-2,300
Don’t cheap out on load securement. A failed strap or dropped load will cost you infinitely more than buying quality gear upfront.
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