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Choosing the Right Truck for Hotshot Hauling

Your truck is the backbone of your hotshot business. Pick the wrong one and you’ll bleed money on repairs, fuel, and downtime. Here are the best options in 2026 ranked by reliability, towing capacity, and overall value.

1. Ford F-350 Super Duty (Best Overall)

The F-350 is the most popular hotshot truck on the road for good reason:

• Engine: 6.7L Power Stroke diesel — 475 HP, 1,050 lb-ft torque
• Max towing: 24,200 lbs (gooseneck)
• Fuel economy: 8-12 MPG towing
• Why it wins: Massive aftermarket support, parts availability everywhere, proven reliability

The F-250 works too if you’re staying strictly non-CDL and running lighter loads. Same engine, slightly lower GVWR.

2. Ram 3500 (Best Engine)

• Engine: 6.7L Cummins diesel — 400 HP, 1,075 lb-ft torque
• Max towing: 23,580 lbs (gooseneck)
• Fuel economy: 8-11 MPG towing
• Why it’s great: The Cummins engine is legendary for longevity. 500,000+ mile engines are common with proper maintenance

The Ram’s weak point historically has been the transmission (68RFE). The newer models with the Aisin AS69RC are much more reliable under heavy towing.

3. Chevy/GMC 3500HD (Most Comfortable)

• Engine: 6.6L Duramax diesel — 470 HP, 975 lb-ft torque
• Max towing: 23,500 lbs (gooseneck)
• Fuel economy: 8-11 MPG towing
• Why consider it: Best interior and ride quality. Allison transmission is bulletproof

The Duramax/Allison combo is rock solid. If you’re spending 10+ hours a day in the cab, the comfort factor matters.

New vs Used: What Makes Sense?

A new 1-ton diesel runs $55,000-85,000+. That’s a big payment eating into your per-mile profit. Consider:

• Sweet spot: 2-4 years old, 50,000-80,000 miles. Still reliable, significantly cheaper
• Budget option: 2017-2020 models with 100,000-150,000 miles. $25,000-40,000 range. More maintenance but much lower payments
• Avoid: Anything with a deleted emissions system — DOT fines are steep and getting steeper

Single Cab vs Crew Cab

Single cab (regular cab) trucks have advantages for hotshot:

• Shorter wheelbase — easier to maneuver
• Lighter — keeps you further under CDL weight limits
• Cheaper to buy
• Better approach/departure angles for loading

Crew cabs are more comfortable for long hauls and have better resale value. Your call based on priorities.

The Non-CDL Weight Trap

Remember: combined GVWR (truck + trailer) must stay under 26,001 lbs to avoid CDL requirements. Check your door sticker GVWR carefully. A 14,000 lb GVWR truck + 14,000 lb GVWR trailer = 28,000 lbs combined = CDL required.

Many operators specifically choose F-250s or 2500-series trucks with lower GVWRs to stay safely non-CDL.

Bottom Line

Buy the most reliable truck you can afford with the lowest payment possible. A paid-off truck earning $1.50/mile profit beats a brand new truck earning $0.50/mile after the payment. The truck is a tool — treat it like one.

What Does It Really Cost to Run a Hotshot Truck?

The difference between a profitable hotshot business and a money pit comes down to one number: your cost per mile. If you don’t know this number, you’re guessing — and guessing kills businesses.

Breaking Down Cost Per Mile

Here’s a realistic breakdown for a typical non-CDL hotshot operation running a diesel pickup and 40-foot flatbed:

Fuel — $0.45-0.65 per mile

This is your biggest variable cost. At 8 MPG towing and diesel at $3.60-5.00/gallon, you’re looking at roughly $0.45-0.65 per loaded mile. Empty miles (deadhead) cost the same but earn nothing — minimize them.

Insurance — $0.15-0.25 per mile

At $1,000-1,500/month and running 6,000-10,000 miles monthly, insurance works out to about $0.15-0.25 per mile. This drops as you build claims-free history.

Truck Payment — $0.10-0.20 per mile

A $600-1,200 monthly truck payment spread across your miles. If your truck is paid off, this goes to zero — a huge advantage.

Maintenance and Tires — $0.08-0.15 per mile

Oil changes, brakes, tires, bearings, unexpected repairs. Budget for it or it’ll budget for you. Trailer tires alone run $200-400 each.

Permits, Registrations, and Fees — $0.02-0.05 per mile

IFTA fuel tax, IRP registration, UCR, annual DOT updates. Small per-mile but adds up annually.

Dispatcher Fees — $0.00-0.50 per mile

If you use a dispatcher, they take 10-25% of your gross. On a $2.00/mile load, that’s $0.20-0.50 gone. Finding your own loads eliminates this entirely.

Total Cost Per Mile

Adding it all up:

• With dispatcher: $0.80-1.80 per mile
• Without dispatcher: $0.60-1.30 per mile

What Rate Per Mile Do You Need?

To be profitable, your rate needs to exceed your cost per mile by at least $0.50-1.00. Here’s the math:

• Cost per mile: $1.00 (average)
• Target rate: $2.00+ per mile
• Profit per mile: $1.00
• Weekly miles: 2,500
• Weekly profit: $2,500
• Monthly profit: $10,000

That’s the dream scenario. Reality varies — but knowing your numbers makes the difference.

How to Lower Your Cost Per Mile

1. Pay off your truck — Eliminates $0.10-0.20/mile instantly
2. Find your own loads — Cut the dispatcher and keep 100% of the rate
3. Minimize deadhead miles — Plan return loads before you deliver
4. Maintain your equipment — Preventive maintenance is cheaper than breakdowns
5. Track fuel economy — Drive smarter, fuel up at cheaper stations

The Bottom Line

Every successful hotshot operator knows their cost per mile down to the penny. Calculate yours before you accept a single load. If a load doesn’t cover your costs plus profit margin, pass on it. There’s always another load — there’s not always another chance to stay in business.

What is Hotshot Trucking?

Hotshot trucking is a non-CDL freight hauling business using pickup trucks and flatbed trailers. It’s one of the fastest ways to become an independent owner-operator without the massive investment of a full semi-truck setup.

If you’ve got a diesel pickup and the drive to work for yourself, hotshot trucking might be your ticket to financial independence. This guide covers everything you need to know to get started in 2026.

What Equipment Do You Need?

The Truck

Most hotshot operators run a 3/4-ton or 1-ton diesel pickup. The most popular choices are:

• Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty – The most common hotshot truck on the road
• Ram 2500/3500 – Known for the Cummins diesel reliability
• Chevy/GMC 2500HD/3500HD – Duramax diesel with solid towing capacity

Diesel is non-negotiable. You need the torque for heavy loads and the fuel range for long hauls. Expect 8-10 MPG while towing.

The Trailer

A 30-40 foot heavy-duty flatbed trailer is the industry standard. Most operators start with a 40-foot gooseneck trailer. Key specs to look for:

• GVWR rated for your load capacity
• Typically 12,000-16,000 lbs capacity for non-CDL operations
• Ratchet straps, chains, and tie-down points included

Legal Requirements

USDOT Number

Every commercial motor vehicle operating in interstate commerce needs a USDOT number. The good news: it’s free to obtain through the FMCSA website.

MC Number (Motor Carrier Authority)

Your MC number is your operating authority. It costs approximately and takes 3-4 weeks to become active after filing. You cannot legally haul freight for hire without it.

BOC-3 Filing

A BOC-3 (Blanket of Coverage) designates process agents in every state you operate in. This is required by the FMCSA. Cost: -50 through a filing service.

Insurance

You’ll need at minimum:

• Auto liability: ,000,000 minimum for interstate operations
• Cargo insurance: ,000 is standard
• Physical damage: Optional but recommended for your truck and trailer

Budget -1,500 per month for insurance as a new operator. Rates decrease as you build history.

How Much Money Can You Make?

Hotshot loads typically pay .50-3.00 per mile depending on:

• Lane (route) demand
• Freight type and weight
• Urgency of delivery
• Season and market conditions

A solid operator running 2,000-3,000 miles per week can gross ,000-9,000 weekly before expenses.

Key Expenses to Track

Successful hotshot operators track every dollar. Here are your main costs:

• Fuel: Your biggest expense. Budget for 8-10 MPG towing
• Insurance: -1,500/month
• Truck payment: Varies by vehicle
• Trailer maintenance: Tires, brakes, bearings
• Permits and registrations: Annual renewals
• Dispatcher fees: 10-25% if using a dispatcher

Finding Loads

There are several ways to find freight:

• Load boards: DAT, Truckstop.com, and Direct Freight are the big three
• Direct shippers: Build relationships with companies that need regular hauling
• Dispatchers: They find loads for you but take 10-25% of the load pay
• Brokers: Freight brokers connect carriers with shippers

Pro tip: Start with a dispatcher or load board, then transition to direct shipper relationships for better rates and consistent work.

CDL vs Non-CDL Hotshot

The key weight threshold: if your combined GVWR (truck + trailer + load) stays under 26,001 lbs, you do NOT need a CDL. Most hotshot operators specifically set up their equipment to stay under this limit.

Benefits of staying non-CDL:

• No CDL medical card requirements
• Less regulatory burden
• Lower insurance costs
• Faster startup time

Bottom Line

Hotshot trucking is a real business with real money — but only if you run your numbers. Track every mile, every gallon, every load. The operators who succeed treat it like a business, not just a driving job.

Ready to get started? Your next step is getting your USDOT number and MC authority. The process takes about a month, so start now.

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