Hot Shot Trucker's Guide: How to Find Hot Shot Loads

Hot shot trucking involves small, time-sensitive loads that are often less than a full OTR truckload. You do not have to have a big rig to pick up these high-paying loads, and you can move them using a flatbed or medium-duty truck.

These loads are an excellent choice for small-volume truckers, but finding loads can be challenging. This guide will help you find loads, negotiate a profitable rate, and book a load to and from your destination.

As a new hot shot trucker, finding loads to haul is crucial to your success. The table below provides a comprehensive list of load boards, detailing the fees, descriptions, and direct links to each platform. This information will help you make an informed decision on which load boards are the best fit for your needs, ensuring you have access to the best loads and can maximize your earnings.

Load Board	Type	Fees	Description
Hot Shot Carrier	Paid	$19.95 - $24.95/month	Loads are generally posted for 18 wheelers. As a visitor, you can see the loads for free, but you'll need to subscribe to access contact information.
123 Loadboard – Hot Shot	Paid	$35 - $55/month	A version of 123Loadboard that is specifically for hot shot truckers. Provides access to over 50,000 loads daily. Offers a mobile app for easy access on the go.
Expedite Load Board	Paid	$50 - $100/month	The Basic plan is for carriers that are strictly looking for cargo van loads. The Pro plan is for carriers looking for cargo van, box truck & semi-truck freight.
DAT	Paid	$45 - $295/month	The DAT One mobile app, included in your subscription, gives you the tools to find and book loads, plan and optimize trips.
Truck Stop	Paid	$39 - $125/month	Approx 21K available loads for hotshot trucks with flatbed trailers, offering an average paid rate at approx $2.15/mile.
uShip – Hot Shot	Free	Free	uShip offers a free hot shot load board. It doesn’t charge you any money until the transaction fee when you secure hot shot work.

Please note that the fees for paid load boards are approximate and may vary depending on the specific services and features offered. It is recommended to visit the website of each load board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The process to find and book hot shot loads will vary depending on the platform you use. For the purpose of showing an example, we’ve set out the process used in TruckStop.com, as set out in the video below created by Roan Transport LLC:

STEP 1: Start a new search

Click on the button "Start a new search"

STEP 2: Narrow down your search

Fill in the details to specify the type load you’re looking for. If you didn’t do this, you’d get hundreds of loads.

Field	What to Enter (Example Only)	What This Is
Equipment	HS (Hot Shot)	The max weight your truck can carry
Max Weight	20,000 lbs	The max weight your truck can carry
Max Length	[Leave blank]	The max length of your truck and trailer
Pickup Date	13 February 2023	The date you want to pick up the load
Origin	Springfield, MO	The pick up point, where you’ll be picking up the load.
Radius*	200 miles	The radius from origin to destination. The larger the radius, the more loads you to choose from.
Destination	Anywhere	Where you’ll be delivering the load to.

STEP 3: Sort by Rate Per Mile

Among the loads available, you’ll be most interested in those that charge the highest rate per mile. Sort the RPM in descending order by clicking the top of that column so that the arrow is pointing down:

From the example above, there’s a load to be picked up from Kansas City, which is 173 miles from the destination, Iron Mountain Missouri, paying $1.90 per mile.

STEP 4: Click on the load that interests you

By clicking on the load of interest, you’ll see the following data:

1. Broker’s details
2. Broker’s requirements (In this case, the broker requires that your hot shot truck carries tarps)

3. Determine the rate you’ll want to negotiate

Truckstop.com’s estimated rate tells you what the broker has paid recently, on average, over a given period of time.

TIP: This helps you start your negotiation process. Although the broker is offering $1,400 you you know the average rate paid beforehand was slightly higher.

NB: Knowing that the broker requires tarps and you have them, you may want to leverage this to start negotiating from $1,500.

STEP 5: Find a load coming back

Now that you know where you’ll be travelling to to drop off the load, you’ll want to find out if there any loads to pick up from that destination, to transport back to your hometown destination, or to anywhere nearby.

Copy the destination name, (e.g. Iron Mountain Michigan), open a new search and paste it in the origin field.

STEP 6: Click on the return load of interest

In the above example we found a load going from Appleton Wisconsin to yo Ankeny Iowa.

The broker has under-bid the offer at $850, well below the estimated rate of what it has paid previously, at $1,097. So you’d start the negotiations well above the initial offer price.

STEP 7: Call the telephone number to negotiate your rate and book the load

In the left hand panel you’ll see the contact details of the broker, including contact name, telephone number and email address.

The structure of your conversation, based on the example above, could go something like this:

You: Hello, may I please speak with Marcus Martin? I’m calling with interest to book a load on 14th February, to be picked up from Appleton Wisconsin, to be delivered to Ankeny Iowa.

Broker: The broker will tell you about the load, what is is, the requirements for your hot shot truck, and the offered rate.

You: It sounds like a great opportunity. I have a hotshot truck that meets your requirements, and I have experience in deliverting this type of load. However I feel that given the distance, my trucking capabilities and experience, I’ll be looking for a higher offer, at $1,000 instead of the initial offer at $850.

*NOTE: Feel free to negotiate with the broker as per your usual negotiating style. You may choose to start your offer very high, knowing that they’ll push back, but more towards rate you would accept.

Broker: The broker may either reject, accept or propose another counter-offer.

You: As necessary, continue negotiating the rate untl you’re happy with the offer.

Broker: The broker will book the load for you.

Check out the full video below from Roan LLC for useful tips on how to negotiate the rate you want.

The infographic below breaks down the break-even cost per mile for truck drivers. This is the rate you will charge per mile based on the outgoing costs of executing the load. Source: ATRI An Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking

In our Ultimate Guide to Hot Shot Truck Insurance, you’ll find answers to the most common questions on insurance for hot shot trucking. These include:

• How much does Hot Shot Truck Insurance cost?
• What documents are required to get Hot Shot Truck Insurance?
• What is the International Registration Plan (IRP)?
• Where can I register for the International Registration Plan?
• What Are The Insurance Covers That Truckers Like Me Usually Get?

Requirements for Hot Shot Truck Insurance

As a hot shot trucker, you must adhere to the insurance requirements set out by your state, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and any brokers or shippers you collaborate with.

• Liability insurance coverage ranging from $750,000 to $5 million, covering bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration when needed.
• Minimum cargo insurance of $5,000 per truck and $10,000 per occurrence.
• Damage coverage for your truck and trailer.

In addition, you'll likely need:

• A commercial driver's license from your state.
• A Department of Transportation (DOT) number and Motor Carrier (MC) number for interstate operations.
• Completion of various FMCSA forms.

What Does Hot Shot Trucking Insurance Cover?

Hot shot trucking insurance safeguards you, your vehicle, and your business in the event of an accident or loss, as well as the cargo and freight you transport.

Coverage	Description
Damage to your truck and trailer	Covers repair or replacement costs due to theft, vandalism, fire, or collision. May also compensate for downtime.
Damage to other property	Covers costs to repair or replace property damaged in an accident you cause.
Injury to others	Covers medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses for those injured in an accident you cause.
Legal fees	Covers costs associated with legal issues stemming from an accident or damage caused by your vehicle.
Damaged or lost cargo	Covers costs to replace damaged items during transport or in an accident. May also cover "earned" freight if you cannot deliver a load due to an accident or other issue.

Where to Find Hot Shot Insurance

For commercial hot shot insurance, consider starting with Coverwallet. This commercial insurance agency provides quotes from top insurers, including Liberty Mutual and Progressive.

• A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
• 24/7 availability for receiving quotes from multiple carriers.
• Award-winning intelligent assessment system for tailored policies.
• Online wallet for managing payments, claims, certificates of insurance, and more.

Cost of Hot Shot Insurance

The annual cost of hot shot trucking insurance typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 per truck, varying based on several factors:

• Required coverages and their amounts.
• Your credit score.
• Your policy's deductible.
• Age, make, model, and class of your truck.
• Your experience as a driver.

The insurance company you choose also plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Therefore, it's essential to compare policy options from various insurers to secure the most comprehensive coverage at the best rate.

1. Understand What Hot Shot Trucking Entails: Hot shot trucking involves transporting small, time-sensitive loads with vehicles like flatbeds or medium-duty trucks, ideal for small-volume truckers.

2. Utilize Load Boards: Load boards are a crucial tool for hot shot truckers to find loads. Use the comprehensive list provided in the guide to choose the best fit for your needs.

3. Consider Your Vehicle Options: You don't need a big rig to participate in hot shot trucking. Flatbeds or medium-duty trucks are sufficient.

4. Watch the Video for Insights: The video from 123Loadboard provides additional tips and insights on finding and booking hot shot loads.

5. Follow the Step-by-Step Guide: Use the step-by-step process outlined in the guide to navigate the load board, customize your search, negotiate rates, and book a load.

6. Set Appropriate Rates: Refer to the guide on setting hot shot trucking rates to ensure you are charging a fair and profitable rate for your services.

7. Understand Insurance Requirements: Hot shot truckers must adhere to specific insurance requirements, including liability coverage and cargo insurance. Consult the guide on hot shot truck insurance for detailed information.

8. Check Your Vehicle's Capabilities: Before accepting a load, ensure your vehicle meets the requirements and is capable of carrying the load's weight and size.

9. Utilize Multiple Load Boards: Don't limit yourself to one load board. Explore multiple options to find the best loads and maximize your earnings.

10. Stay Informed and Updated: Regularly check the websites of load boards and other resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, requirements, and available loads.