Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings on DOT Regulations for Hot Shot Trucks

Let FMCA Assist you with Hot Shut Trucking Requirements

United States - November 1, 2023 / Near Me Website Marketing /

Although hot shot trucking differs from traditional semi trucking, it still requires specific DOT regulations. These DOT regulations for hot shot trucks and their drivers may include licensure, like a CDL, and following a trucking company compliance checklist unique to this specific type of truck driving.

Hot shot trucking typically refers to a type of trucking that is on a much smaller scale than large semi-trucking loads. However, if you plan to haul goods across state lines, you must review the various standards that accompany even non-CDL truck drivers to best operate a commercial vehicle.

What Is Hot Shot Trucking?

Hot shot trucking refers to expedited trucking of small amounts of cargo. The weight limit for the cargo cannot exceed 10,000 pounds.

The vehicle weight must typically be under 26,001 pounds if you do not have a CDL. The truck or trailer you intend on driving must be below this weight threshold, or you must apply for a CDL, which allows you to commercially transport cargo legally with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

What Are the Requirements?

Authorities still consider any hot shot trucker a commercial truck driver. With this in mind, you need to know the specific requirements for operating a commercial vehicle. These requirements include being 18 years or older, passing a set of physical requirements (including a Medical Examiners Certificate), and having a drivers license for the state where you register the truck.

In addition to this, you also need insurance and the exams provided by the Department of Transportation completed. Every two years, you need an up-to-date USDOT number that connects your vehicle to the database for easy access by re-submitting your information.

Types of Trucks for Hot Shot Trucking

Hot shot trucking doesnt require any specific type of truck or trailer. As for trucks, you typically use Class 3 through 5 trucks. These range from medium to heavy-duty pick-up trucks that get decent mileage and can haul large loads and trailers.

As the Class goes up, so does the towing capacity. Depending on the types of loads and weight, youll want to carefully consider which truck to use for your hot shot trucking business.

Trailer Types

The trailer arguably represents one of the biggest investments when operating a commercial vehicle for your hot shot trucking business. Just like the truck, choosing a trailer that works for the specific type of cargo you plan to haul is essential.

Consider the three main types of trailers. The first, the dovetail trailer, works perfectly for hauling other vehicles like ATVs and cars because it sits low on the hitch.

The second trailer is the lowboy trailer. These trailers feature a level surface and low center of gravity. Some items that work well with lowboy trailers include bulky items like large household appliances.

Finally, bumper pull trailers are easy-to-deploy and adaptable trailers. They make a good choice for hot shot truckers because they typically cannot exceed 10,000 pounds of towing capacity, which helps to keep hot shot trucking companies compliant with the FMCSA.

Insurance Needs

Accidents can occur no matter how safe you drive as a truck driver. In the event of these accidents, every driver needs even the lowest liability insurance coverage to help cover the cost of damages to vehicles and cargo.

In addition, depending on the type of cargo your truck carries, you may need supplemental insurance. For example, hazardous materials may require a higher insurance premium due to the dangerous nature of the cargo. Complying with FMCSA and all its insurance mandates is the ideal way to ensure you get the correct insurance coverage for the best protection.

Hauling Across States

Maybe you wonder if you can haul cargo across state lines as a hot shot trucker. If you plan to drive commercial trucks, haul, and deliver from state to state, you cannot do so without a CDL. However, you can still complete a CDL and run a hot shot business across state lines to keep bringing in monthly money.

CDL vs. Non-CDL

Needing a CDL depends entirely on the weight of the cargo and vehicle. For example, if you intend to carry over 10,000 pounds of cargo on a vehicle weighing over 26,001 pounds, then you need a CDL. If less than these amounts, follow the FMCSAs guidelines and continue your hot shot trucking business.

File Your USDOT Number & Get a Good USDOT Safety Score

The first step to operating a commercial vehicle for a hot shot trucking company requires having a USDOT number. This number is a legal requirement for identification purposes to help manage cargo transportation. Avoid any penalties by getting your documents together and completing the FMCSA application with a reputable company like FMCA Filings.

Before applying, you will need your employee identification number, social security number, Duns & Bradstreet number, company officer name, and contact. Youll also need to specify which cargo type you intend to haul. Declaring the correct cargo proves an incredibly important aspect because the Department of Transportation needs to verify the specific cargo type for transporting hazardous materials and protection needs.

At FMCA Filings, you can register for your USDOT number with this information. After this, you can continue to check compliance on every front to ensure your hot shot trucking company operates legally and safely.

The DOT also uses your USDOT number to track how you drive, receiving safety ratings ranging from satisfactory, conditional, or unsatisfactory. You can do a few things to improve your DOT safety score, which may translate to getting more business for your hot shot trucking company. However, staying in compliance with the law is the first step to a good safety rating.

Federal Motor Carrier Authority Filings is a nationwide company that helps companies comply with DOT regulations for hot shot trucks in a time-sensitive manner while helping you drive more safely to pull in more business.

Head to FMCA Filings website today to start your hot shot trucking business off on the right foot.

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