Hotshot Training

02/25/2026

Whether you're just getting started or leveling up your career, Hotshot Training gives you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to succeed in one of the fastest-growing industries in transportation.

We don’t just teach you how to haul —
We train you to operate like a professional.
www.HotshotTraining.com

10/30/2025

🚛 ELD Requirement Quick-Guide (Hotshot & Commercial Trucking)
Driver / Operation Type Typical Vehicle Setup ELD Required? Notes / FMCSA Reference
CDL Hotshot (Interstate) 1-ton truck + 40' gooseneck, over 26,001 GVWR ✅ Yes Must log hours under FMCSA HOS rules; ELD required unless short-haul applies
Non-CDL Hotshot (Interstate) ¾- or 1-ton truck under 26,000 GVWR ✅ Usually Yes Required if exceeding 150 air-miles or using paper logs more than 8 days/month
Short-Haul CDL / Non-CDL Operates within 150 air-miles and returns daily ❌ No Must meet all short-haul conditions: same start/end location, 14-hour limit
Intrastate Only (State Rules) Operates only inside one state ⚠️ Maybe Some states adopt FMCSA ELD rules; check your state DOT
Drive-Away / Tow-Away Vehicle being driven is the shipment ❌ No Exempt under FMCSA 395.8(a)(2)
Pre-2000 Engine Older truck or engine (model year 1999 or older) ❌ No ECM not compatible; full ELD exemption
Owner-Operator with ELD-Compliant Truck Uses own authority (MC #) for hire ✅ Yes Must have registered ELD device listed on FMCSA website
Leased-On Driver to Carrier Uses carrier’s DOT/authority ✅ Yes Logs under carrier’s ELD account per HOS compliance
Local Delivery / Construction / Farm Vehicle Operates under specialized exemptions ⚠️ Maybe Some exempt under farm or utility operations (check FMCSA 395.1)
⚙️ Key FMCSA Rules

49 CFR 395.8(a)(1) → ELD required for drivers using RODS

395.1(e) → Short-haul exemption (150 air-miles)

395.8(a)(1)(iii) → Pre-2000 engine exemption

395.8(a)(2) → Drive-away/tow-away exemption

🧭 Quick Tip for Hotshot Drivers

If you:
✅ Stay within 150 air-miles, and
✅ Return to your home base within 14 hours, and
✅ Use paper logs ≤ 8 days/month → You’re ELD-exempt

Otherwise → You must use an FMCSA-approved ELD.

01/24/2025

One of the initial expenses and necessities of starting a Hotshot business is equipment. You will need a few items to satisfy the DOT and then you will need your equipment to function and secure your loads. Here is the list I give to those that ask. Everyone is different and does it their own way so feel free to chime in and add your suggestions:
Dunnage – four minimum – 4 X 4 eight foot lumber
Winch bar
Winch strap winder
Web strap winder
Transport Chains – 2- 4 min. 5/16 X 25 . 70 GA. ( couple different gauge avail.)
Chain binders – 4 min.
Plastic Edge Protectors – 12 min.
Tarps - several sizes to pick from, you should decide if you want one or a couple smaller lengths, very expensive so you should ask merchant for advice, We recommend a couple of merchants.
Bungees – 25- 50 for your tarping.
Coil Racks light duty – 4 min.
4-6 extra 2 inch Straps with ratchets
10 – 4 inch Strap with mounted slider strap winch
Pipe Stake with snap pins – 2 ft – 4 min
Red or Orange 18 X 18 flags – w/ rings or grommets - 4 min
Red Flags with bungee mount
Magnet mounts for flags
Wide Load banner or sign
EQUIPMENT WE SUGGEST:
4 foot Pick up tool
Porta Winch
4-6 foot portable ladder
4 inch Ratchet with straps – portable – 2-4 min.
There are several good Equipment providers, We use and recommend :
DoubleCCanvas.com
MyteeProducts.com
Tip: if you can visit either in person, you can often find them on Amazon and save the shipping charges.
I will post the DOT needed in another post.

01/24/2025

One of the requirements of running a successful Hotshot Trucking business is to be able to tarp a flatbed load. None of us love it but there will be loads that you have to take to keep moving.
Make sure you have the right tarp, 80% of loads are less than 30ft, I prefer to have two tarps, 26 x 16' (or 20). a couple of cheaper smaller tarps 20 x 20 that are stout enough to stand up to bungees not ripping the grommets out.
# Rule is how you roll up your tarp so that you can unroll it over the load each time.
There are many good videos, I suggest you check out YouTube to get the idea but it takes experience to get the hang of it.

Learn how to tarp a flatbed load properly! I’m a flatbed trucker just trying to give new people some trucking tips for flatbed trucking 👍🏻My Winch Bar - ht...

01/23/2025

Thinking of starting in the Hotshot Trucking trade, but you don't know where to start?
You don't know your LLC, CDL, DOT, MC, HOS, ELD, from your FMCSA?
What equipment do I need? Where do I get my loads?
Get the How to Start Hotshot Trucking Guide that has helped hundreds to get their start.
Written by David DC Campos, Creator of Hotshot-USA Resource Network of social media, websites, publishing and marketing.
He is also the owner operator of Texlink Logistics LLC and Texlink Dispatch Service.
First step starts here. Click here:
https://hotshot-usa.com/about-the-book/

01/23/2025

We are a Network for Drivers, Built by Drivers.
Our goal is to provide every company, service, Product and resource to get you Started, Rolling, and Stay on the road.
Always check our Hotshot Connections for your every need.
https://hotshot-usa.com/hotshot-connections/

01/23/2025

01/23/2025

We will be adding more content, posts, training videos, leading up to the announcement of our Training Seminars & Classes.
Stay Tuned.
Check out our other Groups, Websites, and Hotshot-USA Resource Network community.

A community of interalated social media and websites promoting Hotshot Trucking