Hotshots Running Like The Big Boys.

Only recently re entered the trucking world after Well over a decade away, I At first contemplated returning to my family’s oilfield hotshot roots, joined some hotshot forums. After observing the mini truckers (What the truckers called us when I was a strapling) on the highway . Frankly I am appalled. I don’t begrudge them earning a living, especially picking up the slack on the Light load partials. But between the forums With the cluelessness displayed in comments and What I’ve seen on the road, I find it worrisome the level of weight these guys are rolling with as cdl hotshot on 1 ton or ton and a half chassis . And the w.t.f. Load securement I see. Am I just spotting the sketchy ones or is this what hotshot has become. Just my opinion here but dang, these guys are going to cause even More prohibitive regulations and insurance issues. From what I’ve seen thus far the d.ot. Boys certainly have a hard eye on them. Thoughts? Be honest don’t hold back.

I don't pay much attention to them. I will never haul cars, boats, or campers in dry van at Crete.

I couldn't care less about what other drivers are doing, whether hotshot or other big trucks, as long as they're not engaging in unsafe driving behavior. I see a fair amount of hot shotters being inspected, but then again I see alot of semis and dump trucks as well. It's rare I see any large carriers being inspected, typically it's the smaller companies that appear to have older, not as well maintained equipment

I couldn't care less about what other drivers are doing, whether hotshot or other big trucks, as long as they're not engaging in unsafe driving behavior. I see a fair amount of hot shotters being inspected, but then again I see alot of semis and dump trucks as well. It's rare I see any large carriers being inspected, typically it's the smaller companies that appear to have older, not as well maintained equipment

Well yeah. The DOT is just like anyone else they don't wanna have to work too hard. N which is an easier target, the old small carrier truck with the driver that has crap all over the dash or the big fleet truck that looks clean and taken care of? The big 3 things if you want to avoid being pulled around back is check your lights often, watch your weights and keep the dash clean. Bonus points for keeping a clean windshield too. The DOT will be looking for the low hanging fruit anytime you get pulled in and as long as you look like you got your crap together they will typically leave you alone

I don't pay much attention to them. I will never haul cars, boats, or campers in dry van at Crete.

What is your opinion on hauling lumber in a dry van? Doesn’t seem safe to me.

I've done various types of lumber, along with steel coils, boulders, sod, liquid-filled totes, ammo, shingles, etc.

Some things I don't prefer to haul with the lack of securement options a van trailer presents, but it's not my name on the truck or trailer.

I've done various types of lumber, along with steel coils, boulders, sod, liquid-filled totes, ammo, shingles, etc.

Some things I don't prefer to haul with the lack of securement options a van trailer presents, but it's not my name on the truck or trailer.

I hear you.

I had a childhood friend that had a lumber load shift and toss him off the side of a mountain, he ended up a paraplegic. And he was using a flatbed.

Just seems unsafe to me to not be able to strap it down.