Start Your Business With the Vehicle of Your Choice!
You can haul loads with all types of vehicles, lowering start-up costs and increasing home time. Whether you are using a sprinter van, box truck or hotshot, you will still have to follow the rules and regulations set by the FMCSA.
You don’t have to start your new business alone. The coaches at Motor Carrier HQ are here to help you navigate the rules and regulations so you can get your company on the road fast and with less hassle! We can help you register for your new motor carrier authority, and help you with your:
- USDOT Number
- MC Number
- BOC-3 Process Filing Agent
- IFTA registration (if applicable)
- Safety & Compliance
Hotshot Truckers vs. Owner Operators
All hotshot trucks, box trucks, sprinter vans, and semi-truck owner operators haul loads commercially and operate under their own operating authority. The main differences between the two are the types of loads they take and the type of vehicle. Here are a few other key points between the two:
Box Truck/Sprinter Van/Hotshot
- Lower start-up costs
- Class 3-5 vehicle
- Usually has more home time
- Hauls smaller loads
- Time-sensitive loads
- May not need a CDL
Semi-Truck Owner-Operator
- Higher start-up costs
- Class 8 vehicle
- Usually over the road longer
- Hauls bigger loads
- Needs a CDL
If you have any questions about how to enter the trucking industry as an independent owner operator, expediter or hotshot driver don’t hesitate to give Motor Carrier HQ a call! We can work with you to create a customized plan that works just for you to get your new company on the road.
WHAT ARE EXPEDITORS?
Expeditors haul time-sensitive loads using a medium or large-sized vehicles with or without a trailer. They have a lot of freedom to choose which loads to haul based on their vehicle. Some vehicles set ups may not even need a CDL depending on the weight of their vehicle and trailer and where they are hauling.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF SMALLER EQUIPMENT?
Whether you’re new to the trucking industry or are a trained veteran, you may find it easier to become an owner operator of a smaller set up. Some perks include:
- Become your own boss
- Lower start-up costs
- Choose your own schedule
- More home time
- Certain loads are only available for smaller vehicles
HOW DO I BECOME AN OWNER OPERATOR?
No matter what piece of equipment you chose, it is much like starting your own trucking company. If you’re thinking about hauling expedited loads with a hotshot, box truck or sprinter van, here are a few starting steps:
- Purchase the equipment. What you need to get depends on what, where, and how much you want to haul. Most hotshot truckers get a dually so they can haul bigger loads. The piece of equipment that has the greatest impact in what you can haul is your trailer. You’ll want to do your research, so you pick the right type of equipment for the kinds of loads you plan on hauling. Unlike other owner operators, you’re not purchasing a semi-truck, which makes the starting cost much lower.
- Get your operating authority. Like owner operators, hotshot truckers, box trucks, sprinter vans and expeditors need to get their operating authority to haul commercially. The coaches at Motor Carrier HQ can take care of all the paperwork for you, so you can have peace of mind knowing your company is registered properly.
- Get insurance. Any type of company that hauls for-hire needs to have proper insurance for the loads they haul. Our coaches can help guide you to the right insurance that works for your company.
- Start hauling. Once you’ve finished all the paperwork, it’s time to start finding loads! There are a number of loads available just for smaller set ups, and there are many resources you can use to find them.
Listen to our podcast Haulin Assets for more information on what you need to get your trucking company started.
HOW CAN Motor Carrier HQ HELP?
No matter what type of equipment you choose, if you want to become an owner operator of a semi-truck, box truck, sprinter ban, hotshot or mix and match your equipment under one authority, Motor Carrier HQ can help get your new business on the road. We can take care of all the paperwork for you and help you keep your company up-to-date with most of the regulations set by the FMCSA, so you can keep hauling loads.
