What it is and Why Licensing Matters
Hotshot trucking generally denotes the transportation of freight through the use of small trucks or pickup vehicles, which are usually urgent in nature. Goods such as construction equipment, generators, agricultural machinery, or automotive parts are usually transported over short distances.
This system appeals because it offers independent drivers the opportunity to earn income with their own vehicles. But with every “fast delivery” job comes its own responsibilities and regulations.
This is where a CDL license comes in. In the United States, a person needs a CDL to operate commercial vehicles above specific weight limits or to carry particular types of cargo. It is important to understand that hotshot trucking can be done without a CDL, but only within specific weight and vehicle classifications. Therefore, choosing the right type of license directly affects both your earning potential and your legal compliance.
The CDL Decoded for Hot Shot Trucking
The CDL, or "Commercial Driver's License," is a special license issued in the United States to operate any kind of commercial vehicle. This certification involves much more comprehensive regulations and training compared to a standard driver's license.
CDL licenses are divided into three main classes based on the type of cargo being transported and the weight of the vehicle:
• Class A CDL: This is the most comprehensive license type. It's usually required for drivers of a tractor-trailer combination with a total weight of over 26,001 lbs and a trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds. This is the most common class for hot shot trucking.
• Class B CDL: These are used for single-unit commercial vehicles, like buses or trucks. So long as the trailer doesn't weigh over 10,000 lbs, this license is sufficient.
• Class C CDL: Applies to vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials, passengers, or other specialized loads.
In other words, if your hot shot truck and trailer combined weigh over 26,001 lbs (about 11,800 kg), you are legally required to get a CDL under one of these classes.
Non-CDL" Hot Shot: Operating Within the Limits
In operations known as “Non-CDL hot shot”, the driver can do transportation work without having a CDL license. But in that case, some technical restrictions must be followed.
According to the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations:
The combined GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of both the truck and trailer cannot exceed 26,000 lbs.
The trailer itself cannot have a GVWR over 10,000 lbs.
If these limits are exceeded, the driver must upgrade to one of the CDL classes.
Non-CDL hot shot trucking is usually done using Class 3 trucks; therefore, it's the ideal entry-level option for starters. However, both the amount of cargo that can be transported and the types of jobs available are limited.
Why Get Your CDL License? Unlocking Bigger Opportunities in Hot Shot
Many drivers often ask the question, "Is getting a CDL license really worth it?" The answer: absolutely yes.
A CDL license is not just a legal requirement; it is also an investment that increases both your income potential and range of job opportunities. Here's why:
Better Pay: Careers in trucking with a CDL license range from hot shot trucking to long-haul, over-the-road transport. On average, CDL drivers make 30–50% more than non-licensed drivers.
More Flexibility: CDL holders are qualified for high-paying categories such as hazardous materials (Hazmat), tanker, or long-trailer operations.
More secure and prestigious work: insurance companies often offer lower premiums to CDL holders, and several logistics companies hire only licensed CDL drivers.
Legal Protection: A CDL protects you from possible fines in FMCSA and state-level inspections, adding credibility to your profession.
Or, in other words, with a CDL license, you could make the jump from "small delivery gigs" to large, high-dollar contracts in the world of hotshot trucking.
The Road to Your CDL License
Getting a CDL does not happen overnight, but it is a very achievable process with a structured plan. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the CDL schedule:
· Get the necessary documents: You need identification, a medical certificate DOT Medical Card, and proof of residency.
· Apply for Your State Exam: This includes two steps: a written General Knowledge test, and a Skills Test for practical driving.
· Choose Your CDL Class: Class A, B, or C. Hotshot drivers most often opt for the Class A CDL because it allows for heavier loads and trailer combinations.
· Attend a CDL Training Program: Most CDL training schools last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks and include in their curriculum such items as vehicle control, safety procedures, balancing loads, and route planning.
· Pass the Exam and Get Licensed: Upon completion of the tests administered by an FMCSA-certified instructor, you get your CDL license.
Most professional CDL schools also offer job placement services to place graduates directly into available CDL jobs.
Differentiating CDL vs. Non-CDL Roles in The Hot Shot Job Market
In hotshot trucking, there is a distinction made between CDL and non-CDL drivers:
Feature Non-CDL Hot Shot CDL Hot Shot
Vehicle Type Class 3 pickup (e.g., F-350) Class 4–6 or higher (e.g., F-450, Ram 5500)
Weight Limit Under 26,000 lbs Over 26,001 lbs
Trailer Capacity Under 10,000 lbs Higher capacity
Insurance Cost Low Moderate to High
Earning Potential Medium High
Work Range Regional National / OTR
License Requirement None CDL classes required[ENG1]
In conclusion, obtaining a CDL license increases your load capacity, allows you to take on longer routes, and helps you maximize your income potential.
Frequently Asked Questions for Hot Shot & CDL
We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about Hot Shot trucking and CDL licenses for you.
My truck is a Class 3; do I need a CDL for hotshot?
If the GVWR for your truck and trailer together is less than 26,000 lbs, you are not considered a commercial vehicle. However, if the weight of the trailer itself is over 10,000 lbs, you will be required to get a Class A CDL.
What's the difference between GVWR and GCWR for CDL?
The GVWR denotes the maximum weight that a single vehicle is allowed to carry, whereas the GCWR is the total weight capacity of the truck plus its trailer.
GCWR is the primary basis for defining CDL requirements.
How long is the typical CDL schedule if I attend a training school?
A CDL training course typically lasts about 4 to 8 weeks. In a full-time program, it can be finished in as little as 4 weeks.
Are there specific CDL jobs solely for hotshot and not OTR?
A CDL license applies across all types of commercial transportation; this means it is not limited to hot shot trucking but also extends to OTR, tanker, flatbed, and hazmat CDL jobs.
Can I transition easily from a non-CDL hotshot to a CDL?
Sure, it is pretty easy. If you are currently a hotshot driver, then you're at an advantage because your current experience will help you upgrade to a CDL. You can join any CDL training school and have your Class A CDL in just a couple of weeks.
Conclusion: The Power of a CDL in Your Hot Shot Career
Hotshot trucking is a low-barrier but highly promising industry. If one wants to significantly grow and become a professional driver, getting a CDL license is the smartest long-term decision. A CDL is more than a permit; it's a ticket to larger contracts, more money, and job security on the highways. Before you hit the highway, choose the right CDL class, set your CDL schedule, and take your next step toward professional freedom. If you're ready to step up your hotshot trucking setup with reliable fifth wheel hitches and towing equipment, check out Tulga Fifth Wheel's lineup of American-made heavy-duty towing products designed for both CDL and non-CDL haulers.
Make sure to stop by Tulga's website [ENG2] to find the perfect fit for your truck and begin with confidence like a pro.
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