Hot Shot Trucking Startup Guide + Cost Calculator

Thinking about starting a hot shot trucking business? This guide gives you the real numbers — not YouTube hype.

We break down exactly what it costs to start ($15K–$45K for most operators), what trucks to buy (F-350 vs Ram 3500 vs Silverado 3500 with real used prices), how to get your authority in 21 days, what insurance actually costs ($6K–$12K/year), where to find loads, and what you can realistically expect to earn.

What's inside the 22-page PDF guide:

• Chapter 1: What Is Hot Shot Trucking (& Is It Right for You?)
• Chapter 2: Startup Costs — The Real Numbers
• Chapter 3: Choosing Your Truck (F-350 vs Ram 3500 vs Silverado 3500)
• Chapter 4: Choosing Your Trailer + Securement Equipment List
• Chapter 5: Getting Your Hot Shot Authority (21-Day Checklist)
• Chapter 6: Insurance for Hot Shot Carriers ($6K–$12K/yr)
• Chapter 7: Finding Hot Shot Loads — Truckstop, DAT, 123Loadboard
• Chapter 8: Rates & Profitability (Real $/Mile by Freight Type)
• Chapter 9: Your First 90 Days — Week-by-Week Action Plan
• Chapter 10: 10 Mistakes That Kill Hot Shot Businesses

BONUS — Excel Startup Cost Calculator (3 tabs):

• Tab 1: Startup Cost Calculator — plug in YOUR truck, trailer, insurance, and equipment costs. Auto-calculates total cash needed to start.
• Tab 2: Monthly Operating Costs & Break-Even — enter your miles, MPG, and fuel price. Outputs your break-even rate per mile so you never accept a bad load.
• Tab 3: Profit Scenario Calculator — model Slow, Typical, and Strong months. Adjust rates and miles to see your take-home pay after expenses and taxes.

Instant download. PDF + Excel. Use it forever.

Built by American Truckers LLC — a working dispatch company that helps owner-operators build profitable businesses.