Hotshot Truck Driver Jobs
Hotshot driving positions with O Trucking. Competitive pay at $2.25/mile, 24/7 support, choose your loads.
O TruckingHotshot Market Snapshot
Spot Rate
$2.25/mi
Contract Rate
$2.75/mi
Avg Weekly Gross
$3,400
What It's Like to Drive Hotshot
Hotshot driving is trucking's wild card. You run a heavy-duty pickup (Ford F-350, Ram 3500) pulling a gooseneck flatbed trailer, hauling time-sensitive and LTL freight that doesn't justify a full 53-foot trailer. Near oilfields (Permian Basin, Bakken, SCOOP/STACK), hotshot pays $2.50-4.00/mile because when a drilling rig needs a replacement part, it needs it yesterday — every hour of downtime costs the operator $20,000+. General freight markets pay $1.50-2.00/mile for agricultural equipment, construction materials, and expedited LTL loads. The startup cost is the most accessible in trucking: $71,000-188,000 depending on whether you buy new or used. Non-CDL hotshot (under 26,000 lbs combined) gets you in the door; CDL hotshot with a 40-foot trailer opens up heavier, higher-paying loads. The lifestyle is fast-paced — you're the emergency response of the freight world.
What You'll Haul
Top Hotshot Lanes
Hotshot Requirements
- Valid driver's license — no CDL needed under 26,000 lbs combined weight
- Heavy-duty pickup (Ford F-350, Ram 3500, or equivalent)
- Gooseneck trailer (33-40 ft)
- Commercial auto insurance policy
- Clean driving record
- Securement equipment — straps, chains, binders for flatbed loads
Why Drive Hotshot With O Trucking?
Oilfield Rates
Oilfield hotshot pays $2.50-4.00/mile when rigs need equipment yesterday. Those rates exist because speed matters more than price.
Lower Startup Cost
A used F-350 and gooseneck trailer gets you started for $71,000-100,000. That's a fraction of what a Class 8 rig costs.
Expedited Premium
Time-critical loads pay because they can't wait for standard freight scheduling. When someone needs a part on a rig by tomorrow morning, they'll pay to make it happen.
CDL Optional
Under 26,000 lbs combined, no CDL needed. Go CDL with a 40-foot trailer to access heavier, higher-paying loads — but you can start without one.
Hotshot Jobs by State
Find hotshot driving jobs in your state.
Northeast
Midwest
Southwest
Hotshot Driver Jobs FAQ
Common questions about hotshot driving jobs with O Trucking.
How much do hotshot drivers earn?
Oilfield hotshot in the Permian Basin pays $2.50-4.00/mile. General LTL hotshot pays $1.50-2.00/mile. Drivers near energy corridors who can respond fast and keep rolling 250+ miles/day do best.
Do I need a CDL for hotshot driving?
Under 26,000 lbs combined (truck + trailer + cargo), no CDL needed — usually a 33-foot gooseneck. Go CDL with a 40-foot trailer and you can haul heavier, higher-paying loads like excavators and heavy pipe.
What truck do I need for hotshot?
Non-CDL: Ford F-350 or Ram 3500 with a 33-foot gooseneck trailer. CDL: same truck or F-450/F-550 with a 40-foot trailer. Total startup is $71,000-188,000 depending on new vs used.
Is hotshot driving profitable?
Depends on your market. Near oilfields (Permian Basin, Bakken, SCOOP/STACK)? Very profitable at $2.50-4.00/mile. General freight markets with no energy sector pay $1.50-2.00/mile — still viable but tighter margins.
How do I find hotshot loads?
DAT and Truckstop have hotshot-specific load boards. Oilfield loads come through direct relationships with drilling companies and service providers — networking at rig sites matters. We source hotshot loads from our broker network and match them to drivers near the pickup. Many hotshot drivers also run partial LTL loads from uShip and CitizenShipper.
What's the best trailer for hotshot?
For non-CDL: 33-foot PJ or Big Tex gooseneck (under 26,000 lbs combined). For CDL: 40-foot gooseneck or a flatbed semi-trailer. Dovetail trailers with fold-down ramps work well for driving equipment on and off. Budget $8,000-15,000 for a quality used gooseneck or $18,000-30,000 new.
Can I run hotshot part-time?
Yes — hotshot is one of the most flexible trucking segments. Many drivers run hotshot on weekends or during oilfield surge periods while keeping a day job. The key is being available when loads pop up, especially time-critical oilfield runs that can pay $1,000+ for a half-day trip.
Apply in 60 Seconds
Most hotshot drivers start within 48 hours. No long forms — just the basics.