What is a hot shot driver?

According to Acme Trucking, a hot shot driver specializes in express deliveries that are less than a typical load. Driving hot shot loads is popular in the trucking industry because they usually pay more than regular trucking jobs.

Becoming a hot shot driver usually requires an owned or leased rig that is capable of transporting expedited loads, according to Citizen Shipper. The equipment costs of a hot shot business are usually lower than a semi-truck business. The most typical set up for a hot shot driver is a gooseneck trailer connected to a 1-ton diesel truck. To get started as a hot shot driver, registration, insurance and licensing are required.