Hire Hotshot Drivers
Hotshot drivers in our network operate Class 3-5 trucks (typically dually pickups with 40-ft gooseneck trailers) for LTL, expedited, and time-sensitive loads. They are ideal for oilfield equipment, partial loads, and freight that cannot wait for a full truckload schedule.
Hotshot Driver Requirements
CDL Class
Class A or B (varies by GVWR); some non-CDL under 26,000 lbs
Endorsements
None required
Min. Experience
1+ years hotshot or expedited freight experience
Wage Range
$1.50-$2.50/mile (loaded)
Special Requirements
- Gooseneck trailer operation and backing skills
- Load securement for partial and uneven loads
- Familiarity with oilfield, construction, or agriculture freight
- Willingness to work non-standard hours for expedited delivery
Our Hotshot Driver Pool
4,500+ nationwide
Qualified Drivers
24-48 hours
Avg. Placement Time
$1.50-$2.50/mile (loaded)
Avg. Wage Range
Hotshot Hiring Challenges We Solve
Many hotshot drivers are independent — harder to retain
Equipment quality varies widely among owner-operators
Insurance for hotshot operations can be difficult to verify
High fuel costs relative to payload reduce margin
Inconsistent freight can push good drivers to other equipment types
What Our Hotshot Drivers Bring
Fastest placement in our network — 24-48 hours
Higher per-mile rate on loaded miles
Flexibility — many hotshot drivers are owner-operators
Less red tape — some loads under CDL threshold
Growing demand from oilfield, construction, and LTL sectors
Hire Hotshot Drivers by State
Select a state to see hotshot driver availability, wages, and market conditions.
ALAlabamamoderateAKAlaskamoderateAZArizonahighARArkansashighCACaliforniavery highCOColoradomoderateCTConnecticutmoderateDEDelawaremoderateFLFloridavery highGAGeorgiavery highHIHawaiilowIDIdahomoderateILIllinoisvery highINIndianavery highIAIowamoderateKSKansasmoderateKYKentuckyvery highLALouisianavery highMEMainelowMDMarylandhighMAMassachusettsmoderateMIMichiganhighMNMinnesotamoderateMSMississippimoderateMOMissourihighMTMontanavery highNENebraskamoderateNVNevadamoderateNHNew HampshirelowNJNew Jerseyvery highNMNew Mexicovery highNYNew Yorkvery highNCNorth CarolinahighNDNorth Dakotavery highOHOhiovery highOKOklahomavery highOROregonmoderatePAPennsylvaniavery highRIRhode IslandlowSCSouth CarolinahighSDSouth DakotalowTNTennesseevery highTXTexasvery highUTUtahmoderateVTVermontlowVAVirginiavery highWAWashingtonhighWVWest VirginiamoderateDCWashington DCmoderateWIWisconsinhighWYWyominglow
Other Equipment Types
Hotshot Driver Staffing FAQ
It depends on the GVWR. If the combined truck-and-trailer weight exceeds 26,000 lbs, a CDL Class A is required. Many hotshot operations fall near this threshold. All drivers in our hotshot pool carry the appropriate license for the equipment they operate.
Hotshot is our fastest placement category at 24-48 hours. Because hotshot drivers are typically available on short notice and the screening process is streamlined for time-critical freight, we can get a qualified driver rolling to your location faster than any other equipment type.
Oil and gas, construction, agriculture, and auto parts are the primary industries using our hotshot staffing. These sectors often need partial loads moved quickly between job sites, rigs, or distribution points where a full truckload is not practical.
Yes, a large portion of our hotshot pool has direct oilfield experience hauling pipe, fittings, well-site equipment, and other oilfield commodities. We can match drivers who understand oilfield safety protocols, H2S awareness, and rig-site loading procedures.
Hotshot typically refers to smaller trucks (Class 3-5) with gooseneck trailers hauling partial or LTL loads. Expedited can include any truck size but emphasizes time-critical delivery. Our hotshot pool handles both — if you need freight moved fast in a smaller package, these are your drivers.