This is one of my favorite videos you’re probably not the first to start out that way and definitely not the last but making it three years and paying everybody off and start new avengers good job
Alex, you learned the cold, hard facts of life at an astonishing rate. We all have similar stories, but rarely tell anyone. In just watching three videos I can see why you have done much better than some of the other hotshotters. Many of them complain constantly about their dispatchers, and don't realize how difficult their job is. Great that you have some humility.
Love your honesty! It’s really hard to gain insight when wanting to become a owner op. Your videos will hopefully help people not to make some bad decisions.
i think it is awesome how you started. The key here is that "you started". If you would have known what all of this was going to entail - you may have never started. Nobody sits there and thinks i will bowrrow 15K from family to scramble for years to get started. The truth is the price of admission is nearly always worth it , IF IT GETS YOU STARTED IN YOUR OWN "LUCRATIVE" BUSINESS. Congrats. Keep the vids coming.
Amazing. Amazing that you got through it! All I can say is congratulations. I know that had to be a rocky road the first two years. I hope you are still getting along with your family. But you clearly demonstrate that persistence and hard work will win out!
That's why you have succeeded it was not just handed to you. You have learned alot from your mistakes and that is why you are where your at today. No shame in that. You knew what you wanted to do and went for it! Wish you great success.
Appreciate your honest info. of what to do and not do. Also appreciate the clean language so many feel the need to swear like a drunken sailor to make a point. I truly hope all goes awesome for you. Hard work and honesty pays off.
Been there, done that! Been a Class A CDL holder since 1992, pulled for Horizon Transport out of Wakarusa, IN 2008-09 hauling RVs all over US/Canada. @ $1.03-1.55/mile. Was a good gig til diesel fuel spiked to 6+ bucks/gallon. Good money in hotshotting, but video fails to mention other expenses, such as (in my case, at least) servicing truck roughly every three weeks, dealer maintained, $1800-2700 for tires roughly every 9 months, averaging 14000 miles/month, border crossing fees, etc. Still made good money, til fuel spiked. Cheaper than O/O in T/T trucking, but taxes are another matter, including (in IDAHO) declaring appreciation of vehicle on the front end, in order to be able to claim depreciation on taxes thereafter...that ended up costing me an $1100 tax liability. Add to that roughly $4500 on front end with supplemental fuel tank/tool box, required rear wheel and bumper hung mud flaps, load/dispatch software, continuous internet access throughout US/Canada. Truck is now 13 years old, but am still considering going back to that. On the other hand, now got a gig that runs me regional, no expenses beyond food, and gets me home every night. No matter the trucking niche, there are tradeoffs.
Jerry Hansen they pull into the Mtmorris and Clio, birch run area dropping trailers of all sorts fifth wheel. I actually was going to pull some for Philips campers sale up here go down and bring them back. I worked for a month in a Mishawaka Indiana and found a few great routes without all the traffic coming north then east into Michigan we could make it down in a little over two hours the way we found without the hassle of traffic.
Thank you for sharing brotha .. this is so humbling since I soon will have my own truck and trailer. Your experience and mistakes are a token for someone’s success.
Hart time to start but you're learning at the time thanks for your testimony my truck is the first day today is going from Laredo tx to Utah tanks God for this blessings
Lmao aye man I'm not laughing at you, im laughing with you because im in a similar predicament and I havent even started hot shot trucking yet. But good stuff man. Nice bounce back 💯
Great video as always Alex! I remember 30 years ago when I started my first biz. Made many mistakes that’s for sure!! As long as you learn from them and push forward like you have you will make it. It’s all about the drive (no pun intended, lol). I have since owned and sold 5 companies (one being a trucking company with 15 tractor trailers and 15 owner operators) and have been blessed with financial independence. Now I am starting in the hotshot biz, but it’s just me and the wife so not a whole lot of pressure fortunately. I’m still learning everyday and you have been a tremendous help! Keep it going and keep an eye out for Mikes Hotshot Hauling. Peace ✌️
Im thinking about hot shot trucking full time when i retire. I would like to start getting ready now by buying a used truck and trailer and making runs on my 3 day weekends off. Alex, your videos are helping learn how to get started and leasing may be best for me right now
Hey! "Alex" I have been following your educational channel, this experience you had gone through was so valuable it laterally changed the direction of your goal! In life. Again! you did another a great job sharing your experiences to us and great content. I myself want to get into " Hotshot Trucking" I have so much great respect for people like you are In this industries and for everyone in this rolm of business. To see you on the road, many many more success in your journey. BE SAFE ALWAYS COOL.
Thanks for the insight, looking into getting in to this when I retire from the military in about three years. Will try and go cash only as much as possible.
Another great video and that’s quite the start ! But like I always like to say “EVERY THING HAPPENS FOR A REASON !!! “ and just look at you now ! You always seem like your really loving this business ! We sent some text msgs tonight and can’t wait to talk with you in the morning ! Congrats on the new lease have a great night !
I think you did great you have a good family which supported you Which is awesome Not many people have been like that. I think the dispatching job even though it didn't work out . It was a good learning curve and it opened Your eyes to that aspect of it which gave you the big picture open all. Sometimes Things are meant to happen Even when you have a gut instinct. In my opinion I see you're a good guy and a top quality friend You have guardian angels are always looking out for you and always will be.you earned this!!!
Just shared your video with my son who is very interested in Hotshot trucking. He has been driving for a company hauling heavy equipment and sees just how much money they make off of him. So, he wants part the action. Thank you for the video and entertainment as well. You funny guy. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Everyone has to start somewhere.i don't care who you are you will and I repeat you will make mistakes but you learn from them use it Gain from it and move forward you can't let it bother you for day or years or how ever long look back say that was stupid won't do it again and keep rolling down to road 😁
That is awesome advice. Yes you had a tough start, but a damn well lesson learned. I genuinely appreciate you sharing your past mistakes, in this way we won't make the same mistakes. Question, the best way to start is to drive for someone?
I agree with JR sometimes you just have to go for it if you had the opportunity you may not have all the advantages that you need but sometimes you just Gotta take a swing for it and you know what the harder you work or something the more you appreciate it I’m pretty much doing that right now my authority comes active in two weeks I am scrambling because I’m low on cash I got to get a truck a trailer insurance one way or the other I’m going for it bases loaded batter up swing for the fences
I am seriously considering of going into Non CDL Hotshot driving. My 22 years with AT&T (legacy not wireless) ended one afternoon in late 2016 along with about 7,000 other managers. Since then I have not been able to find another position similar to it. I love to travel and at 52 I would love to find a career that will be interesting, challenging and give me freedom to go places I haven't been before. I'm researching all I can to be as prepared as I can, and your information is very helpful, Thank you
I love your honesty man, Your chanel One of the best chanel on HotShot Trucking, I hope you got more success in your life, you are more than awesome, you always respond and replying any questions or Email right away. Thank you Alex for your time. May God bless you
We all make mistakes in the beginning of owner operating, and one of those mistakes could be buying an expensive truck. For starters, try a cheap truck of about $30K maximum, and make sure you have it inspected by a known certified mechanic, if possible, just in case. The thing is, first time truck buyers, dealerships take advantage of that a lot; that’s their big excuse. I would never like to be a dispatcher, cause it brings a lot of stress just knowing that drivers depend on your way you handle the search for loads, and sometimes it sucks. I wish you well in your business, pal.
I’ve been a dispatcher for semi trucks for 2 years now. We are in charge of 50+ trucks. I hate my job but I work from home so ehh🤷🏽♀️ I don’t have to work considering I know have 3 semi trucks in this company. But now I’m helping my husband get a start in hotshot lol
TheNbSKrew my brothers mother in law was speaking to the owners wife. I started off as the secretary and when they needed dispatchers I switched. Sorry no special way to help you but I would look online
Bro thanks for sharing your story with us. It gives me inspiration. I also want to start and watching videos about it but let me tell the truth your explanation is amazing bro. Good luck. 👍
Bern hauling logs for 4 years prior to the last year been hauling boats as a driver up and down the eastern seaboard.... Seeing dually's every where and trying to catch up with one to ask where can I look to get started in hotshots myself... I owned 2 tractor trailers hauling logs for 2 years myself....
Interesting video! Thanks for sharing your "humble" beginnings! As I was watching your video, I noticed the scenery was really familiar! lol! You were driving East bound on I90 just east of Livingston, MT headed towards and through Billings... I live bear Bozeman and make that trip a lot!
I just purchased a DODGE Ram 5500 (4x4) with a PJ trailer (35') 5th wheel. Completely paid for. Working on the DOT, CA, etc., This literally is my first video on getting started. I want to put a driver behind the wheel. How much do CDL drivers get paid if they are just a driver? Where are the best Hotshot load boards? I am in California.
I am a cement Coordinator in the oilfield....basically a dispatcher in the oilfield with a lot more than dispatching responsibilities. I talk with all the rigs and schedule there work, work with our mechanics to make sure trucks are ready to go, load all of our trucks, schedule the guys, go thru all the tickets after the job, track our guys HOS. There are a couple other things too. On top of that I am on 24/7 for 2 weeks sleeping when I can....I have had drivers say they could do my job it’s easy until they try it. You are really peaking my interest in hotshot driver. I have my CDL but how do you make more as a non CDL driver?
Been in the towing business for 17 years you don't understand how much I want to be a owner operator but I'm paycheck-to-paycheck because I'm just a tow truck driver
Learning by fire makes you never forget your mistakes. Now if I can find and rebuild a 1998 12 valve and put it in 'ol blue I might be able to make some money.lol
yes you are basically right but you did what you had to do and obviously you're a man of your word and pay back the money. Now you seem like you have a successful business and making profit
This is exactly how everyone fails, if your truck doesn’t have any issues and or other problems you might make it. It’s extremely stressful to go this way your money flys out just as fast as it comes in
You just have to start. You’re never gonna be fully ready. That’s what I learned from that video. Thank you.
I agree youll never be 100% ready but as long as you have a base to work with you should be fine
Dude I love your videos. And your honesty. Keep them coming.
You learned from your "stupid" mistakes. Most new business owners go through that. You are honest about the struggles.
Probably one of the most honest and humble accounts I've ever heard. Thanks for your frankness and passion for helping others!
This is one of my favorite videos you’re probably not the first to start out that way and definitely not the last but making it three years and paying everybody off and start new avengers good job
I admire the honesty and being able to share that story. Great vid.
Alex, you learned the cold, hard facts of life at an astonishing rate. We all have similar stories, but rarely tell anyone. In just watching three videos I can see why you have done much better than some of the other hotshotters. Many of them complain constantly about their dispatchers, and don't realize how difficult their job is. Great that you have some humility.
Love your honesty! It’s really hard to gain insight when wanting to become a owner op. Your videos will hopefully help people not to make some bad decisions.
i think it is awesome how you started. The key here is that "you started". If you would have known what all of this was going to entail - you may have never started. Nobody sits there and thinks i will bowrrow 15K from family to scramble for years to get started. The truth is the price of admission is nearly always worth it , IF IT GETS YOU STARTED IN YOUR OWN "LUCRATIVE" BUSINESS. Congrats. Keep the vids coming.
Amazing. Amazing that you got through it! All I can say is congratulations. I know that had to be a rocky road the first two years. I hope you are still getting along with your family. But you clearly demonstrate that persistence and hard work will win out!
You make up for your mistakes with your good attitude and hard work ,you remind me of my son.Good luck out there and be safe.
That's why you have succeeded it was not just handed to you. You have learned alot from your mistakes and that is why you are where your at today. No shame in that. You knew what you wanted to do and went for it! Wish you great success.
Appreciate your honest info. of what to do and not do. Also appreciate the clean language so many feel the need to swear like a drunken sailor to make a point. I truly hope all goes awesome for you. Hard work and honesty pays off.
It's incredible how funny you are telling about your hotshot life. Waiting for the video about your new rental truck.
You live and learn now you know. Good luck.
Love your story TP, thaks for sharing I wish nothing but continued success for you and the rest of us trying to make Hotshot work.
MasterNele03 I love the honesty ! It is refreshing not to hear all the fluff and Bullcrap ! 😂✌️
Been there, done that! Been a Class A CDL holder since 1992, pulled for Horizon Transport out of Wakarusa, IN 2008-09 hauling RVs all over US/Canada. @ $1.03-1.55/mile. Was a good gig til diesel fuel spiked to 6+ bucks/gallon. Good money in hotshotting, but video fails to mention other expenses, such as (in my case, at least) servicing truck roughly every three weeks, dealer maintained, $1800-2700 for tires roughly every 9 months, averaging 14000 miles/month, border crossing fees, etc. Still made good money, til fuel spiked. Cheaper than O/O in T/T trucking, but taxes are another matter, including (in IDAHO) declaring appreciation of vehicle on the front end, in order to be able to claim depreciation on taxes thereafter...that ended up costing me an $1100 tax liability. Add to that roughly $4500 on front end with supplemental fuel tank/tool box, required rear wheel and bumper hung mud flaps, load/dispatch software, continuous internet access throughout US/Canada. Truck is now 13 years old, but am still considering going back to that. On the other hand, now got a gig that runs me regional, no expenses beyond food, and gets me home every night. No matter the trucking niche, there are tradeoffs.
Thanks for the break down. There are no trade off's. Who are you running regional for now? Cheers.
Jerry Hansen they pull into the Mtmorris and Clio, birch run area dropping trailers of all sorts fifth wheel. I actually was going to pull some for Philips campers sale up here go down and bring them back. I worked for a month in a Mishawaka Indiana and found a few great routes without all the traffic coming north then east into Michigan we could make it down in a little over two hours the way we found without the hassle of traffic.
Thanks for your honesty. The story is interesting and we can learn from it.
Thank you for sharing brotha .. this is so humbling since I soon will have my own truck and trailer. Your experience and mistakes are a token for someone’s success.
Hart time to start but you're learning at the time thanks for your testimony my truck is the first day today is going from Laredo tx to Utah tanks God for this blessings
You really have a great aunt and brother. Nice video buddy I’m a truck driver I might become a hotshot trucking
Life is a learning process. Sometimes you see others and sometimes you get your own education. Liked the video.
Man get video, thanks for sharing how you got started. This helps me understand what direction I need to aim for.
Lmao aye man I'm not laughing at you, im laughing with you because im in a similar predicament and I havent even started hot shot trucking yet. But good stuff man. Nice bounce back 💯
Great video as always Alex! I remember 30 years ago when I started my first biz. Made many mistakes that’s for sure!! As long as you learn from them and push forward like you have you will make it. It’s all about the drive (no pun intended, lol). I have since owned and sold 5 companies (one being a trucking company with 15 tractor trailers and 15 owner operators) and have been blessed with financial independence. Now I am starting in the hotshot biz, but it’s just me and the wife so not a whole lot of pressure fortunately. I’m still learning everyday and you have been a tremendous help! Keep it going and keep an
eye out for Mikes Hotshot Hauling. Peace ✌️
Best low-down dirty honest vid yet!
I love your honesty man. That’s some embarrassing stuff to talk about that most people would sweep under the rug.
Dude!! What a great story! I cracked up and the brothers credit card. You've been very helpful and inspiring. Thanks so much
Im thinking about hot shot trucking full time when i retire. I would like to start getting ready now by buying a used truck and trailer and making runs on my 3 day weekends off. Alex, your videos are helping learn how to get started and leasing may be best for me right now
Good advice for people like me looking to get into hotshoting
Me too
Dude just started thinking about hauling loads. Thank you so much for the vids man your honesty is greatly appreciated
Hey! "Alex" I have been following your educational channel, this experience you had gone through was so valuable it laterally changed the direction of your goal! In life. Again! you did another a great job sharing your experiences to us and great content. I myself want to get into " Hotshot Trucking" I have so much great respect for people like you are In this industries and for everyone in this rolm of business. To see you on the road, many many more success in your journey. BE SAFE ALWAYS COOL.
Thanks for the insight, looking into getting in to this when I retire from the military in about three years. Will try and go cash only as much as possible.
Look at u now tho!!! I remember when u had less than 1k subs.
I think you did great 👍🏻 at least you start something and look where you are today .
Can’t wait to start my hot shot business this year
Another great video and that’s quite the start ! But like I always like to say “EVERY THING HAPPENS FOR A REASON !!! “ and just look at you now ! You always seem like your really loving this business ! We sent some text msgs tonight and can’t wait to talk with you in the morning ! Congrats on the new lease have a great night !
U literally covered all my what if s in my head! Owner operator.... got it ! Thanks a million!
I think you did great you have a good family which supported you Which is awesome Not many people have been like that. I think the dispatching job even though it didn't work out . It was a good learning curve and it opened Your eyes to that aspect of it which gave you the big picture open all. Sometimes Things are meant to happen Even when you have a gut instinct. In my opinion I see you're a good guy and a top quality friend You have guardian angels are always looking out for you and always will be.you earned this!!!
I wish you the best of luck in your job, you sure deserve it
Thank you so much
Dude love your honesty
These video was great , I'm thinking about starting a hotshot trucking and this was very helpful
I've always wondered about Hotshot driving....thanks!
Love the dedication
Great video.. Very honest. RESPECT...💯💯💯
Just shared your video with my son who is very interested in Hotshot trucking. He has been driving for a company hauling heavy equipment and sees just how much money they make off of him. So, he wants part the action. Thank you for the video and entertainment as well. You funny guy. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
If your son needs a dispatcher when starting, feel free to contact me and we can work out a deal
you are the best and real thanks
That was certainly a rough start but you made it with lots of hard work it's true nothing comes easy especially in the transportation industry 👍🙋♂️
I'm literally taking notes on all your videos! They're so very much appreciated! God bless.
Jayne Rodz are you single or did your boyfriend bring this up to you
I Love you're energy bro. I can tell your positivity is what got you to where you are at, against all odds haha.
Neither one of my brothers would do what yours did for you. In fact i dont know anyone that would. Your blessed.
damn if you can start that far down, and make it work That is managing DAMN RESPECT
No Alex we all have to start somewhere and pay our dues. You did very good.
Wow you just made me feel so much better about myself,
Thanks TP you are a Hero!
Life is a journey, you learn as you go.....
Very entertaining lol
Everyone has to start somewhere.i don't care who you are you will and I repeat you will make mistakes but you learn from them use it Gain from it and move forward you can't let it bother you for day or years or how ever long look back say that was stupid won't do it again and keep rolling down to road 😁
I agree borrowing in a bad decision but it was your only choice that brought you to success. I wish you a good luck
Thanks for sharing your experience! The tips that you’ve shared were stimulating.
That is awesome advice. Yes you had a tough start, but a damn well lesson learned. I genuinely appreciate you sharing your past mistakes, in this way we won't make the same mistakes. Question, the best way to start is to drive for someone?
That was effing awesome. I litterally can't think of a worse way to begin a business. And you pulled it off. . .
Looks a little like hustlin. .
Ok_
@Tow Piglet congrats on the new truck setup.
I agree with JR sometimes you just have to go for it if you had the opportunity you may not have all the advantages that you need but sometimes you just Gotta take a swing for it and you know what the harder you work or something the more you appreciate it I’m pretty much doing that right now my authority comes active in two weeks I am scrambling because I’m low on cash I got to get a truck a trailer insurance one way or the other I’m going for it bases loaded batter up swing for the fences
Thanks for being so open. Lots of good info!
Trust me that is exactly the way i am going.
Hey man another Great video Thanks! I love your honesty lol drive safe my dude!
But look at you now, those were learning experiences. I'm learning from you.
I am seriously considering of going into Non CDL Hotshot driving. My 22 years with AT&T (legacy not wireless) ended one afternoon in late 2016 along with about 7,000 other managers. Since then I have not been able to find another position similar to it. I love to travel and at 52 I would love to find a career that will be interesting, challenging and give me freedom to go places I haven't been before. I'm researching all I can to be as prepared as I can, and your information is very helpful, Thank you
I love your honesty man, Your chanel One of the best chanel on HotShot Trucking, I hope you got more success in your life, you are more than awesome, you always respond and replying any questions or Email right away.
Thank you Alex for your time.
May God bless you
We all make mistakes in the beginning of owner operating, and one of those mistakes could be buying an expensive truck. For starters, try a cheap truck of about $30K maximum, and make sure you have it inspected by a known certified mechanic, if possible, just in case. The thing is, first time truck buyers, dealerships take advantage of that a lot; that’s their big excuse.
I would never like to be a dispatcher, cause it brings a lot of stress just knowing that drivers depend on your way you handle the search for loads, and sometimes it sucks.
I wish you well in your business, pal.
I’ve been a dispatcher for semi trucks for 2 years now. We are in charge of 50+ trucks. I hate my job but I work from home so ehh🤷🏽♀️ I don’t have to work considering I know have 3 semi trucks in this company. But now I’m helping my husband get a start in hotshot lol
Betzy Ovalle how did you get into that position I’m interested
TheNbSKrew my brothers mother in law was speaking to the owners wife. I started off as the secretary and when they needed dispatchers I switched. Sorry no special way to help you but I would look online
Bro thanks for sharing your story with us. It gives me inspiration. I also want to start and watching videos about it but let me tell the truth your explanation is amazing bro. Good luck. 👍
Bern hauling logs for 4 years prior to the last year been hauling boats as a driver up and down the eastern seaboard.... Seeing dually's every where and trying to catch up with one to ask where can I look to get started in hotshots myself... I owned 2 tractor trailers hauling logs for 2 years myself....
What you learned you never forgot but you made it
“Weird flex, but okay, I get it” 😂😂😂😂😂
You certainly have a very good aunt and brother.
Great transparency.
Interesting video! Thanks for sharing your "humble" beginnings! As I was watching your video, I noticed the scenery was really familiar! lol! You were driving East bound on I90 just east of Livingston, MT headed towards and through Billings... I live bear Bozeman and make that trip a lot!
Painful lessons, but hey you fought through it !
Great video 😂👌🏽
Glad it’s working out for ya 🙏🏾😊
Congrats Man!! Way to recover from some bad decisions!!!
Watch this video on 1.5x speed and you will have your tracking business up and running
Hahaha Damn Bro, we all learn, im a First time Sub and i Love ur Vids... Keep up the Good Work 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼
I just purchased a DODGE Ram 5500 (4x4) with a PJ trailer (35') 5th wheel. Completely paid for. Working on the DOT, CA, etc., This literally is my first video on getting started. I want to put a driver behind the wheel. How much do CDL drivers get paid if they are just a driver? Where are the best Hotshot load boards? I am in California.
Tough beginnings man but through you maybe we wont make the same mistakes. Thanks
Good thing that you learn from your experience.
Great post.
Thank you Alex. Be safe out there.
I am a cement Coordinator in the oilfield....basically a dispatcher in the oilfield with a lot more than dispatching responsibilities. I talk with all the rigs and schedule there work, work with our mechanics to make sure trucks are ready to go, load all of our trucks, schedule the guys, go thru all the tickets after the job, track our guys HOS. There are a couple other things too. On top of that I am on 24/7 for 2 weeks sleeping when I can....I have had drivers say they could do my job it’s easy until they try it. You are really peaking my interest in hotshot driver. I have my CDL but how do you make more as a non CDL driver?
Thanks for your story. Very good insight into the profession.
Great video alex 🤟 i enjoy watching your channel and all your good info
Thanks for sharing your start-up journey!!
we all do mistakes man, keep on moving and thanks for video
Wow I we have a lot in common I was a alarm sales rep I was #2 sales rep in my company and recruited over 100 other sales reps
Been in the towing business for 17 years you don't understand how much I want to be a owner operator but I'm paycheck-to-paycheck because I'm just a tow truck driver
So glad you made it through and out
Bro. These people need to know about all the fees, expenses...been there b4....GET INTO TRUCK DRIVING.....$5000 MONTH GUARANTEE .THEN BECOME OTR
Learning by fire makes you never forget your mistakes. Now if I can find and rebuild a 1998 12 valve and put it in 'ol blue I might be able to make some money.lol
Wow 🥺 what a crazy start !!!
Great job keep you’re head up hard work will pay off sooner than you think!!
Great open Honest insight appreciate your sharing your experiences with those of us considering hotshotting
yes you are basically right but you did what you had to do and obviously you're a man of your word and pay back the money. Now you seem like you have a successful business and making profit
This is exactly how everyone fails, if your truck doesn’t have any issues and or other problems you might make it. It’s extremely stressful to go this way your money flys out just as fast as it comes in