I like your videos. I’m three months in my authority and I like it. It takes dedication and hard work being the driver/dispatcher but it’s paying off! I’m currently trying to take full loads because less calls but definitely taking the advice for partials! They do pay better!!
Hey Moonman! Are you a CDL or non-CDL hotshot? I got laid off at the beginning of August and have been hammering down on getting everything setup. Hoping to be running by mid September as non-CDL for now. I'm trying to get all the paperwork and filings figured out, but there's a lot of things that I'm not sure if I need. I've got my LLC, USDOT#, MC#, UCR filed, BOC-3, DOT physical, ELD. The only thing left to get my authority active is my insurance. My concern is with all of the compliance stuff. Being non-cdl, I don't need IFTA or any apportioned plates or pre-employment drug screening, or being enrolled in a random testing program. I'm working on getting my driver qualification files setup. Besides the driver qualification files, is there anything else that I need? I feel like I've been researching nonstop for the past 3 weeks and I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right, or exceeding expecations. I keep everything in a file folder on my computer that I'll list below: 1) MCS-150 2) MVR 3) Background Check(on myself) 4) Annual review of driving record 5) Accident Register Form(not filled out. Not sure if I need to put anything on it since I haven't had a commercial vehicle accident ever, but have had personal claims in the last 5 years) 6) Prior 7-day hours of service 7) Medical exam full report 8) Medical exam certificate 9) Medical Examiner's National Registry verification 10) Road test certificate 11) Equipment lease agreement(to my own company) 12) Employment contract(as an owner operator of my own company) 13) Employment application Sorry that's super long, but I'm just curious if there's anything I'm missing, or if I possibly over-did everything. Haha! I look forward to hearing back from anyone and would appreciate any advice.
@@bs-pu3dg you have everything you need champ. I’m running non cdl for now just to get the ball rolling. Get that insurance in the sooner the better so you can get your MC running. I took all the advice from this video ruclips.net/user/shortsFeSx_G-rz40?si=XKIlGFE9Zd_lVZ79. I got my first inspection done in Utah from a state trooper and it all went well!
@@Moonman23-F Thank you! I’d suggest getting a dispatcher as it will make your everyday job much easier. No calling the brokers, emailing back and forth, sending paperwork. That really slows you down. Dispatchers are well worth the money.
Hey Alex, really enjoy all the videos! As someone who's looking into Hotshot, curious how tall you are as related to sleeping comfortably in the backseat of your truck. Also, any reason why you didn't look at the MegaCab Ram vs. the Crew? Seems like the MegaCab would provide a built-in sleeping platform and a little more room. Appreciate any insight you could provide! S.
@@SaintSabastian7 Hey, thank you for the support. I’m 5,6. I didn’t want mega cab because you lose space in the bed of the truck. Inside the cab would be better for sure but I prefer the longer bed. I needed space for an external fuel tank. With a maga cab it would all be crammed in the bed.
Hey Alex!! You have to drive right by exit 131 there in Fort Pierce, Florida when you're headed home or back out....My friend Jennifer who owns 4- tractor-trailer rigs and has just opened a truck & trailer wash located there at 713 Angle rd. Just thought I'd pass it along...
@@durandmccall2528 Yeah I first circled the Loves a few times hoping a pot would free up and then went to Petro but that was all full. Went back to Loves and one spot luckily freed up for me 😁 That truck stop is busy.
For the first load, you said it was 6500lbs total weight? So could you just leave your tag axle up and roll with the single 10 or 12k axle? Assuming the weight of the trailer and weight of the load is being almost evenly distributed between the drive axle and the rear trailer axle, I think that would be within reason.
@@bs-pu3dg Probably not. I think the weight of the trailer and load would be too much. I don’t know exact math But I usually like to keep both axles down with anything over 2k on the trailer. Just to be safe.
@@joseoyervidez311 Thank you! Donuts have moved to my other channel. Would appreciate it if you subscribed. youtube.com/@ogdonutbeastmiami?si=fHUiHNJ0ucDi9BLJ
Do you watch other truckers on the roads to make sure they aren't crossing lines, going off the road, ect? Anymore I watch them like a Hawk and am very surprised about what I see-just don't know whats going on in the cab....
@@Mr.AlexKogan I watched your 22 PJ trailer video again last night now that I’m almost ready to buy one, but is there anything you would change if you were buying one today? So many on the dealer lots but many without ramps. Your trailer seems to be doing great
@@tg9388 I’m pretty happy with mine. Mega ramps are a must. Air ride is a must for me. Day and night difference in ride quality vs non air ride. Hydraulic dove tail would be nice but that gets expensive and adds additional weight.
Wow, I'm glad that it isn't just me getting stuck in traffic... Lol, I thought for sure that God was trying to tell me something, guess not. Anyways, glad you got those tires cleaned up. Driving dirty is not cool, especially when you always look so clean. I must be doing something wrong, at the end of my day, I look and smell terrible. Oh well, my co-worker doesn't seem to mind. Stay safe bro, I've got figure out what to do for 3 days in Iowa!!!! 😮
@@Mr.AlexKogan how do you manage not to get stuck in one place over the weekend? Do you stay on the road for a couple of weeks and than go home? If you run out of hours . Do you need to wait for the hours to reset to go home?
@@alvisguillermo usually I have enough hours for the week and I have always done my 34 hour resets over the weekend. I get my final load of the week as close as I can to the drop off point and start my reset. I usually stay on the road 2-3 weeks at a time. ELD is a bit confusing when you first start out but you’ll get have hang of it pretty quickly.
I like your videos. I’m three months in my authority and I like it. It takes dedication and hard work being the driver/dispatcher but it’s paying off!
I’m currently trying to take full loads because less calls but definitely taking the advice for partials! They do pay better!!
Hey Moonman! Are you a CDL or non-CDL hotshot? I got laid off at the beginning of August and have been hammering down on getting everything setup. Hoping to be running by mid September as non-CDL for now. I'm trying to get all the paperwork and filings figured out, but there's a lot of things that I'm not sure if I need.
I've got my LLC, USDOT#, MC#, UCR filed, BOC-3, DOT physical, ELD. The only thing left to get my authority active is my insurance. My concern is with all of the compliance stuff. Being non-cdl, I don't need IFTA or any apportioned plates or pre-employment drug screening, or being enrolled in a random testing program. I'm working on getting my driver qualification files setup. Besides the driver qualification files, is there anything else that I need? I feel like I've been researching nonstop for the past 3 weeks and I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right, or exceeding expecations. I keep everything in a file folder on my computer that I'll list below:
1) MCS-150
2) MVR
3) Background Check(on myself)
4) Annual review of driving record
5) Accident Register Form(not filled out. Not sure if I need to put anything on it since I haven't had a commercial vehicle accident ever, but have had personal claims in the last 5 years)
6) Prior 7-day hours of service
7) Medical exam full report
8) Medical exam certificate
9) Medical Examiner's National Registry verification
10) Road test certificate
11) Equipment lease agreement(to my own company)
12) Employment contract(as an owner operator of my own company)
13) Employment application
Sorry that's super long, but I'm just curious if there's anything I'm missing, or if I possibly over-did everything. Haha!
I look forward to hearing back from anyone and would appreciate any advice.
@@bs-pu3dg you have everything you need champ. I’m running non cdl for now just to get the ball rolling. Get that insurance in the sooner the better so you can get your MC running. I took all the advice from this video ruclips.net/user/shortsFeSx_G-rz40?si=XKIlGFE9Zd_lVZ79. I got my first inspection done in Utah from a state trooper and it all went well!
@@bs-pu3dg it’s better do have more done than missing anything. My compliance binder is thick lol. Wanted to make sure I have my stuff together
@@Moonman23-F Thank you! I’d suggest getting a dispatcher as it will make your everyday job much easier. No calling the brokers, emailing back and forth, sending paperwork. That really slows you down. Dispatchers are well worth the money.
The joy of hotshoting lol got love it
Awesome
Hi Alex good job keep it I get inspired whenever I see these videos and they make think that one day I will be in USA doing trucking.
💯💯💯
Hey Alex, really enjoy all the videos! As someone who's looking into Hotshot, curious how tall you are as related to sleeping comfortably in the backseat of your truck. Also, any reason why you didn't look at the MegaCab Ram vs. the Crew? Seems like the MegaCab would provide a built-in sleeping platform and a little more room. Appreciate any insight you could provide! S.
@@SaintSabastian7 Hey, thank you for the support. I’m 5,6. I didn’t want mega cab because you lose space in the bed of the truck. Inside the cab would be better for sure but I prefer the longer bed. I needed space for an external fuel tank. With a maga cab it would all be crammed in the bed.
Will a TWIC card work to get into those military loads since I know they need an do a background check
@@edwardochoa-zy7pc No. they don’t take TWIC. They just use your license to run the background check.
@@Mr.AlexKogan oh ok I Wonder if it would be the same since both are federal background check
@@edwardochoa-zy7pc Possibky. Seems like ports are the only places I know of that use the twic card.
Great content, just curious. How much do you try and run per mile.
@@rocketman4822 Thank you! I try to keep my loads no less than $2 per mile.
Hey Alex!! You have to drive right by exit 131 there in Fort Pierce, Florida when you're headed home or back out....My friend Jennifer who owns 4- tractor-trailer rigs and has just opened a truck & trailer wash located there at 713 Angle rd. Just thought I'd pass it along...
@@richardbarkley9909 I stick with blue beacon. Florida is always tough to try to be in certain places.
I hear ya.
@@Mr.AlexKogan Gotcha. The one there in Ft.Pierce is always packed......
Sounds like you stopped at the petro and loves in Carlisle, PA. That Love’s their is a nightmare
@@durandmccall2528 Yeah I first circled the Loves a few times hoping a pot would free up and then went to Petro but that was all full. Went back to Loves and one spot luckily freed up for me 😁 That truck stop is busy.
Weatherford Tx? Damn you were like 5 mins from me lol
@@TexasGTO That’s really close 😁
Been waiting for this! From the looks of them trailer tires... looks like you where stuck again! WV not been treating you right!
@@Happ1971 Running through the muddy WV. My final run through that state unless I’m just passing through on the hwy. 🤣🤣🤣
For the first load, you said it was 6500lbs total weight? So could you just leave your tag axle up and roll with the single 10 or 12k axle? Assuming the weight of the trailer and weight of the load is being almost evenly distributed between the drive axle and the rear trailer axle, I think that would be within reason.
@@bs-pu3dg Probably not. I think the weight of the trailer and load would be too much. I don’t know exact math But I usually like to keep both axles down with anything over 2k on the trailer. Just to be safe.
Greeting,I'm following you from Croatia,you have great content,keep going🙂
@@Karlo1321 Thank you! I appreciate your support 👍🏻
Great job amigo no donuts today 😂 be safe ❤🙏
@@joseoyervidez311 Thank you! Donuts have moved to my other channel. Would appreciate it if you subscribed.
youtube.com/@ogdonutbeastmiami?si=fHUiHNJ0ucDi9BLJ
Do you watch other truckers on the roads to make sure they aren't crossing lines, going off the road, ect? Anymore I watch them like a Hawk and am very surprised about what I see-just don't know whats going on in the cab....
@@richardbarkley9909 Yeah. I keep an eye on all the vehicles when I’m driving.
My friend what tipe truck si the best for star on the business year and model
@@JoseGarcia-ry1lk Everyone has a preference on trucks but I like Ram. Solid trucks. The newer the better. 3500 model no less.
Great update, how are you setup for fuel discounts? Openroads or another way for solo drivers?
@@tg9388 Open roads is my main card since I prefer Loves. I also have my RTS fuel card for pilot truck stops and others but mainly use open roads.
@@Mr.AlexKogan I watched your 22 PJ trailer video again last night now that I’m almost ready to buy one, but is there anything you would change if you were buying one today? So many on the dealer lots but many without ramps. Your trailer seems to be doing great
@@tg9388 I’m pretty happy with mine. Mega ramps are a must. Air ride is a must for me. Day and night difference in ride quality vs non air ride. Hydraulic dove tail would be nice but that gets expensive and adds additional weight.
@@Mr.AlexKogan are you open to consulting so I get setup properly ?
@@Mr.AlexKogan thanks again for advice
Wow, I'm glad that it isn't just me getting stuck in traffic... Lol, I thought for sure that God was trying to tell me something, guess not. Anyways, glad you got those tires cleaned up. Driving dirty is not cool, especially when you always look so clean. I must be doing something wrong, at the end of my day, I look and smell terrible. Oh well, my co-worker doesn't seem to mind. Stay safe bro, I've got figure out what to do for 3 days in Iowa!!!! 😮
@@gatorfdx Find a good donut place and enjoy 3 days of it 🤣🤣🤣
Would you mind sharing or recommending a dispatching service for someone who's just starting out hotshot driving? Thank you in advance
@@robertbutler1063 are you CDL?
@@Mr.AlexKogan YES. 15YRS
@@robertbutler1063 Can you message me on Instagram?
@@Mr.AlexKogan im CDL of 15+yrs
@@robertbutler1063 Can you message me on instagram?
I got 500 thousand on my dodge. Just curious, how many miles you plan on putting on that truck?
@@darrellhill482 I don’t know as of now. It’s a very reliable truck as long as it’s taken care of.
Alex, can you give me some advices about hotshots, some day i hope i can do what you do
@@jcmconcrete Do a lot of research before getting into it.
What was yesterdays nightmare in West Virginia?😂 in the beginning of the vid
@@drill4408 narrow roads and having to have my trailer lifted with a forklift so I can turn around. Check out the previous video.
VA is not toooo bad
I live here 😂
@@juancarlostrejo6323 VA is not bad but WV is not that great for trucks.
Do you have a 4.10 or 3.73 gear ratio?
@@Kotixvii 4.10
Don't think its been mentioned but do you have other hot shots working under your authority Alex?
@@richardbarkley9909 I do not.
@@Mr.AlexKogan I think you're better off that way.
@@richardbarkley9909 I agree. Too risky to add people.
@@Mr.AlexKogan Yes, And way too many headaches too. Just not a lot of people that are trustworthy either to represent your company.
@@richardbarkley9909 agree with you 100%.
👍💯
How do you deal with ELD?
@@alvisguillermo What do you mean?
@@Mr.AlexKogan how do you manage not to get stuck in one place over the weekend? Do you stay on the road for a couple of weeks and than go home? If you run out of hours . Do you need to wait for the hours to reset to go home?
Im planning to start doing hotshot next month. New to this
@@alvisguillermo usually I have enough hours for the week and I have always done my 34 hour resets over the weekend. I get my final load of the week as close as I can to the drop off point and start my reset. I usually stay on the road 2-3 weeks at a time. ELD is a bit confusing when you first start out but you’ll get have hang of it pretty quickly.
@@alvisguillermo Good luck!
Are you sponsored by gym shark
@@nickgates7869 I wish. lol. I just like how the clothes fit.
video tinted
@@1nfinitebean It’s not tinted but I also thought it seemed a little dark. Not sure why.
A 5500 would solve your problem with the weight on the front !!!!
@@troyopsahl228 Yes it would 👍🏻
Truck sounds like you put it on a diet.
@@BRACLLC It’s definitely not on a diet but should be 🤣🤣🤣
@@Mr.AlexKogan 2019 3500 owner here. Yes they should. 😂