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While there are differences depending on the specific vehicle and cargo,
hotshot drivers are subject to most of the same safety and operational rules as other commercial truck drivers. The regulations that apply are largely determined by the vehicle's weight and whether the driver crosses state lines.
Key regulations that apply to hotshot drivers
For-hire hotshot drivers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, particularly if their vehicle and trailer combination has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) over 10,000 pounds and operates interstate.
Hours of Service (HOS)
- Driving time limit: Hotshot drivers must follow the same HOS rules as drivers of larger commercial trucks, which limit driving to a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD): An ELD is required for most hotshot drivers, with some exceptions, such as for short-haul operations within a specific air-mile radius.
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL): A CDL is required for hotshot drivers if their truck and trailer combination exceeds 26,000 pounds GCWR. However, a CDL is not required for smaller setups that remain under this weight limit.
- Medical certification: All commercial drivers, including hotshots, must obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card by passing a physical exam from an approved medical examiner.
- USDOT and MC numbers: A USDOT number is required for interstate operations with vehicles over 10,000 pounds, while an MC number is needed to transport goods for hire across state lines.
- Vehicle inspections: Hotshot drivers must perform daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and have their truck and trailer undergo annual DOT inspections to ensure they are roadworthy.
- Load securement: Loads must be properly secured according to FMCSA guidelines, using the appropriate number of straps or chains for the cargo's weight.
- Hazardous materials: Transporting placarded hazardous materials requires specific endorsements and compliance with additional rules, regardless of vehicle size.
The main distinction in hotshot regulations comes from the vehicle's size and weight:
- Lighter vs. heavier loads: Hotshot drivers without a CDL are restricted to lighter vehicles and smaller loads, with a combined weight rating under 26,000 pounds. This limits their earning potential compared to CDL drivers who can haul larger, more profitable loads.
- Less regulatory scrutiny: Operating within a smaller weight class and staying on intrastate routes can reduce the amount of regulatory oversight. Some entry-level hotshot drivers find this simpler, but it comes with limitations on the types of jobs they can accept.
Despite using smaller equipment than a semi-truck, the rationale for applying many of the same rules to hotshot drivers is based on promoting road safety. When operating commercial vehicles over a certain weight threshold, the potential for accidents due to fatigue, improper vehicle maintenance, or unsecured cargo remains a serious public safety concern.
Violations such as bypassing weigh stations, hauling illegally oversized loads, and operating unsafe equipment are serious offenses for hotshot trucking companies
. These illegal practices are prosecuted by law enforcement and the Department of Transportation (DOT) and can result in significant fines, business penalties, and safety risks.
No weigh station stops
Hotshot trucks must stop at weigh stations if they operate commercially and their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds. Commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVWR require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and must stop at all open weigh stations, unless they have an authorized bypass transponder.
Consequences
- Fines and violations: Bypassing a weigh station can result in fines and "Out of Service" violations, which are recorded on a driver's safety record.
- Inspections: Skipping a weigh station can trigger a roadside inspection from law enforcement, which will uncover any other violations like being overweight or having improper equipment.
- Jail time: Depending on the state and the specific violation, failing to stop at a weigh station can, in the worst-case scenario, lead to jail time.
Hotshot trucking involves hauling smaller, time-sensitive freight, typically weighing between 5,000 and 20,000 pounds. Larger or oversized loads have strict regulations regarding weight and dimensions, and carriers must obtain special state permits to transport them.
Consequences
- Overweight fines: Both non-CDL and CDL hotshot drivers face significant fines if their truck and trailer combination exceeds legal weight limits.
- Oversize load violations: Hauling oversized freight without the proper permits can result in costly penalties and out-of-service orders. Permits often have special requirements for flags, lights, and pilot vehicles.
- Structural damage: Overweight vehicles cause excessive damage to roads and bridges, which is one of the primary reasons for strict weight regulations.
Proper maintenance and equipment securement are critical for hotshot drivers. Inspectors will place a vehicle "Out of Service" for serious safety infractions, such as poorly maintained equipment or unsecured cargo.
Consequences
- Accidents: Poorly secured loads can shift during transport, leading to rollovers and other serious accidents. Overweight vehicles require longer stopping distances and can experience tire blowouts, increasing crash risks.
- Equipment violations: The DOT heavily enforces safety regulations. Common equipment violations include improper load securement, vehicle maintenance issues, and missing mandatory safety equipment like fire extinguishers or safety triangles.
- Increased insurance and CSA scores: A poor safety record with multiple violations will increase insurance premiums and lower a carrier's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. This often leads to fewer load opportunities, as many brokers and shippers avoid carriers with bad safety ratings.
I would like to know what all of you think. I do not agree with the separate rules for the semi trucks and the hotshots. Something needs to change. Please let us know what you think.