Hot shot trucking poses an excellent opportunity for drivers to access lucrative jobs and earn extra money. But setting rates can be complex and may even hold back drivers who would be interested in pursuing these jobs. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of hot shot trucking and how you can set fair, competitive rates that also return a profit. If you have a CDL and are looking to take things to the next level, read on to get insights that will help you take advantage of the best trucking opportunities. 

What is hot shot trucking?

Hot shot trucking is delivering urgent, time-sensitive loads for a single customer, including freight or other equipment. Typically, drivers use medium-duty trucks that are within a .75 ton to 1.5-ton capacity that can accommodate a range of loads.² These jobs come from opportunities that are prioritizing speed, usually due to important freight. 

Customers for hot shot jobs may have very specific demands, but it will be balanced out by the fact that they will often be your most profitable jobs, as hot shot trucking is typically more lucrative than any other transport.³ 

How are hot shot prices set? 

Typically, hot shot loads are quoted as a flat rate for delivery, determined by the rate per mile set by the trucker. These jobs tend to pay well since they can be last minute, but they will range in terms of the type of load, the distance, the size, and other factors. 

Often, they will go for around $1.50 per mile, with ultra-urgent loads reaching as much as $2.00 per mile, and lower-paying jobs falling around $1.00–$1.25 per mile. You may want to start negotiating around $1.50, unless it’s clear that customers are willing to pay more.² 

How do you get started with hot shot trucking?

Before calculating, be sure you are gathering necessary information. For example, you will need to consider:

• Distance: Rates are  higher for longer mileage 
• Size of freight (including weight and dimensions): Larger shipments may require more specialized equipment and increase the cost)
• Urgency of delivery: Rates are higher for more time-sensitive deliveries 

Additional specific requirements, such as loading and unloading, may result in an up-charge.¹ Make sure you have a clear sense of the current market rates, the level of demand for hot shot trucking, and other overhead costs so you can run a profitable business. 

How do you calculate hot shot trucking rates?

What’s the secret to setting your rates? Carefully calculate the fuel and other costs and add a moderate percentage of profit for yourself. Once you have the details about the job, you can take these steps to make a calculation: 

1. Estimate the fuel costs for the entire trip.
2. Calculate road permit costs and other expenses, like tolls, insurance, or maintenance. 
3. Calculate empty miles (“deadhead”) that the truck will travel without any cargo. 
4. Include a profit percentage, or upcharge that ensures you make money from the job. 
5. Add up the costs from steps 1-4 and divide by the total number of miles to achieve a rate per mile.¹

What should hot shot truckers charge for empty miles? 

Because trailers stay idle or empty for a significant portion of the driver’s full trip, it is customary to charge for these miles whenever possible if you are a freelance hot shot trucker. Unfortunately, companies typically do not compensate for these miles.¹ 

Other best practices for hot shot trucking

Always remember that you are providing a service, so it may help to create a hot shot rate sheet you can offer to set expectations and keep consistency in your calculations. Additionally, it’s beneficial to keep an eye on the market prices so you can stay competitive and offer flexible pricing when possible.¹

Partner with ACV Transportation 

Setting your rates is important to operating a successful business. So is finding enough jobs to run that business. If you have a CDL and are looking to take your trucking career to the next level, partner with ACV Transportation to get access to opportunities across the country delivering automobile inventory to car dealerships. We are connected through a network of over 3,000 carriers and post trucking routes daily. Reach out to us to learn more or get started today.

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Sources

1. Better Quality Logistics. 2023. “How to set the best hot shot trucking rates per mile in 5 steps.” Better Quality Logistics. Retrieved February 9, 2025. https://betterqualitylogistics.com/hot-shot-trucking-rates-per-mile/ 
2. Truckstop. “Negotiating the best hot shot rates per mile.” Truckstop. Retrieved February 9, 2025. https://truckstop.com/blog/hot-shot-rate-per-mile/ 
3. Porter Freight Funding. “Hot Shot Rates Per Mile.” Porter Freight Funding. Retrieved February 9, 2025. https://www.porterfreightfunding.com/blog/hot-shot-rates-per-mile/