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Hotshot Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hotshot Arbor Care

Vegetation Technician

Ventura, CA · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Become a Vegetation Technician with Hotshot Arbor Care and do things right, the first time. We are ... Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid Driver's License. These are full-time, ...

Hotshot Arbor Care

Vegetation Technician

Ventura, CA · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Become a Vegetation Technician with Hotshot Arbor Care and do things right, the first time. We are ... Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid Driver's License. These are full-time, ...

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All JobsHotshot Driver JobsHotshot Driver Jobs in California

Hotshot Driver information

See California salary details

$470

$1.1K

$1.5K

How much do hotshot driver jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average weekly pay for hotshot driver in California is $1,110.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $885.06 and $1,346.42 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hotshot driver?

Hotshot drivers are professional truck drivers who haul time-sensitive, usually smaller loads using medium-duty trucks and flatbed trailers. They typically transport freight that needs to be delivered quickly, often serving industries like oil and gas, construction, or agriculture. Unlike traditional long-haul truckers, hotshot drivers often operate as independent contractors and can choose their own loads and schedules. This career requires a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) for certain types of loads, as well as knowledge of safety regulations and proper load securement.

What does a hotshot driver do?

A hotshot driver is a truck driver whose responsibilities are to haul and deliver freight to a customer. In this career, you usually drive a pickup truck with a trailer or other specialized hauling equipment, but you may also operate a larger vehicle. Your primary duties are to expedite delivery of equipment or freight to your client. For example, you may haul essential equipment to distant locations in oil fields or to remote areas where power stations or other utilities are in need of equipment to keep service running. Many hotshot drivers operate as independent contractors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hotshot driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hotshot Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL, often Class A or B), solid driving skills, and a thorough understanding of DOT regulations. Familiarity with GPS navigation, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and basic vehicle maintenance tools is crucial. Reliability, time management, and strong customer service skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are essential for ensuring timely, safe deliveries and maintaining client satisfaction in a fast-paced logistics environment.

What are some common challenges hotshot drivers face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Hotshot Drivers often encounter challenges such as tight delivery deadlines, unpredictable weather, and the need to comply with DOT regulations. Managing these challenges requires strong time management skills, thorough route planning, and staying updated on regulatory requirements. Building good relationships with dispatchers and maintaining your vehicle properly also help ensure timely and safe deliveries, which is crucial for success in this fast-paced role.

What is the difference between Hotshot Driver vs Truck Driver?

AspectHotshot DriverTruck Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often required, especially for larger vehiclesTypically requires CDL, with endorsements depending on cargo
Work EnvironmentFewer stops, shorter routes, often on-demand deliveriesLong-haul or regional routes, extended periods away from home
Industry UsageUsed in industries like construction, oil & gas, and urgent freightCommon in freight shipping, logistics, and supply chain sectors

Hotshot Drivers and Truck Drivers both operate commercial vehicles and may require CDL licenses. Hotshot Drivers usually handle smaller, urgent deliveries over shorter distances, while Truck Drivers often manage longer routes and larger freight. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much money do hotshot drivers make?

Hotshot drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, load types, and the region they operate in. Many drivers supplement income through quick turnaround times and specialized equipment, with some earning higher with additional certifications or by working full-time schedules.

Is being a hotshot driver worth it?

Hotshot drivers transport small, time-sensitive loads using medium-duty trucks, often working flexible hours and requiring a commercial driver's license. The job can be financially rewarding with experience, but it involves long hours, tight schedules, and potential safety risks. Evaluating personal preferences for independence and schedule flexibility is important when considering this career.
More about Hotshot Driver jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Hotshot Driver jobs in California?

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For Hotshot Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hotshot Driver jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Hotshot Driver jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Hotshot Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hotshot Driver job openings:

Hotshot Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hotshot Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,722 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Hotshot Driver - Class A required - 043

copart

Los Angeles, CA

$100K/yr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Copart rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 19 rated auctioneers

Job description

Copart is now seeking hotshot transport drivers, in select markets, for their FlexForce team. This team will drive hotshot-style trucks with 4/5 car trailers. These drivers will support the local Copart facility in moving vehicles to and from other Copart locations as needed. In addition, the candidate will operate one of our frontend loaders to load/unload and move cars about the facility when not driving. During a special project or catastrophe, the drivers will be deployed to various locations across the country to assist in Catastrophe Response (hurricane, hail, flooding). Overnight travel is expected to be 25-50+% of the time and catastrophe response travel will be mandatory. 

If you're seeking competitive pay in the auto transportation industry, look no further.  At Copart, we believe in rewarding hard work, and with our piece rate-based pay system, the right person has the potential to earn $85,000/year, while traveling and assisting other facilities. Copart’s top performers earn $100,000/year. When you are not driving you will earn an hourly rate of $27.33.  Drivers will receive additional compensation as well as a $45/day in per diem when traveling.

 

What qualities do we seek in our drivers? 

We value professionalism, hard work, focus, and teamwork.  Class A driver's license is required, we will provide comprehensive training to equip you with everything you need to succeed. 

 

What will we bring to the table? 

We have everything you need to get started - Newly delivered trucks and 4 and 5-car transports, insurance, training, and advancement opportunities. Copart offers health insurance (vision, dental available), life insurance, 401k match, employee assistance program, flexible spending account, paid time off, and our employee stock purchase program! 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

  • Must be willing to travel nationally on short notice for extended periods of time  
  • Deploy to catastrophe events within 24 hours when directed to do so 
  • Pick-up and delivery of vehicles to designated Copart facility 
  • Load/unload vehicles safely and free of damage 
  • Operate company equipment in compliance with safety regulations 
  • Maintain and assure good operating condition of all equipment and facilities 
  • Other tasks as assigned by the manager in support of daily auctions

Skills & Experience 

  • Must meet background screening criteria 
  • Must possess a Class A Driver's License issued by your state of residence 
  • Ability to travel by plane 
  • Military applicants are strongly encouraged to apply 
  • Completive piece-rate pay 
  • Must be able to work long hours 12+ hours per day 
  • Be able to travel with 24 hours or less notice 
  • Ability to work in extreme conditions, weather and terrain 
  • Occasional overtime as needed. 
  • Travel will be required 

Benefits include:

  • Medical, Dental, & Vision
  • 401 (K)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account
  • Life & AD&D

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • STANDING: 20%
  • SITTING: 50%
  • WALKING: 20%
  • BENDING: 5%
  • STOOPING:5%
  • CLIMBING: 10%
  • TRAVEL: 50% +
  • LIFTING: 35 Pounds

What Copart employees say

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