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Hotshot Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a reliable, experienced, and dependable Driver to join our team based out of Watford ... The ideal candidate will have experience operating semi trucks and dually hotshot trucks, along ...

The ideal candidate will have experience operatingsemi trucks and dually hotshot trucks, along with the ability to operate equipment such as loaders, manlifts, and telehandlers for offloading ...

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... Driver Requirements Must be an Owner Operator (or looking to lease-on). For Hotshot: Dually or single-ton truck required with a 35ft or 40ft+ flatbed trailer. Must be comfortable and ready for Over-T ...

Urgent

Training provided

Hotshot Driver- Non DOT

Lexington, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

This driving position will deliver to customers with various levels of difficulty. You will place delivered products in various assigned storage locations at each stop, according to customer request ...

Hotshot Driver- Non DOT

Lexington, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

This driving position will deliver to customers with various levels of difficulty. You will place delivered products in various assigned storage locations at each stop, according to customer request ...

Hotshot Driver- Non DOT

Lexington, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

This driving position will deliver to customers with various levels of difficulty. You will place delivered products in various assigned storage locations at each stop, according to customer request ...

Contract Hotshot Drivers Wanted Rapid Fire Freight Houston, TX & Surrounding Areas Rapid Fire Freight is a new and growing hotshot delivery company looking for dependable contract drivers to join our ...

Contract Hotshot Drivers Wanted Rapid Fire Freight Houston, TX & Surrounding Areas Rapid Fire Freight is a new and growing hotshot delivery company looking for dependable contract drivers to join our ...

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Regional Driver

Houston, TX · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Semi and Hotshot drivers are welcome. Candidates for the semi driving position must be able to operate a stick shift (standard). There is also no forced dispatch and flexible schedules for our Owner ...

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Hotshot Driver information

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$480

$1.1K

$1.5K

How much do hotshot driver jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average weekly pay for hotshot driver in the United States is $1,133.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $903.85 and $1,375.00 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Hotshot Drivers?

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.

How much money do Hotshot drivers make?

Hotshot drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, load types, and the number of jobs completed. They often work flexible schedules and may need specialized licenses such as a CDL to operate certain vehicles.

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 the need for strong driving skills and safety compliance.

How do I find loads for Hotshot trucking?

Hotshot drivers find loads through load boards such as DAT, TruckStop, and 123Loadboard, which connect carriers with shippers and brokers. Having a valid CDL, proper insurance, and a reliable truck are essential, and building relationships with brokers can also help secure consistent freight opportunities.

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 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.

How do you get into hotshot driving?

To become a hotshot driver, you typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and experience driving medium-duty trucks. Many drivers start by gaining experience in trucking or delivery services, and some obtain specialized certifications or endorsements for hauling certain types of loads. A good understanding of safety regulations and reliable equipment are also important for success in this 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.

What cities are hiring for Hotshot Driver jobs? Cities with the most Hotshot Driver job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hotshot Driver jobs? The most popular types of Hotshot Driver jobs are:
What states have the most Hotshot Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Hotshot Driver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hotshot Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,947 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Hotshot Driver - Class A required - 043

Hotshot Driver - Class A required - 043

copart

Los Angeles, CA

$100K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Copart rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 17 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 trailersThese 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

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