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Hotshot Drivers Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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, ...

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, ...

Be Seen First

... hotshot freight in Texas. We're looking for dependable drivers who want to grow with a small ... company where communication, professionalism, and reliability matter. If you're looking for a ...

Be Seen First

... hotshot freight in Texas. We're looking for dependable drivers who want to grow with a small ... company where communication, professionalism, and reliability matter. If you're looking for a ...

Hotshot Drivers information

See California salary details

$470

$1.4K

$2.4K

How much do hotshot drivers jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average weekly pay for hotshot drivers in California is $1,350.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $772.08 and $1,958.44 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hotshot Drivers vs Truck Drivers?

AspectHotshot DriversTruck Drivers
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often required, especially for larger vehiclesTypically require CDL, especially for heavy-duty trucks
Work EnvironmentPrimarily on-demand, short-haul deliveries, often using pickup trucks or medium-duty trucksLong-haul or regional routes, driving large tractor-trailers over extended distances
Industry UsageUsed in industries like construction, oil & gas, and urgent freightCommon in freight shipping, logistics, and supply chain industries

Hotshot Drivers focus on quick, on-demand deliveries using smaller trucks, while Truck Drivers typically handle long-distance freight with larger trucks. Both roles require CDL licenses but differ in work scope and environment.

How much money do hotshot drivers make?

Hotshot drivers typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, the type of loads, and the region. They often work flexible schedules and need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate specialized trucks and trailers.

Is it worth being a hotshot driver?

Hotshot drivers transport small, time-sensitive loads using medium-duty trucks, often working independently or for logistics companies. The job can offer flexible schedules and high earning potential, especially with experience and proper licensing such as a CDL, but it also involves long hours, tight deadlines, and safety responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Hotshot Drivers jobs in California?

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

What cities in California are hiring for Hotshot Drivers jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hotshot Drivers job openings:

Infographic showing various Hotshot Drivers job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,220 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Hotshot Driver - Class A required - 043

copart

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K/yr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 hours ago


Copart rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 109 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 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

What Copart employees say

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Benefits

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