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Flat Deck VS Flatbed Hotshot: Which is The Best For You

Want to grow your trucking business? Not sure if you should use a flat deck or a flatbed hotshot? Choosing flat deck vs flatbed hotshot can change how much money you make and how you work every day. Both use open trailers to carry loads. But they are different in size, tools, and the kind of freight they carry. This guide will help you see the difference so you can pick what is best for you.

We will show the real good and bad sides of each choice. No extra words – just facts. Learn about rules for drivers (even without a CDL), how to tie down loads safely (chains, binders, tarps), types of freight, and how a dispatch service can help you stay full of loads. Let’s find out if a flat deck or a flatbed hotshot works best for your trucking business!

The Basics About Flat Deck VS Flatbed Hotshot

Before we go into details, let’s see what flat deck vs flatbed hotshot means in daily trucking:

Flatbed Hotshot (Pickup + Trailer): This uses a strong pickup truck like a Ford F-350 or Ram 3500 with a small flatbed trailer. It is smaller than a big truck. Hotshots carry small, urgent loads. For example, a machine needed fast on a job site. Hotshot dispatch means finding and managing these loads. Trailer sizes are usually 20 to 40 feet. Some hotshots do not need a CDL if under certain weight limits.

Flat Deck Trucking (Big Truck + Trailer): Flat deck trucks are big rigs with a full tractor and long flatbed trailer, usually 48 to 53 feet. They carry large and heavy freight like steel, lumber, machines, or oversize items. Flat deck dispatch is about planning and managing these big loads. Flat decks have no walls or roof. You can load from any side or top. They can carry more than hotshots, in weight and size.

Hotshots are fast and good for small, urgent loads. Flat decks are strong and carry big, heavy cargo. Both are open-deck freight, but they work best for different jobs.

Load Capacity and Freight Types in Flat Deck vs Flatbed Hotshot

The loads are not the same in flat deck vs flatbed hotshot. What you carry and how you carry it can change your work and money.

Hotshot Loads: Hotshots move small and fast loads. A builder may need a part or a few boxes the same day. Hotshots can carry tools, small machines, pipes, or cars. These loads fit on short trailers. Most hotshot loads are small. Some drivers take two or three small loads together to fill the trailer. Hotshot trucks are low, so it’s easy to drive a car or machine up the ramp.

Flat Deck Loads: Flat deck trucks move big and heavy stuff. They carry steel, wood, bricks, or big machines like diggers. These loads are large and can fill the whole trailer. Flat deck trucks can haul about 48,000 pounds. Some loads are so big they need a permit or a guide car.

Load Safety: Both hotshot and flat deck drivers must tie down the load. These trucks have no sides or roof, so you must use chains, straps, and tarps. Flat deck loads are big, so they need more chains and straps. Hotshots use fewer. Tarps keep loads safe from rain and wind. Big tarps are heavy and hard to use, but they keep loads dry. You must tie everything tight. Loose loads are not safe and can break the law.

Hotshots are best for small, fast jobs. Flat deck trucks are best for big, heavy jobs. Hotshots are quick and easy to start. Flat decks take more work but pay more.

Operational Differences in Flat Deck vs Flatbed Hotshot

The daily work in flat deck vs flatbed hotshot is not the same. The trips, speed, and work style are very different.

Trip Distance: Hotshot drivers often take short trips. Most loads are under 500 miles and can be done in one day. This helps them get home more often. Flat deck trucks go long routes across many states. They carry big loads far away. A flat deck driver might pick up a load in Texas and drop it off 1,000 miles away. Hotshots do shorter hauls that big trucks don’t take.

Speed and Time: Hotshot jobs are fast. If someone needs a part right now, a hotshot can leave fast. The loads are light, so the trip is quick. Hotshots can take smaller roads and save time. Flat deck trucks move heavy freight, so they take longer. Hotshots get the call for small, urgent jobs. Flat decks move big, planned loads that take days.

Routing and Space: Hotshots can go to small places that big trucks can’t. They can drive on small roads, park in tight spots, and go to job sites without docks. Flat deck trucks need wide roads and big spaces. Hotshots may load faster too, since forklifts can reach them easily. Flat deck drivers must watch for low bridges and truck routes. Both must stop at weigh stations when open.

Hotshots are easy to start and give you short trips and home time. But you must work fast and find loads often. Flat decks take more money and time but can earn more if managed well. Both need smart dispatching to stay busy and make good money.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Let’s look at the main good and bad sides of flat deck vs flatbed hotshot.

Advantages of Flat Deck Hotshot

1. Low Start Cost: A flat deck hotshot setup costs less to start. You can use a pickup and trailer you already have. It helps new drivers start fast with less money.

2. No CDL Needed: You can run under 26,000 lbs and start working without a CDL. This means fewer rules and less stress when starting out.

3. Fast Jobs: Flat deck hotshots are fast and ready anytime. They can take same-day loads and reach tight job sites quickly.

4. More Home Time: Hotshot drivers often work close to home. You can do short trips and sleep in your own bed most nights.

5. Special Work Type: Flat deck hotshots move loads that are small but very important. They fill a special space between parcel and big-truck freight.

Challenges of Flat Deck Hotshot

1. Low Rates and High Competition: Many new drivers start hotshot work, so the market is full. Some brokers offer low pay, under $2 a mile. You must know how to find good loads.

2. Limited Load Size: You can’t take large or heavy loads. Sometimes you’ll drive empty because no small load is available nearby.

3. High Truck Wear: Pickup trucks work very hard in hotshot jobs. You’ll fix brakes, tires, and engines often. Costs can go up fast.

4. Hard to Grow Bigger: It’s hard to grow from one flat deck hotshot to a big fleet. Many companies want large carriers, not small setups.

5. Work Ups and Downs: Hotshot work can change fast. One week is busy, the next is slow. You may need a dispatch service to find loads often.

Advantages of Flatbed Trucking

1. High Income: Flatbeds can haul full truckloads and make more money. Big loads like steel or heavy machines pay very well.

2. Lots of Load Options: Flatbed work is everywhere — construction, farm, factory, or road jobs. You’ll always find something to haul.

3. Long-Term Work: If you do a good job, shippers will trust you. You can get regular loads from the same customer and earn steady money.

4. Can Carry Anything: Flatbeds move all types of loads. You can switch between hauling steel, wood, or heavy tools anytime.

5. Professional Skill Growth: You learn to haul heavy loads, use chains, and follow road rules. This skill helps you earn more in the future.

Challenges of Flatbed Trucking

1. High Starting Cost: Flatbeds need a big truck, trailer, and insurance. It costs a lot to start. One repair can cost thousands.

2. More Rules: You must have a CDL-A license. You need to pass tests, health checks, and follow DOT rules.

3. Hard Work: Flatbed work is tough. You must lift heavy tarps, chains, and straps. Weather can make it harder.

4. Slow Seasons: Flatbed loads drop in winter when construction slows. You may drive far to find loads.

5. Strong Competition: Many skilled flatbed drivers are already in business. New drivers must work hard to earn trust and steady work.