This is amazing. someone who isn't painting a perfect picture out there and being completely transparent. you're awesome. keep showing the reality of life!!! fan here
You saved a lot of us from making your mistakes. Lol! Seriously, thankyou for the incredible adventures. I was going through really bad PTSD, bedridden for months, and your channel was a great escape and gave me the motivation to start a sawmilling business, as I have a bit of land. It's doing well, my mental health is like 90%, I'll take it, and my family isn't worried about me so much anymore which is the best thing. God Bless brother! Thanks again!
Yes something like one of the many back-office solutions providers out there for trucking but focused on technology might be a great way to utilize your trucking experience and your current contacts. You might even included factoring and a fuel card to draw people in the trucking industry to you. In any case, I can't wait to see you progress! Best of luck to you!
I love your energy, and I’ve been missing you on here I’m glad you posted this video. I look forward to your next adventure I hope you keep us all posted
Always glad to see and hear your thoughts Alex! You have a lot of long time subs (including me) that are cheering you on! With your attitude and energy I have no doubt you’ll succeed. So many people are really inspired by you so don’t stop w the videos. We look forward to them👍🏼
I've always enjoyed your videos. Very informative and actually have real-world value. Looking forward to seeing how things go for you. One video suggestion is to pay attention to your output quality. This particular video was harder to watch because your volume level was pretty low and I had to turn my speakers all the way up. Then, when an ad come on, it was super loud. Volume balance is awesome! Good luck with everything!
Alex it's so good to see you back making videos i have followed you from the very beginning throughout the up's and downs in your learning the transportation industry although we have never spoken directly i feel a friendship with you i really do wish you success in life whatever you end up doing you have a great attitude and enthusiasm for whatever project you're involved in take care stay safe and God bless you and your family always 🙋♂️🇬🇧
In my humble opinion, you take that energy and people skills with you and any new endeavor will be a success. I'm not a hotshot driver, never was, never thought of becoming one, but I enjoyed your video. Yes, you did well and suddenly things changed. Things out of your control. Think about it this way. You have substantial hotshot experience, we all know that. Even your haters. But your talent is your energy, people skills and for what I have noticed, you are not easily intimidated by challenges. Trust me, take that with you and you will be successful. Your experience is one thing, your talent is another. Take both with you, including failures, and the sky is the limit.
Sorry that the business didn’t pan out the way you wanted. However, I think you can share or consult with other small companies and independent driver on a part time basis and I think you can try new endeavors. You shouldn’t limit yourself to just one thing. Keep your eyes open for what makes you happy and your family and knock it out of the park. I look forward to see what you decide and accomplish.
Loved you content, appreciate the vulnerability and honesty throughout. BTW many small businesses only take cash and check to side step the IRS, and or to minimize certain banking fees. i look forward to see what's next
no matter what you do keep using the mediums of communication you've created and if you get in a bind fall back to the realm of hotshot where you were the most successful (when you were small and otr). Good luck on your OutSource IT venture, keeping it connected to Logistics Consulting seems like it'd be best for you.
Great video, I too had to shut down for growing to fast in 2.5 yrs and bam insurance kicked my ass by going a bit more than double. Same goal get off the road, had 12 drivers/owner ops. Made some mistakes that I learned from along the way and I share it with a few hotshotters I still keep in contact with
The one thing I've always liked about on line side hacks is the low startup cost. Your biggest investment is time. I was a content writer for about 15 years. I never made it to the point it was my primary income, but it was a great side hustle. Also dabbled in programing, self taught DBase Ii and actually sold one program. Way better being long retired and watching others scratch and claw their way to success. Go get em Alex!
Love your energy and this step towards reaching out to actually help people. I believe this transition may be the best for you and you’ll realize that one day.
Alex, there is knowledge in the crowd. 1. Follow your passion 2. Utilize your expertise 3. Build your tribe of like minded individuals You have a space you are a recognized expert, lean into it. Have you maximized your ability to consult and provide tools in this space? Your sites and services should have a membership fee or a utilization fee. Unsure about posting and finding jobs on your site but that comes at a cost for most industries. Price does not have to be prohibitive but it can provide funds to keep you free to do what you love. Thanks for sharing and inspiring others. LW
Serious question. Why didn't you downsize once you realized your overhead would be too much? Sure you'd be making significantly less but wouldn't that had kept you afloat with a profit? Or was there debt involved preventing you from going that route? I'm curious. Thanks.
Piglet, been following you for a while. I am impressed by your work ethic and desire to try to accomplish something. I am not surprised you have come to this point, because as you will come to understand, you did make many mistakes, but none of us are taught this unless you are fortunate to have someone teach you. I believe you still enjoy trucking. May I suggest you keep a few pieces of equipment and not cash everything out. Focus on individual high end jobs that require specialty work. Dont do the regular and typical work. As you see, it is difficult to succeed in it. It will take time to build such a business, people will need to know about your services, but if you build it correctly, you will find success because specialty work, hauling super expensive goods, the odd ball stuff will always exist. For example, there are very few heavy haulers out there, and the ones that do exist tend to control entire states or a region. Consider it. Anyway, do stop. Many successful business owners don't make it the first time around. Be honest with yourself as you review your business shutdown so you learn from everything.
Hello Alex, I hope you are doing well. You did VERY well with Hotshot Trucking. You had "FUN" and you encouraged MANY viewers. You Shared your vision and brought the vision of others to life. OK, so you threw out the baby with the bath water. We all do that at least once in our life. NOW, go and "Do It (Hotshot Trucking) Again". Just do it Different. This time learn from the previous mistakes and do it better. Challenge yourself!!!! Go Slow and Grow Slow. If you eat your Ice Cream slow, you will enjoy it longer! OH, Change the name "TP". A new Name Always brings a New Fresh Life to to our Lives, and the things in our lives. That's why Sick people get healthier when they change their names. Take care! Mazal u'Bracha !
There are more then a couple excellent shops that refuse to take CC much less anything else. I was in when owner ordering parts. (@7 years ago). “But I don’t have a card, been buying for 25 years…”. I took the phone. “Visa, or Discover? @2$&*()’9 March 15…” I turn to owner after writing down transaction #. “So what all did I buy for $950?” He took it off @$1600 bill. Finally had to get card. But before I found they accepted check by phone. I bet he still will not take card.
I enjoyed a comment some wrote a few vids back that was growth is great but revenue is most important. A wise man once told me he didn't want the whole pie just his piece and those are words to live by. Good luck in your next adventure
What’s up Alex. I am a truck driver for over 10 yrs. But one problem I always struggle is doing IFTA REPORTS every quarter. I would be interested talking to you about any ideas on better ways to track IFTA Miles
Alex - I’m kinda bummed you are out of transport now, but why don’t you expand on your idea a bit - you should create a hotshot mobile app that aggregates repair services / related services that wherever you are on the route, you can find local resources to fix trailers, trucks, tires etc. sit in the middle of the transaction by offering a backend to the business and offer to collect payments.
You remind me of me .. I'm 28 now. Started out wanting to code, got into the CDL field cuz i needed money NOW.. left class A to start my own hotshot...but now I do cyber security lol, still have a hotshot truck out there too... you're wanting to go into app development it's looking like.
I was the IT manager at my last job. My primary function was still a service technician / supervisor, but I also handled setting up phones, tablets, email accounts, creating new users on the servers for new office employees etc. By the time I left, they outsourced all my old job functions. It would have been great to never have to service restaurant equipment and dedicate all my time to the IT portion, but I had to do what they needed me for the most - yeah, the tough calls the other techs couldn't handle. If I never set foot in another commercial kitchen I'll be just fine! You will need to find a niche that utilizes your experience with the trucking industry. There's a lot of young kids out there who grew up around computers. When I started learning programming, it was the 70's and everything was done via teletype. Totally different now!
@@TowPiglet I'm thinking you might figure a "niche" and offer services like you did setting up your own air tables etc. You put a ton of thought and effort and made a workable system that doesn't require expensive software or extensive training to use. Between your experience and enthusiasm you probably could do good. Straight up IT work is probably not a great field by itself, but having operational solutions might be worth a lot more. Figure out what people need and figure a way to solve their problems. That you should be able to sell.
@@2020HotShotTruckingLLC I think you gave Alex good advice...at least it is the advice I would give him. I've been in IT for decades. Had my own business for a while. It failed because 1) I did not know how to market myself and 2) I did not have a niche to focus on. Also I found I was better off working for a user than working for a provider.
@@TowPiglet Having been in IT for years I think you are heading in the wrong direction. There are just too many one-man shops out there that are doing what you do. I think you should think about becoming a broker.
@@mnfisherman8162 Yep! I joke that I couldn't sell ice water to someone in H... I always do good quality work and customers would request me, but I just don't have the personality so sell myself like Alex has. I believe he will do good at whatever he sets his mind to.
TP I watched you from Your beginning. Very Smart Guy. 👍👍👍 You did everything Right except 1 Thing. Most businesses of All Types make the same mistake of Omission with the result being 98% business failures. You held back 10% of your earnings for Insurance 👍 What you did not do was is what Insurance Companies do...Hedge your rising cost or better said Hedge your Insurance. Insurance companies write policies but the premiums are Not Profits or Payouts. Insurance companies use their Premiums to Hedge their Liabilities for the Possible Payouts of Claims. Get the Message? All business needs to Hedge Profit & Loss, Economic Conditions, and Hedge against Debt, Hedge your falling Retirement Accounts.What are the dominant Options: on the Short Term Yeilding 8-1 on the Dollar. Bonds on the Long Term. Hedges. World Governments do the Same they are called Royal Accounts. The Individual can do the Same Thing. Infact Everyone Should-General workers Hedge is Savings Accounts and Home Equity. It is Imperative that Business do Hedging. What Happened with your Insurance was because the Insurance Companies were quick enough and had enough Time to compensate their Losses during Covid Shutdown but they lost it on Post Covid Economic Recovery. Insurance Companies needed to recoup the Loss. Hadyou used your 10% as Savings and additional 10% in Options Hedging your payout could have been 10-1 (after fees 8-1) More than enough for your Insurance and the Following Year Insurance would have been self generating. Final Note on Losses With Options as a Short Term Hedge you can Loose or go Bust on 6-7 out of 10 Contracts and still break-even. The 2nd Part is Your Losses are Tax Dedutable...so are Losses in "Lost" Vegas. LMAO Goverment makes the Rules that are Good for our Economy👍😀
We hot shot truck and trailer close to home, hot shot truck only as far out as you want, but we make our money driving semi trucks, fuel is expensive but our rates are paying for it, do what your good at, stay strong
You need to make a digital app for all the requirements for cdl fmcsa audits and maintenance, drivers files etc that can be used by the new guys without the huge monthly fee or setup fees
Alex, your a sexy beast! I have followed you for some time now. Used tow piglet driver connect, for people that claimed to be related to you. I don’t believe them because your such a great guy and we will leave it at that. I will follow you in whatever you do. Thanks for everything and thanks for what is to come. Good luck, you don’t need it however. You’ve got this.
You would need a CDL-A to "hotshot" if your trailer is rated over 10,000 lbs. You also need a medical card and are required to keep logs & stop at weigh stations (at lesst here in Virginia). The only thing you don't need is an air brake endorsement. I love your candid comments about your experiences......both good and bad.
Yes that is a Va state law. If you’re licensed in Va you gotta follow that. VDOT tried to enforce that with a buddy, which the magistrate threw it out and dismissed the citation a couple weeks before the hearing date.
@@1VaDude I’m Pa it’s a magistrate that hears summery offenses and preliminary criminal hearing. Fact is federal laws are the default laws < 26,001 is not CDL regardless of how the combo is put together, just because VA has a law for that state they can not enforce it just because you are driving through unless it is posted at state entry i.e. vehicle restrictions for specific roads or speed enforcement which is a state statue anyway.
@@Livin_my_best_life -- Now I understand why you said magistrate (I lived in PA for 8 years) instead of district court judge. A magistrate has a slightly different role here in VA and "summary offense" is a PA term too. Ya bring back memories there! [ VA magistrates generally don't determine innocence or guilt, but do issue warrants, determine if probable cause exists, set bail, etc., depending upon jurisdiction. ] I retired from trucking last month (4 yrs early) because my wife got a job transfer overseas. We leave in a few weeks. House under contract, two of three vehicles sold (one shipped from the port last week) and it is starting to get real for us now. Certain laws DO apply in Virginia for ALL drivers & vehicles - regardless of the domicile of the owner/driver. "Window tint" is but one of them - even if the car or truck is registered elsewhere. In the vehicle code, it says "......any vehicle operated on a highway in the commonwealth...." and most judges will still convict. Total BS, but our troopers love having that as reasonable suspicion for a stop. Go through a scale house here with a trailer over 10,000 pounds (even if rated at under 26,000 GCWR) and you will likely get popped for it, regardless of your home state. With Interstate and intrastate, the rules can also vary - such as requiring an IFTA decal if you cross state lines, etc. Definitely not gonna miss the chicken coops. LOL!
Sounds like a plan sir. Consulting is a thing. Maybe freight waves would publish some articles from you to get your skill set in front of your market faster than just your channel. There are a lot of people in multiple industries who follow industry news outlets through articles and publication that don't involve social media and that's your target group for service. People who haven't made the switch into digitization of any kind.
It sounds like what you want to offer is what current MSP's offer. I can tell you from first hand experience that's a very tough market to play in if you are not qualified. Qualified in a sense of degrees and certifactions. I actually own a very successful MSP and am looking to start a second business with a buddy who wants to get into Hotshot. My current business is now run by my employees so I have free time to dabble in other industries. I wish you the best and have enjoyed your videos, go get certifactions if you want to make real money in IT. You can get 3 basic certs and earn 60K right off the bat, get more advanced certs and make 100+K you only need a degree for management.
I think you be back in trucking in NO TIME, IT business is very tough and competitive...I predict you be back doing hotshot owner op with a semi tractor or doing trucking Owner op, non hotshot CDL. we'll see lol
There’s a company, I forget the name, but what they do is they take payments in crypto and then convert it to cash (usd) for businesses. So now a business can accept crypto without really having to understand it or deal with it. Since the business gets the cash.
Tow piglet my point was maybe you could do something like that. Where you accept a bunch of different forms of payment and pay cash to a trucking company. This way they can accept all kinds of payments without really accepting all kinds of payments
You should charge a fee as a small business software consultant. You don’t need to write code to be able to determine what a business needs, like a credit card reader, and get it done. If you need code written, contract it out. I think you’re selling yourself short. You do have the experience. Don’t say I think I do. You do. As far as the scam brokers, that should benefit owner/operator semi truck drivers along with hotshot drivers.
So 100% truth & he experience and have done it as a self-made. Nobody can't talk sh!t about him and specially if they have even attempted what he has did and done.
would you consider running my 2022 KW W900 with 2022 fontaine 53 foot revolution step deck? i am spending more time in the ER and its sitting gathering dust. regardless, you are the reason i got into trucking 3 years ago. i learned an incredible amount from you and chose commercial over hot shot but your sharing was crucial to me. thank you and i hope you knock it out of the park
Need to sell that truck it’s going to need repair sitting there rotting and another driver will destroy that truck.2022 you have to have weekly payments in the thousands . Dam they will repo it . Good luck 😀😀😀😀
It's a tough time for alot of people Alex! You were so close, the diesel prices hammered everyone in the small business world! You could go back to solo hotshot again just to bring in revenue!
Can you teach me what I need to do to start my own business hot shot ? I have my own dot and llc already and I have a CDL Iv been doing for nearly a year but I want to do my own thing but just need a little guidance
@@TowPiglet how to officially like start like I don’t understand the process of non CDL hot shot since I have a CDL Iv only ever looked up CDL stuff but idk how non CDL translates like do I still need MC? do I have to pay ifta? if it’s non CDL what’s the best load site ? for hotshot what trailer size is best ? should I get factoring company fuel wise ? I want to start hotshot so I can ideally spend more time with family owning my own business vs working under company begging for time off even as a lease owner operator it just sucks Iv had the dot number for a year now and llc for like 3 years but yah I just need better guidance one how to officially start
@@Eah2019 so wait you’re a owner operator but these companies who contracted you force you to work shifts? Thus you begging for time off? I thought as a contractor you can set your own schedule. So you’re an employee at a company?
@@gmoneybags01 I’m not a full owner operator like it’s weird like I have my own llc and dot number but not mc. But I wanted to get a semi truck so I got hired onto a company through there lease purchased program I’m hired as a contractor leasing with my llc and all that great stuff but like between paying 3k a month for truck payments and other stuff and begging to basically get enough loads to pay me enough money to pay everything and go home without being 2k in negative like it sucks like I’m paid off a sliding pay scale so more miles I drive the less I make soooo it really it’s just sad soooooooo I was trying to get away and buy a dually and actually focus on my own business doing hotshot here in Texas ether as CDL holder or running non CDL but I just honestly need more information like paperwork side of things and inspection side of stuff for dually . Like I said I have a llc and a dot number already just missing truck and knowledge so I was hoping tow piglet would bless me with knowledge lol or truthfully anyone so I can start doing my own business running hotshot because the 3k plus truck payments and only making basically $1 a mile is really hurting after all the expenses and yes $1 a mile with a 3,200 a month truck payment
@@gmoneybags01 since I’m basically working under there authority they make all the calls I get paid sliding pay scale and I never see the revenue of load nor can I pick my own load and I have to request time off I can’t just go home I can’t just drive truck home whenever even though I’m paying for it lol like it’s just blaaa I feel stupid
Good luck brother miss you videos! Was looking for a truck or semi if you know of anyone. I have my own but it’s recently down in the dealership:( running out of time and $$$&$
Hey Alex, I've been working in IT for almost 15 years now. I've worked for companies that do what you're describing, a few others have mentioned that its an MSP. MSP's are good, but you need a very wide skillset in order to make them profitable. As an example there is end user hardware, servers, networking, database, cloud, voip, crm just to name a few facets in what normal MSP's offer. Let me know if you want any advice and I would be glad to give it. I'm currently working as a Cloud Engineer and have done every facet of IT. Best of luck to you either way.
This is amazing. someone who isn't painting a perfect picture out there and being completely transparent. you're awesome. keep showing the reality of life!!! fan here
Tow piglet is one of the reasons why I went to school to get the class A cdl at 22 years old he Inspired me to get a hotshot setup together.
You saved a lot of us from making your mistakes. Lol! Seriously, thankyou for the incredible adventures. I was going through really bad PTSD, bedridden for months, and your channel was a great escape and gave me the motivation to start a sawmilling business, as I have a bit of land. It's doing well, my mental health is like 90%, I'll take it, and my family isn't worried about me so much anymore which is the best thing. God Bless brother! Thanks again!
That’s awesome David
God Bless
These are the good comments. Keep your head up and keep getting after it dude
Haha
I loved how you shared everything you learned and how you are still doing it! Thanks!
Yes something like one of the many back-office solutions providers out there for trucking but focused on technology might be a great way to utilize your trucking experience and your current contacts. You might even included factoring and a fuel card to draw people in the trucking industry to you. In any case, I can't wait to see you progress! Best of luck to you!
I love your energy, and I’ve been missing you on here I’m glad you posted this video. I look forward to your next adventure I hope you keep us all posted
I learned a lot from you running and making the videos you did. The one thing I took from this was to slowly make my company larger. Thank you Alex.
Always glad to see and hear your thoughts Alex! You have a lot of long time subs (including me) that are cheering you on! With your attitude and energy I have no doubt you’ll succeed. So many people are really inspired by you so don’t stop w the videos. We look forward to them👍🏼
I've always enjoyed your videos. Very informative and actually have real-world value. Looking forward to seeing how things go for you. One video suggestion is to pay attention to your output quality. This particular video was harder to watch because your volume level was pretty low and I had to turn my speakers all the way up. Then, when an ad come on, it was super loud. Volume balance is awesome! Good luck with everything!
Alex it's so good to see you back making videos i have followed you from the very beginning throughout the up's and downs in your learning the transportation industry although we have never spoken directly i feel a friendship with you i really do wish you success in life whatever you end up doing you have a great attitude and enthusiasm for whatever project you're involved in take care stay safe and God bless you and your family always 🙋♂️🇬🇧
In my humble opinion, you take that energy and people skills with you and any new endeavor will be a success. I'm not a hotshot driver, never was, never thought of becoming one, but I enjoyed your video. Yes, you did well and suddenly things changed. Things out of your control. Think about it this way. You have substantial hotshot experience, we all know that. Even your haters. But your talent is your energy, people skills and for what I have noticed, you are not easily intimidated by challenges. Trust me, take that with you and you will be successful. Your experience is one thing, your talent is another. Take both with you, including failures, and the sky is the limit.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Sorry that the business didn’t pan out the way you wanted. However, I think you can share or consult with other small companies and independent driver on a part time basis and I think you can try new endeavors. You shouldn’t limit yourself to just one thing. Keep your eyes open for what makes you happy and your family and knock it out of the park. I look forward to see what you decide and accomplish.
Loved you content, appreciate the vulnerability and honesty throughout. BTW many small businesses only take cash and check to side step the IRS, and or to minimize certain banking fees. i look forward to see what's next
Good luck with your new adventures,miss your videos your such an honest man.
Missed you bro I hope to see more of ur videos, keep grinding
no matter what you do keep using the mediums of communication you've created and if you get in a bind fall back to the realm of hotshot where you were the most successful (when you were small and otr). Good luck on your OutSource IT venture, keeping it connected to Logistics Consulting seems like it'd be best for you.
Great video, I too had to shut down for growing to fast in 2.5 yrs and bam insurance kicked my ass by going a bit more than double. Same goal get off the road, had 12 drivers/owner ops. Made some mistakes that I learned from along the way and I share it with a few hotshotters I still keep in contact with
That sucks
I believe they are squeezing out the up and coming. Stay positive and I know we are all watching so keep putting out content.
In the words of that sage Yogi Bera "When you come to a fork in the road, take it". Supporting you out here in the Permian!
The one thing I've always liked about on line side hacks is the low startup cost. Your biggest investment is time. I was a content writer for about 15 years. I never made it to the point it was my primary income, but it was a great side hustle. Also dabbled in programing, self taught DBase Ii and actually sold one program. Way better being long retired and watching others scratch and claw their way to success. Go get em Alex!
Hey you have a good business plan
Love your energy and this step towards reaching out to actually help people. I believe this transition may be the best for you and you’ll realize that one day.
YOU created your own competition. Social media caused the over saturation in trucking.
Thanks for all you do and have done.... Looking forward to working with you more in the future....
Alex, there is knowledge in the crowd.
1. Follow your passion
2. Utilize your expertise
3. Build your tribe of like minded individuals
You have a space you are a recognized expert, lean into it. Have you maximized your ability to consult and provide tools in this space?
Your sites and services should have a membership fee or a utilization fee. Unsure about posting and finding jobs on your site but that comes at a cost for most industries. Price does not have to be prohibitive but it can provide funds to keep you free to do what you love.
Thanks for sharing and inspiring others.
LW
I still remember the hefty trailer and the silver ram 3500 and you making videos at truck stops
Setting up the table 😆🙈
Serious question. Why didn't you downsize once you realized your overhead would be too much? Sure you'd be making significantly less but wouldn't that had kept you afloat with a profit? Or was there debt involved preventing you from going that route? I'm curious. Thanks.
Thank you a lot of things you are talking about are things I know a lot of drivers wish we had that would help us a lot..
Piglet, been following you for a while. I am impressed by your work ethic and desire to try to accomplish something. I am not surprised you have come to this point, because as you will come to understand, you did make many mistakes, but none of us are taught this unless you are fortunate to have someone teach you. I believe you still enjoy trucking. May I suggest you keep a few pieces of equipment and not cash everything out. Focus on individual high end jobs that require specialty work. Dont do the regular and typical work. As you see, it is difficult to succeed in it. It will take time to build such a business, people will need to know about your services, but if you build it correctly, you will find success because specialty work, hauling super expensive goods, the odd ball stuff will always exist. For example, there are very few heavy haulers out there, and the ones that do exist tend to control entire states or a region. Consider it.
Anyway, do stop. Many successful business owners don't make it the first time around. Be honest with yourself as you review your business shutdown so you learn from everything.
Sorry to hear man. Hope you become successful in whatever endeavor you choose.
Small business IT consultant. I don't think that's unique. But you're a damn hard worker, if anyone can be successful at it, you can!
Thank you
Best of Luck to you in whatever endeavor you choose to do Alex.
Whatever u decide 2 do good luck 2 u u n family b safe always
Bro nice to see u still at it! Good luck bro.
u got a good heart and ur hardworking you will be successful. Keep hustlin’
This is interesting, I come from 25yrs IT (middleware administration) and starting my own used car dealership and may hotshot on the side.
I can only imagine the joy Pops and Benni had when they first saw the thumbnail with you holding that sign 😂😂
There was never any bad blood
keep your head up people would not be watching if they did not see something in you. we know you're going to succeed and we want to know how.
Please keep us updated. I know I am very interested in how you are doing.
TP is now an IT broker……love it.
Good luck, and I hope everything works out for you man!
Thank you
I wish you all the best for the future Alex 💪🏻🤞🏻
I never missed an ALEX video, no matter how busy I may have been @ the moment. 🗽🇺🇸
Hello Alex, I hope you are doing well. You did VERY well with Hotshot Trucking. You had "FUN" and you encouraged MANY viewers. You Shared your vision and brought the vision of others to life. OK, so you threw out the baby with the bath water. We all do that at least once in our life. NOW, go and "Do It (Hotshot Trucking) Again". Just do it Different. This time learn from the previous mistakes and do it better. Challenge yourself!!!! Go Slow and Grow Slow. If you eat your Ice Cream slow, you will enjoy it longer! OH, Change the name "TP". A new Name Always brings a New Fresh Life to to our Lives, and the things in our lives. That's why Sick people get healthier when they change their names. Take care! Mazal u'Bracha !
There are more then a couple excellent shops that refuse to take CC much less anything else. I was in when owner ordering parts. (@7 years ago). “But I don’t have a card, been buying for 25 years…”. I took the phone. “Visa, or Discover? @2$&*()’9 March 15…”
I turn to owner after writing down transaction #. “So what all did I buy for $950?”
He took it off @$1600 bill. Finally had to get card. But before I found they accepted check by phone. I bet he still will not take card.
Really like that IT idea and there's market for it.
Go into dispatching, brokerage. Be upfront and fair with prices, staying in the transport business.
Yes when I bought me first hotshot tralier new it was like $7,100...sold it last year for $7,900 all rusted etc.
Great video bro! Keep your head up! You’re doing great 👍🏻
I enjoyed a comment some wrote a few vids back that was growth is great but revenue is most important. A wise man once told me he didn't want the whole pie just his piece and those are words to live by. Good luck in your next adventure
Amazing idea 💡!! Good luck 🍀👍!!
What’s up Alex. I am a truck driver for over 10 yrs. But one problem I always struggle is doing IFTA REPORTS every quarter. I would be interested talking to you about any ideas on better ways to track IFTA Miles
Look into the plumbing and hvac markets. They have solutions but all are fairly expensive
Alex, good vid. You do need to turn up sound on your end. Barely hear you!
Alex - I’m kinda bummed you are out of transport now, but why don’t you expand on your idea a bit - you should create a hotshot mobile app that aggregates repair services / related services that wherever you are on the route, you can find local resources to fix trailers, trucks, tires etc. sit in the middle of the transaction by offering a backend to the business and offer to collect payments.
Nationwide repair but fit hotshot 🤔
Angie's list....Alex's list. There have been times I could've used that.
@@TowPiglet that’s where I’d start. Excellent idea
@@TowPiglet is scam freight available on iphone?
You remind me of me .. I'm 28 now. Started out wanting to code, got into the CDL field cuz i needed money NOW.. left class A to start my own hotshot...but now I do cyber security lol, still have a hotshot truck out there too... you're wanting to go into app development it's looking like.
I was the IT manager at my last job. My primary function was still a service technician / supervisor, but I also handled setting up phones, tablets, email accounts, creating new users on the servers for new office employees etc. By the time I left, they outsourced all my old job functions. It would have been great to never have to service restaurant equipment and dedicate all my time to the IT portion, but I had to do what they needed me for the most - yeah, the tough calls the other techs couldn't handle. If I never set foot in another commercial kitchen I'll be just fine! You will need to find a niche that utilizes your experience with the trucking industry. There's a lot of young kids out there who grew up around computers. When I started learning programming, it was the 70's and everything was done via teletype. Totally different now!
So am I headed in the right or wrong direction?
@@TowPiglet I'm thinking you might figure a "niche" and offer services like you did setting up your own air tables etc. You put a ton of thought and effort and made a workable system that doesn't require expensive software or extensive training to use. Between your experience and enthusiasm you probably could do good. Straight up IT work is probably not a great field by itself, but having operational solutions might be worth a lot more. Figure out what people need and figure a way to solve their problems. That you should be able to sell.
@@2020HotShotTruckingLLC I think you gave Alex good advice...at least it is the advice I would give him. I've been in IT for decades. Had my own business for a while. It failed because 1) I did not know how to market myself and 2) I did not have a niche to focus on. Also I found I was better off working for a user than working for a provider.
@@TowPiglet Having been in IT for years I think you are heading in the wrong direction. There are just too many one-man shops out there that are doing what you do. I think you should think about becoming a broker.
@@mnfisherman8162 Yep! I joke that I couldn't sell ice water to someone in H... I always do good quality work and customers would request me, but I just don't have the personality so sell myself like Alex has. I believe he will do good at whatever he sets his mind to.
TP I watched you from Your beginning. Very Smart Guy. 👍👍👍
You did everything Right except 1 Thing. Most businesses of All Types make the same mistake of Omission with the result being 98% business failures.
You held back 10% of your earnings for Insurance 👍
What you did not do was is what Insurance Companies do...Hedge your rising cost or better said Hedge your Insurance. Insurance companies write policies but the premiums are Not Profits or Payouts. Insurance companies use their Premiums to Hedge their Liabilities for the Possible Payouts of Claims. Get the Message? All business needs to Hedge Profit & Loss, Economic Conditions, and Hedge against Debt, Hedge your falling Retirement Accounts.What are the dominant Options: on the Short Term Yeilding 8-1 on the Dollar. Bonds on the Long Term. Hedges. World Governments do the Same they are called Royal Accounts.
The Individual can do the Same Thing. Infact Everyone Should-General workers Hedge is Savings Accounts and Home Equity. It is Imperative that Business do Hedging.
What Happened with your Insurance was because the Insurance Companies were quick enough and had enough Time to compensate their Losses during Covid Shutdown but they lost it on Post Covid Economic Recovery. Insurance Companies needed to recoup the Loss. Hadyou used your 10% as Savings and additional 10% in Options Hedging your payout could have been 10-1 (after fees 8-1) More than enough for your Insurance and the Following Year Insurance would have been self generating.
Final Note on Losses
With Options as a Short Term Hedge you can Loose or go Bust on 6-7 out of 10 Contracts and still break-even. The 2nd Part is Your Losses are Tax Dedutable...so are Losses in "Lost" Vegas. LMAO Goverment makes the Rules that are Good for our Economy👍😀
Trust me as a former Comp Sci major, Java Script & Python were no joke! (Especially Java)!
It's not that the repair shop didn't know how to take other forms of online payments it's the fact they don't want to .
I have a company in Houston that pays me $36k a year to be their outsourced IT guy. In total, I make six figures a year in the digital space.
I’ll definitely check out that website!
You still can talk about it man. The experience and knowledge don’t go out of business
Good luck!
We hot shot truck and trailer close to home, hot shot truck only as far out as you want, but we make our money driving semi trucks, fuel is expensive but our rates are paying for it, do what your good at, stay strong
You need to make a digital app for all the requirements for cdl fmcsa audits and maintenance, drivers files etc that can be used by the new guys without the huge monthly fee or setup fees
How much change did ya get sign should say lol need help fuel to hi please help. Gotta pay for insurance.
Alex what do you think about Sprinter Van Delivery Work?
Just filled out the "Contact Us" form on your website! We hope to hear from you Alex!
Can you make an app / website for direct hauling for semi trucks that will cut out the brokers?
Alex, your a sexy beast! I have followed you for some time now. Used tow piglet driver connect, for people that claimed to be related to you. I don’t believe them because your such a great guy and we will leave it at that. I will follow you in whatever you do. Thanks for everything and thanks for what is to come. Good luck, you don’t need it however. You’ve got this.
You would need a CDL-A to "hotshot" if your trailer is rated over 10,000 lbs. You also need a medical card and are required to keep logs & stop at weigh stations (at lesst here in Virginia).
The only thing you don't need is an air brake endorsement.
I love your candid comments about your experiences......both good and bad.
Yes that is a Va state law. If you’re licensed in Va you gotta follow that. VDOT tried to enforce that with a buddy, which the magistrate threw it out and dismissed the citation a couple weeks before the hearing date.
@@Livin_my_best_life -- Magistrate? You sure it was not the district court judge or commonwealth's attorney? Your friend was lucky.
@@1VaDude I’m Pa it’s a magistrate that hears summery offenses and preliminary criminal hearing. Fact is federal laws are the default laws < 26,001 is not CDL regardless of how the combo is put together, just because VA has a law for that state they can not enforce it just because you are driving through unless it is posted at state entry i.e. vehicle restrictions for specific roads or speed enforcement which is a state statue anyway.
@@Livin_my_best_life -- Now I understand why you said magistrate (I lived in PA for 8 years) instead of district court judge. A magistrate has a slightly different role here in VA and "summary offense" is a PA term too. Ya bring back memories there! [ VA magistrates generally don't determine innocence or guilt, but do issue warrants, determine if probable cause exists, set bail, etc., depending upon jurisdiction. ]
I retired from trucking last month (4 yrs early) because my wife got a job transfer overseas. We leave in a few weeks. House under contract, two of three vehicles sold (one shipped from the port last week) and it is starting to get real for us now.
Certain laws DO apply in Virginia for ALL drivers & vehicles - regardless of the domicile of the owner/driver. "Window tint" is but one of them - even if the car or truck is registered elsewhere. In the vehicle code, it says "......any vehicle operated on a highway in the commonwealth...." and most judges will still convict. Total BS, but our troopers love having that as reasonable suspicion for a stop.
Go through a scale house here with a trailer over 10,000 pounds (even if rated at under 26,000 GCWR) and you will likely get popped for it, regardless of your home state. With Interstate and intrastate, the rules can also vary - such as requiring an IFTA decal if you cross state lines, etc.
Definitely not gonna miss the chicken coops. LOL!
Sounds like a plan sir. Consulting is a thing. Maybe freight waves would publish some articles from you to get your skill set in front of your market faster than just your channel. There are a lot of people in multiple industries who follow industry news outlets through articles and publication that don't involve social media and that's your target group for service. People who haven't made the switch into digitization of any kind.
I love the Pivot. Will reach out to you for help .
when it comes to the payment thing is the fees that charging with card comes with…
They don’t charge fees, look into it
It sounds like what you want to offer is what current MSP's offer. I can tell you from first hand experience that's a very tough market to play in if you are not qualified. Qualified in a sense of degrees and certifactions. I actually own a very successful MSP and am looking to start a second business with a buddy who wants to get into Hotshot. My current business is now run by my employees so I have free time to dabble in other industries. I wish you the best and have enjoyed your videos, go get certifactions if you want to make real money in IT. You can get 3 basic certs and earn 60K right off the bat, get more advanced certs and make 100+K you only need a degree for management.
Good job brotha. It’s not how you get knocked down but how you come back
Heck yeah keep thinking outside the box you will make something happen 👍🏽
Everybody loves you Alex just be yourself and make videos
Very inspiring vid man
Looking forward to your new journey... 🙂
This appreciate your work. Booyah, 👊😁👍🇺🇲
Let's go hotshotting!
I think you be back in trucking in NO TIME, IT business is very tough and competitive...I predict you be back doing hotshot owner op with a semi tractor or doing trucking Owner op, non hotshot CDL. we'll see lol
There’s a company, I forget the name, but what they do is they take payments in crypto and then convert it to cash (usd) for businesses. So now a business can accept crypto without really having to understand it or deal with it. Since the business gets the cash.
Tow piglet my point was maybe you could do something like that. Where you accept a bunch of different forms of payment and pay cash to a trucking company. This way they can accept all kinds of payments without really accepting all kinds of payments
If insurance was the reason of discontinued hotshoting and you were making a million dollar, how much will it be to self insured?
Last time I checked there was only 26 companies that had enough money to self insure. It's very unlikely I'd be able to do it
You should charge a fee as a small business software consultant. You don’t need to write code to be able to determine what a business needs, like a credit card reader, and get it done. If you need code written, contract it out. I think you’re selling yourself short. You do have the experience. Don’t say I think I do. You do. As far as the scam brokers, that should benefit owner/operator semi truck drivers along with hotshot drivers.
So 100% truth & he experience and have done it as a self-made. Nobody can't talk sh!t about him and specially if they have even attempted what he has did and done.
What happened to the property you purchased next to the pilot?
Cash only is coming from paying 3% fee or dodging taxes.
The fees banks charge for electronic payments is outrageous that’s why they don’t take cards ect
We add 5% for square readers in truck
Been watching GV along time
Expose those double brokers we need to eliminate them
would you consider running my 2022 KW W900 with 2022 fontaine 53 foot revolution step deck? i am spending more time in the ER and its sitting gathering dust. regardless, you are the reason i got into trucking 3 years ago. i learned an incredible amount from you and chose commercial over hot shot but your sharing was crucial to me. thank you and i hope you knock it out of the park
He doesn't have or want a CDL.
Need to sell that truck it’s going to need repair sitting there rotting and another driver will destroy that truck.2022 you have to have weekly payments in the thousands . Dam they will repo it . Good luck 😀😀😀😀
Alex Thank you Bro
It's a tough time for alot of people Alex! You were so close, the diesel prices hammered everyone in the small business world! You could go back to solo hotshot again just to bring in revenue!
God bless you
May you succeed
Does the authority pay for your insurance if you are under them as an owner operator? How does it work
Can you teach me what I need to do to start my own business hot shot ?
I have my own dot and llc already and I have a CDL Iv been doing for nearly a year but I want to do my own thing but just need a little guidance
What are you trying to learn
@@TowPiglet how to officially like start like I don’t understand the process of non CDL hot shot since I have a CDL Iv only ever looked up CDL stuff but idk how non CDL translates like do I still need MC? do I have to pay ifta? if it’s non CDL what’s the best load site ? for hotshot what trailer size is best ? should I get factoring company fuel wise ? I want to start hotshot so I can ideally spend more time with family owning my own business vs working under company begging for time off even as a lease owner operator it just sucks Iv had the dot number for a year now and llc for like 3 years but yah I just need better guidance one how to officially start
@@Eah2019 so wait you’re a owner operator but these companies who contracted you force you to work shifts? Thus you begging for time off? I thought as a contractor you can set your own schedule. So you’re an employee at a company?
@@gmoneybags01 I’m not a full owner operator like it’s weird like I have my own llc and dot number but not mc. But I wanted to get a semi truck so I got hired onto a company through there lease purchased program I’m hired as a contractor leasing with my llc and all that great stuff but like between paying 3k a month for truck payments and other stuff and begging to basically get enough loads to pay me enough money to pay everything and go home without being 2k in negative like it sucks like I’m paid off a sliding pay scale so more miles I drive the less I make soooo it really it’s just sad soooooooo I was trying to get away and buy a dually and actually focus on my own business doing hotshot here in Texas ether as CDL holder or running non CDL but I just honestly need more information like paperwork side of things and inspection side of stuff for dually .
Like I said I have a llc and a dot number already just missing truck and knowledge so I was hoping tow piglet would bless me with knowledge lol or truthfully anyone so I can start doing my own business running hotshot because the 3k plus truck payments and only making basically $1 a mile is really hurting after all the expenses and yes $1 a mile with a 3,200 a month truck payment
@@gmoneybags01 since I’m basically working under there authority they make all the calls I get paid sliding pay scale and I never see the revenue of load nor can I pick my own load and I have to request time off I can’t just go home I can’t just drive truck home whenever even though I’m paying for it lol like it’s just blaaa I feel stupid
Good luck brother miss you videos! Was looking for a truck or semi if you know of anyone. I have my own but it’s recently down in the dealership:( running out of time and $$$&$
Actually yes I know a guy selling peterbilt, can you get in contact with me
Hey Alex, I've been working in IT for almost 15 years now. I've worked for companies that do what you're describing, a few others have mentioned that its an MSP. MSP's are good, but you need a very wide skillset in order to make them profitable. As an example there is end user hardware, servers, networking, database, cloud, voip, crm just to name a few facets in what normal MSP's offer. Let me know if you want any advice and I would be glad to give it. I'm currently working as a Cloud Engineer and have done every facet of IT. Best of luck to you either way.
Yes please, Steven get ahold of me let’s discuss
Need help! Need an F-650 hauled from Continental OH to Augusta GA. Who knows some smaller good companies?
Keep it it up brotha..