What requirements are needed for non-CDL hot shot trucking? What qualifications are necessary for non-CDL hotshot truck drivers to legally drive commercial vehicles?
Discovering the right qualifications and certificates needed for a job can become confusing. So, to make your life easier, we discuss everything you need to know about the requirements for non-CDL hot shot truck driving.
If you’re thinking about a career in non-CDL hot shot trucking, then this article provides all the information you need to know about the legal requirements.
So, if you want to learn about the requirements for non-CDL hot shot trucking, keep reading!
What Does Non-CDL Hot Shot Trucking Mean?
Hot shot trucking is a type of truck driving that involves the pick-up and delivery of items.
Instead of Class 8 OTR trucks that ship items from terminal to terminal, and that require other trucks to pick up and deliver the items, hot shot trucking delivers the items directly to the location.
Non-CDL hot shot trucking refers to hot shot trucking without a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
In many states, a hotshot truck driver is not required to get a CDL unless they are driving commercial vehicles that are over 26,000 lb. However, this does depend on the state, as in some states a CDL is required for commercial vehicles over 10,000 lb.
To summarize, hot shot driving without a CDL refers to a method of truck driving that does not require a commercial driver’s license.
What Are The Requirements For Non-CDL Hot Shot Truck Driving?
Below are the requirements for non-CDL hotshot truck drivers.
Drivers Qualification File
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all companies to ensure commercial motor vehicle carriers have a driver’s qualification file, this includes non-CDL truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also requires all non-CDL hotshot truck drivers to register for the Driver Qualification File (DQF).
This is a record that the employer is required to maintain for each driver. This document proves that the driver, including non-CDL drivers, is qualified to drive a commercial vehicle safely. Non-CDL drivers require a Driver Qualification File if the vehicle weighs between 10,001 and 26,000 lb. Vehicles over 26,000 lb require a CDL.
Regardless of weight, all non-CDL truck drivers need to register for a Driver Qualification File if:
- The driver is transporting hazardous materials. Hazardous materials are defined by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.
- The driver is transporting more than 8 people (this includes the driver) for compensation.
- The driver is transporting more than 15 people (this includes the driver) for no compensation.
Truck drivers should contact the state agency that regulates commercial vehicles in their state, as some states may have different regulations than the FMCSA regulations.
State Motor Record (MVR)
If a company hires a non-CDL truck driver, the company needs to get a motor vehicle record from every state the non-CDL truck driver has held a permit and a driving license within the past three years.
The information must be added to the non-CDL truck driver’s Driver Qualification File within 30 days of the individual being hired.
Driver’s Employment Application
All employers need to ensure that the non-CDL truck driver’s employment application is included in the Driver’s Qualification File.
It must be included in their Driver’s Qualification File while the individual is employed, and for three years after they stop working for the employer.
Verification of Past Employment
All non-CDL truck drivers who are hired to work for a company need to be investigated, to ensure their safety record is sufficient.
The individual must fill out a release form, which allows the company to request their records and safety history from past employers. The release form must be added to the Driver’s Qualification File.
All responses must be reported to the Driver’s Qualification File.
Road Test Certification
All non-CDL truck drivers must have a certificate showing they have passed the road test. The certificate is valid for three years.
Annual MVR
Employees require an update of the non-CDL truck driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR) every year.
Annual List of Violations
Non-CDL truck drivers are required to give their employers a list of all of their traffic violations during the past 12 months. Parking violations do not count.
Medical Exam
All non-CDL truck drivers require a medical exam and a certificate of the exam. This must occur when the non-CDL truck driver is hired, and every two years after.
Non-CDL truck drivers also need to keep a copy of their medical certificate in their vehicles for proof.
Why Do Hot Shot Truck Drivers Not Have a CDL?
Not all hotshot truck drivers have a CDL.
The reality is, a CDL is not necessary for hotshot truck drivers. While it is a bonus to certain companies, it is not a requirement for most companies. Many companies are happy for truck drivers to learn from experience and do not need a CDL.
There are cons to not having a CDL, for hotshot truck drivers, however.
- Non-CDL hotshot truck drivers are not legally allowed to drive outside the United States.
- Non-CDL hotshot drivers earn less on average than CDL hotshot truck drivers.
- Some companies will not accept hotshot truck drivers unless they have a CDL (however, many companies do not require a CDL, also).
Summary
A CDL is not needed by all hotshot truck drivers. Some hot-shot truck drivers choose to obtain a CDL because they want to be able to drive anywhere, including outside the United States.
Non-CDL hotshot drivers still require many qualifications and certificates before they can legally drive commercial vehicles, but they require fewer qualifications and certificates than CDL hotshot drivers.
This article covered all the qualifications needed for non-CDL hotshot drivers.
