Keep these videos coming. I'm a power lineman and have been for eighteen years. Great money but physically demanding. Looking for a career change. Hotshot is looking promising.

Just getting into hot shot work as a side income to my primary business... This is very helpful and a point I'd like to mention that doesn't get enough screen time is PEACE OF MIND. I had a similar truck to Josephine that stayed in the shop... Big headache and lots of downtime. I'd suggest that the aspect of "getting ripped off" is misspoken... They have to make money, they need to stay in business... In my case I simply raised my equipment prices slightly to offset the lease cost.... But in the long run, I had a huge stress taken off my shoulders and got on the road without a big deal. In my case, I used the lease aspect as leverage to put multiple trucks on the road all of which make money 7 days/week. It's a business, I don't need fancy mud flaps or lifted trucks to make me feel good, I need reliable transportation to put money in the bank. Great video... Keep it up, amazing content.

I think the enterprise rental program is a great idea especially if your planning on building a company those trucks are suppose to considered work horses. This video really helped me all i need to do is find a trailer.

Finally someone who knows what they're talking about

Could you make a video explaining how to start a hot shot trucking business with a enterprise rental?

This is a year old now, I'm under the impression that enterprise is doing things a little different now. They definitely asked about my credit.

Alex, you have a very informative and entertaining channel. While I enjoy the entertainment of your adventures. You are one hard working individual. I drove OTR over the 48 & Canada in 1994. I still maintain my CDL and endorsements. If I retire next year or so. I would consider running the road. To scout out where I would go for fun with a travel trailer. Your costs for Enterprise were about .235 cents per mile, plus fuel. I divided your insurance costs by your $1k insurance costs. I have better credit, so a truck would cost less. My wife has okay credit, and her 2018 truck payment is $900 month for 5 years, with $3k down. EGR failure is related to EGT. Some friends that run hotshot. Claim a better EGR life and cleaner running engine. They also went full synthetic on all fluids. Added Wetter Water to the coolant. Added a PPE transmission pan, for extra fluid capacity. And they added a small diesel generator to run an RV heat pump. Comfort and reliability is their goal. With class 8 trucks, the Carrier you lease with provides the insurance. But for the wear and tear damage on a truck, the stuff you never claim. Enterprise wins that contest without a doubt. For a newby, Enterprise is the way to go. My friends that run Hotshot are all over 35. They have life experiences that help them anticipate and deal with problems better. Alex, you show the world. That even thinking smarter. You prove that trucking is a very hard and grueling way to earn a living. But the adventure, makes many truckers experiences. So rewarding!

I can totally see and understand why your doing things the way that works for you. As for me I have worked very hard over the years using my proceeds/profits to pay off and remain debtfree and invest. I am in no means wealthy, in fact my real income is at poverty levels. That being said I own my truck and equipment, I run hard when I'm in the game, but 3 weeks ago I parked and dont expect to go back out until spring. I'm keeping the fire stoked, the hot tub occupied and becoming hoarse at my grandkids basketball games. Being frugal, debtfree has its benefits, at the end of the day everyone lives the life as they chose, my choices are mine, not for everyone, I'm simply giving another way of thinking, and believe me I've made so many mistakes

Watching this video in 2023 and could not agree more. I run 100K+ a year(2k-3k per week) and have done it both ways. I'm telling you right now, being able to just walk away from a truck that has issues and get handed a new one is worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY and then some. One thing people forget is that dumping a truck that is 2-3 years old and has 200k-300k mi is going to give you e HEFTY amount of negative equity when comes time to trade it in. Like $1000's that get rolled over into the next finance contract...which then requires MORE down-payment money.

Thanks brother this information help me a lil I always thought buying your own truck is the only way to go appreciated your videos keep it up ...

This video is probably your best ever Alex, you really made some valid points and considerations on the truck lease. People that have not been in this industry don't fully understand many of the hardships and variables they will encounter! At the end of the day, the cost of doing business is absorbant and the worry of liability, depreciation, credit risk/liquidity, down time and more make the lease for a hot shot truck in doing business very viable, even though its cost seem prohibitive. The maintenance cost and repair issues alone in these new diesels--not to mention commercial insurance would make me say "yes", it is the way to go in this day and time for the peace of mind alone in not staying stressed about the truck but only focus on staying loaded with decent paying freight and running hard to make money. STRESS is a real deal breaker for me in owing a commercial truck vs 10 years ago and if I can mitigate my exposure to known industry shortfalls- it is a no brainer for this transportation industry veteran. Knowing you can give the truck back and walk away without it ruining you financially is HUGE given the volitality of the current freight market and pricing windfall!

Biggest thing missing in these numbers is taxes. You have next to no write offs. Repairs and maintenance are your second biggest write off. Learning to do your own repairs can easily allow you to fix alot of things cheaper and save money on labor. Another side note. If your paying 350 dollars for an oil change on your pickup , than you need to shop around. It cost me less for full service on my semi.

You're a better person than me. I wouldn't share my bread and butter with everyone. You're a good person.

Before one makes up their mind, run it by your accountant. There are positives and negatives to renting, leasing and buying.

They need glider kits for hotshot trucks....take older bodies and put modern drivetrains with no emissions and run it till the wheels fall off

Rental is less of a gamble. You will pay 23.7 cents mile (once you add deductible) but you don’t have to worry about maintenance cost ever. When buying hot shot truck 5 year loan should not be even considered. What you should do is put same kind of money into your truck as you are putting into rental ($.20-.25 mile). This way you will pay off $50k truck shortly after 200k miles. If after 1.5-2 years your truck is paid off, and still running good you won. But if it doesn’t you can always sell it to get down payment money for a new truck and start over.

I think my biggest takeaway from this video is when you said "your truck is there to make you money" which probably made the value of the Enterprise lease program super appealing

My first ram I had when I started it never gave me a problem until 200,000 miles and now I have 60,000 on my 19 and I doubt it will give me trouble as long as you change all the fluids besides oil every 50k

With it being 100% tax deductible, no maintenance or repair costs, new truck every 60k, it's a good deal. Breakdowns cost revenue and possibly customers if it makes you deliver late or miss a pick up.

Yes, your absolutely correct on the Enterprise rental in regard to it being a better financial option versus owning if your doing a lot of miles per month. It’s a no brainer for Buisness to keep costs as low as possible and create as much revenue as you can each month. Very good video explaining this Alex. Keep safe out there and wishing you continued success! Cheers! Jerry/ British Columbia Canada

Great content and you’re so right on point after the 60,000 miles.

What I have learned about being an O/O. One would be best to save up your money. Buy all of you equipment. Insure it to the hilt. Then be prepared to loose it all. Like a very bad and alcohol induced stooper night at Vegas. Trucking ain’t easy. It has been a gambling mama game. As long as I have been it. It sure isn’t getting any better every year that goes by.

Enterprise only leases the lower trim lines. Both options have their advantages but if you finance a truck for 5 years to hotshot, you've just dug yourself a hole that you won't climb out of. Lease one and stay in a new stripped truck or finance for 2 years and drive a loaded one. For you that worry about write offs, you'll write off about the same either way. I've had over 8 oil changes this year alone. Buy your preferred oil on sale and give it to Jiffy Lube for a total cost of $90. Another consideration is that it takes 60K miles to break in the drivers seat. Learn to change your own fuel filters (they're fairly simple). New Ford owners, don't forget the rear fuel filter.

I don't understand why everyone thinks they need a new truck? I bought a 16 cummins a few months ago for 36k. It had 58k miles. I pay $500 a month. If you do the math your paying around 26k for 120,000 miles. 53k for 240,000 miles. 105k for 480,000 miles sounds crazy to me.I would guess I can get at least 480,000 out of my truck that i got for 36k with out putting $69000 into lol

After owning 3 semis , we felt the pain of operating costs ...... Happy Holidays !

Great points, I’m sure the lease also gives you a piece of mind knowing that your not responsible for any repairs. .

I am a contact driver for Diligent delivery service. And enterprises rental on a truck is good. And I am a class a driver too. Looking to get in to hot shot trucking in this year. Thanks for the information.

Will you ever redo the list of everything to start hotshotting since it’s no longer on the website

Ik it’s random but the view of the sky behind you 🤩

Compare to a used single axle sleeper tractor for $20,000.00 that will last for a long time. It would not be overloaded and very comfortable . Tires last longer and you would have more braking power.

TP, what a video man! Awesome content. You share it all- something some people wouldn’t think about sharing. 💪🏽💪🏽💯💯 simply great.

My guys like the comforts of laramie options. Plus I remove bed for a steel CM Replace factory fuel tank for 55gal titan and added air ride on my 2017 and 18s. The 2019s have factory air ride. No rotating tires no alignments shitty nexens go 48k miles we charge round trip hourly so average truck does maybe 5 to 6k a month. Keep up the good videos

With enterprise business when you have a breakdown what happens, are you stuck if it takes a few day to repair the truck or do they send you another rental?

Great Info Alex. Enterprise doesn't have trucks available in that program right now so it's very difficult to relate right now. I'm planning to start hotshotting non-cdl next year so I feel like I have no choice but finance a truck. Is there another rental company offering this program? I've been calling Enterprise in Indiana every month (they now know my name lol).. By the way the checklist spreadsheet is awesome...(someone is actually charging for that info..)

YOU are such a great teacher you don't have no idea how much money people pay to get this information if I see you on the road I 'll shake your hand Thank you very much MAY GOD BLESS YOU

The Enterprise truck rental seems like the best bet for anyone trying to start hot shot hauling or whatnot. Hey, the truck will be considered + treated like a work horse, mileage & expensive repairs are gonna come along the way after those 60,000 miles. Might as well rent something THEN switch over & be stress-free about mechanical/electrical failures along the way.

Very good breakdown I haven't been watching all your videos yet, But I will say fuel filters and oil changes much more expensive at a service shop, I would like you to show a 3-year cost of ownership comparison when you get the chance, especially being that you're going to have to pay off a $50 to $80,000 truck at 3 years time on top of repair bills, And remember you're only gross vehicle weight around 26,000, Don't forget about the extra wear and strain that puts on a truck being at max payload all the time as far as breakdowns at 300-400-500,000 mi

Your analysis make a lot of sense, and I think you are spot on in pretty much all you've said...

Sounds like a smart way to start the business. Takes alot of headaches away.

Great job. Plain and simple the winner is - rental - leaves you a no recourse exit - purchase locks you in. In hindsight I would have done a rental as well - and if I ever figure a way out of the purchase I just may.

So $15k for 5 months on lease. For another $5k you can buy a used truck and use it for 3 years. Have it paid off in less than a year and then your only cost is maintenance.

My Situation was different. Had a contract position for 1 year at the other end of the state. Own a 33' RV but no truck. Rented the truck for a weekend in May 2019 -Total truck rental $206. Drove my Malibu until end of contract. In January rented for 2 days again - total $183. No insurance, No payments, Better gas mileage, while on contract. Saved about 1/2 with a trailer rather than apartment.

God bless you bro! Everyone wants to talk about "gross" but know one wants to talk about net after vehicle maintenance, insurance, tolls, gas, taxes, lease payments. All need to be accounted for in the transport business. Whew! almost financed a truck to do something similar to this.

I don't know about that 60k miles program where you just pay 22 cents per mile, but I just broke my rental agreement with Enterprise because of the 18 cents per, PLUS the base $2400-2500 a month payment. Therefore, I was averaging $2600-$2800 a month payment and not even running otr, just regionally... if that. So no... it's not just cents per mile. Bought a RAM truck for $900 a month payment for something I'll own later, extra free up money I'll have to put in maintenance, but not as much for how I run my loads. So, I'm making more of a profit than giving Enterprise all my money!

Most of this applies to cdl hauling too

i have a used 2015 F-350 that I bought with 44k on it, I've been trucking now since the middle of November and I'm creeping up on 62k. I put $10k down and my payments are $980. We'll keep you posted on long term costs but I'm loving this badass truck so far. 33.5k gross running sped limits across Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

I think the lease is a good value because you can lease a new truck every 60k miles. You have to run hard to justify it but it seems worth it for those people.

300,000 × 0.22 = $66,000 He could have paid off a new truck and used that truck's trade value for another down payment. But instead he choses to rent a truck and not actually have anything to show for it in the end. No matter how you cut it, whether you're renting a house, apartment, tools, equipment or a truck. Renting is throwing money away.

All the large trucking companies lease their equipment for usually 3 years. Do you think they would do that if they could not write off the lease payment, in lieu of no depreciation?

You're completely right Ii have 3 commercial vehicles from enterprise for over 2 years now under the long term rental agreement It makes a lots of sense. Thanks for the video.

Alex your a pleasure to listen to .. no "umms" no "you know what I mean" your articulate, confident and it comes across in your videos. I'm a retired Army Colonel in the process of setting up my nonprofit. We will need a good truck, trailer combination and a sensible approach to either leasing or buying a truck. Don't expect to put more than 20k annually on the truck and will buy a trailer outright. We will be hauling a WWII Halftrack (20k lbs) around the country to educational venues and shows in support of our corporate sponsors. I like the leasing idea even though our mileage will be nowhere like yours. I am fortunate to have a well equiped restoration shop designed to support armor restoration so maintenance is something we would do ourselves. I hate the idea of buying new based on the depreciation heading off the lot especially on such a costly vehicle (Ford or Ram) similar to what you drive. I will view your how to get started video, and seek some ideas to setting our shipping operation up. I'm now a subscriber and look forward to more of your video's!

Great video. I see why the market is flooded with 65000 plus mileage trucks... Because of the mechanics.

Hey Bro... I really like your informative video! Awesome ! BTW, do have the Enterprise Rental info ?

what about financing for short term and then trade in and refinancing - again and again? this way you get the benefit of growing a good business credit profile and you get trucks that are covered by warranty - and also are lower mileage - before they are old you trade them in for refinancing and new warranty with good emissions. "buy" them gently used, and then trade them in after you drive @ 75k for a "new" gently used truck covered by warranty.

One big factor you forgot, was depreciation on buying a truck

If you follow the Dodge severe duty maintenance program you have much much more than what you’re figuring. It’s oil, fuel, transmission, transfer case and both differential service every 30 or 35k. And that’s extremely expensive at the dealership. I had it done and 4 tires at the same time and I think it was $3000. Oh and by the way severe duty basically means you use it to tow.

Every Would be trucker need to watch this, regardless of niche. Especially about the credit aspect. I learned that the hardway

Plain and simple, do your scheduled maintenance on time if not early, don't use the cheap oil or filters, use the good stuff, don't be romping around the country pedal to the metal. You take care of your truck and it will take care of you. You shouldn't have a problem reaching 500,000 miles without any major problems unless you went with anything gm

Ya that is a relief not having to worry about ya truck. Definitely I would do the lease for sure. Worth it for sure!!

I'm retiring from the military in a couple of years to the greatest state out there(TX) and want to hotshot I think this video just sold me on enterprise lease bc I have no collateral for a business loan to start up. Thank you Alex your vids are Awsome.

For those wonder, now its .25 a mile. Roughly $18k for Feb to October. 25000 miles included prior to .25 a mile.

You just dropped a jewel I appreciate you TP!

Wonderful informative video Alex. As you said the most important variable is your productivity and efficiency...one has to find an option that brings out the most revenue with fewer hassles. I think leasing/rent is the better option.

Going outside the [] I was thinking finding a good used truck for a good price. Save up for another used truck so I have one always towing. Knowing how to fix them makes a big difference in this industry. I got my van for free I've been towing with the last few years So far new rear axle, and baring, fount bushings, gas pump, crack shaft sensor (rebuild of the tranmitter), 2 sets of tiers, coil, relay, second battery etc. Doing wrench work on my own made me able to keep this E150 Ford going. Over 200,000mls Or I would have junked it. The last 4 days I worked 4 hours each day and made 320 cash. People are calling me. 🤗 Hauling junk to the dump. Thanks for the info Now I'm thinking of taking it to the next level.

Great job on the analysis. This information is gold for anyone who wants to be profitable.

the EGR problems put me out of business it turned my dream of being a Owner Op into a nightmare

I'm not a load hauler but your cost comparison and rational is spot on. Problem is that the average person that doesn't understand operational cost comparison and cost of ops won't believe you or be able to grasp the concept. Yes, @ $.22/mile it's a better financial bet, long term, to shed the financial risk off of yourself. Period. End of story. Any company CFO would agree if they were looking long term. Yes, any 1 specific truck MAY workout financially through purchase but odds are eventually your cost will be higher overall.

So does Enterprise cover all maintenance (oil, tires, etc) and services? In other words, just fuel and mileage and go? If so, then where are these services done? At a local Enterprise? Lastly, if I'm in Texas, I have to deal with the costs of delivery and pick up, does it not?

Good job on the comparison Alex. The decision that is left unaddressed is, If you are just starting from zero, you have no idea what kind of miles you will be driving until you are in it for a year or more. Which is crucial to deciding to buy or to go with the long term rental. It is a dilemma.

You have to figure in depreciation and interest on your loan when you buy. Depreciation is a pretty big hit.

Good information! It all depends on how long you are planning to be in the industry? Most businesses don't last longer than 3 to 4 years.

DUDE thank you.I don't think you can get any info like this anywhere.

Another option : 1. Buy new truck with a bank loan 2. Run that truck 60 000 miles (pretty much no major repairs hopefully) 3. Sell the used truck 4. Buy another one and repeat My previous employer did that with his fleet of 60 vehicles, it's easier for a bigger company yes.

There was one point you missed unless i didnt hear it and that is "Do what works for yourself and your business plan, and not what is working for others." People keep forgeting about that part because there are so many pros/cons to all the decesions they have to make, LTR vs Buy (finance new), Finance vs Buy outright, New vs Used, Make of truck, options of truck, size of truck, color of truck. I get this is in a way what you were going over, but there are some that dont get that. Dont get me wrong, i love the videos you put out, it helps put the knowledge out there and eventually it'll weed out those that cant make/do it, get equipment out there for a less cost because someone needs to recoup money they loss in their venture, and help those get into and start that know how to, want to, have the knowledge, while all staying in a budget they work better around. Anything can be for everyone, but not everyone can be for anything.

Hands-down the rental is far better than purchasing your own truck the only drawback you got a move every 5 to 6 months if you own your own truck in three or four years you got a piece of junk or a high maintenance wore out truck enterprise long-term rental you get a new one every six months it’s a no-brainer get new technology new updates and gadgets everything better all the way around and a consistent payment you pay the same every month depending on your consistent miles if I didn’t live in Alaska I’d be down there running in my own enterprise rental

Great info., brother. In the process of getting my LLC right now for hauling. You give a lot of food for thought. Hadn't really considered using a rental.....but the piece of mind in not putting 60-K miles on my personal truck in a short period of time sounds well worth the .22-cents/mile rent fee and $230/month for Enterprise' insurance (I have a great driving record). I DO want to be comfortable in the rental, though. The 'Tradesman' or 'WT' packages are pretty basic, huh?

Nice business analysis, for free! Great job. At first I thought you were a bone head trucker, now I think you are very sharp business man. How are the babies doing? Keep up the great work!!

I’m just trying to get started so I think this is great information thank you so much. I’m also going to need a driver so Enterprise truck leasing would greatly help. I don’t have my cdl any more so I have to get them back then I can stop working and drive for myself.

Man your content and the way that you break this down is amazing. Thanks for the info

Question on the Enterprise Lease. Do you pay for the services or is that included with the lease/rental agreement?

If you aren't allowed to modify the truck who installed the hitch or 5th wheel?

Does your company take on sprinter vans I have a 3500 high roof looking to run only in Florida?

How do you configure a bed with a rental truck?

Just talked to enterprise about a lease/rental and in my area they charge per month AND per mile. so it's $1,800/mo + 0.25 per mile after the complementary 15,000mi that comes with the rental. That seems almost double what you're paying. So my question is, would it still be worth it in this situation to rent or am I better off buying/financing?

makes financial sense if you’re building a company, I use to work for a mom and pop trucking company they had Penske leases they took care of everything including breakdowns ,maintenance etc etc , although it was a pain when trucks weren’t available

Excellent information. You help a lot of people . Perhaps I missed it, why did you buy the big dualie when this lease sounds like the way to go for most people

I like the video, I like to start this job, but I saw enterprise charge $2.999,99 a month for rental a 3500 ram pick up!

On the ram every 75000 miles the dpf is replaced. $1500.00 for the part alone. Egr cooler life expectancy 70-80 thousand miles. $1100.00 for the parts.

Great information. You have a good format. Keep it moving!

Great video TP! One thing I might add though... double down on payment, to pay the truck off in half the time of a traditional loan. Double the miles, you’ll want to trade it off in half the time. Avoid half of the major problems.

I discovered the checklist last week, it’s been super helpful for our planning!!!

I would like to know where to go to get one. It seems like a good way to star. What enterprise do you use? What are the hitch options?

Awesome video again I'm shore it's going to help a lot of people I'm interested how rental vehicles are viewed by the IRS perhaps you could let us know God bless you and stay safe out there 🙋‍♂️🇬🇧

Get yourself a Ram 3500 SRW with the Aisin transmission, You can get a new one for 48K If you are paying 15K every 4 months for 70,000 miles. Buying the truck is a much better investment. Scrap up enough for a down payment. Imagin a $ 1100 payment 4 months in you spent $4400 in payments vrs owing 15,000 for the rental you now have a extra 10K in the bank!! Another 4 months you have 20K in the bank, sure your truck just came off warranty but most problems show up in the first 100K I can't stress to you enough you need to buy a truck with what you are towing you will see 400,000 miles no problem. With what you are paying for the lease you will have the truck payed for before you know it. You don't need the capacity of a dually for what you are doing and you will gain fuel mileage going to a SRW. Do your own oil changes at 15K miles fuel filters at 30K

Do you have to be in business for 2 years? I’ve spoken with 2 different leasing companies and they want my MC / DOT to be 2 years active? My authority is 4 months old and am having to buy old beaters because financing (I paid cash for my flatbed & box truck) and the maintenance is killin me!

Man, thank you. You have a the shedded a lot of light on questions

thank you for the complete break down of it all

In your rent vs purchase comparison you forgot about insurance on purchase.

You’re much better off leasing, because less risk with known costs so you can plan your year more accurately. If you really study how an EGR system functions in a light diesel truck, you don’t want to own it. Alex I’m thinking for business purposes the first $1.50 per mile needs to be allocated for operating expenses to include outsourcing costs as your estimated cost of being in hot shot business leasing an enterprise truck, would you agree ?

Considering what pieces of shit these new trucks are, and the killer deprecation of a truck with those miles the lease 100% makes sense.