Hotshot Trucking Equipment Checklist for New Drivers
Hotshot Guide
You bought the truck. You found the trailer. Your paperwork is moving along. Now comes a question that trips up many new drivers: what do I need to carry?
Show up to a pickup without the right gear and the shipper may send you away. Get stopped with the wrong gear and you may get a ticket. The right hotshot trucking equipment keeps you loaded, legal, and earning.
This checklist covers what to carry, why you need it, and how much to start with.
In This Guide
Start With the Loads You Plan to Haul
No two drivers need the exact same kit. A driver who hauls cars needs different gear than one who hauls steel.
Before you buy, think about your most likely freight.
| Freight | Gear It Calls For |
|---|---|
| Machines and vehicles | Chains, binders, and wheel straps |
| Pallets and boxed freight | Ratchet straps and edge protectors |
| Lumber and building materials | Straps, corner guards, and tarps |
| Steel and pipe | Chains, straps, and plenty of padding |
Most hotshot drivers haul a mix. So a good starter kit covers a bit of each.
Ratchet Straps
Straps are the gear you will reach for most. They are light, quick, and safe on freight that chains would scratch.
For a gooseneck flatbed, 2-inch and 4-inch straps are the most useful sizes. A common starting point is eight to ten straps. That lets you secure a long load and still have a spare or two.
Look for straps with a clear tag that shows the rating. Flat hooks work well on rub rails. Wire hooks and chain ends fit D-rings and stake pockets. Browse sizes and hook styles in the Safe & Tie straps collection.
Chains and Binders
When you haul heavy machines, tractors, or steel, you need chain. Chain does not stretch and does not get cut on rough metal.
Grade 70 transport chain is the standard for tie down work. Sizes of 5/16 inch and 3/8 inch cover most hotshot loads. Twenty-foot lengths with a grab hook on each end are easy to work with.
Every chain needs a binder to pull it tight. Ratchet binders are the popular pick because they tighten slowly and with control.
How many to start with
A good start is four chains and four binders. That is the minimum count for most heavy equipment, so many drivers carry six of each to be safe. You can find both in the chains and binders collection.
Edge Protectors and Corner Guards
A strap pulled tight over a sharp corner can be cut. A chain pulled tight over a painted machine can leave a mark the customer will not like.
Edge protectors solve both problems. Plastic ones are light and cheap. Steel ones hold up under chain. Carry at least a dozen, because you often need two per strap.
Tarps
Some freight has to stay dry and clean. If you cannot tarp, you cannot take those loads, and tarped loads often pay more.
Lumber tarps have long sides for tall loads.
Steel tarps have shorter sides for low, heavy loads.
Smoke tarps are small and cover just the front of the load.
Start with one or two tarps that fit the loads you see most. Add bungee straps or tarp straps to hold them down. The Safe & Tie tarps collection lists sizes and drop lengths.
Winches and Winch Bars
Many flatbed trailers have a track under the deck for sliding winches. A winch rolls up a strap and lets you tighten it with a bar.
If your trailer has the track, a few winches make strapping faster. You will also need a winch bar to turn them. Sliding winches are listed in the sliding winch collection.
Safety and Roadside Gear
This gear protects you and keeps you within the rules.
- Warning triangles. Three reflective triangles for breakdowns.
- Fire extinguisher. Charged, rated for vehicle use, and mounted where you can reach it.
- Safety vest. Bright and reflective, for loading docks and roadside stops.
- Gloves. Chains and ratchets are rough on hands.
- Hard hat and safety glasses. Many job sites will not let you in without them.
- Flashlight or headlamp. You will load in the dark sooner or later.
- Spare fuses and basic tools. Small fixes on the road save big tow bills.
See what is available in the safety equipment collection.
Oversize Load Gear
Sooner or later you will haul something wide or long. When that happens you may need:
- Red or orange warning flags
- Oversize load banners for the front and back
- Amber warning lights, if required
Rules for wide and long loads are set by each state. Check the permit for every state on your route.
Loading Tools
A few simple tools make loading easier and safer.
Ramps. For driving machines and cars onto the trailer.
Wheel chocks. To keep the truck and trailer from rolling.
Wood blocks and dunnage. To lift freight off the deck and stop round items from rolling.
Coil racks. If you plan to haul steel coils.
A tape measure. For checking load height, width, and length.
A strap winder. To roll straps fast at the end of the day.
Storage
All this gear needs a home. Loose chains sliding around a trailer deck are a hazard.
A toolbox mounted on the truck or under the trailer keeps gear dry, locked, and sorted. Look at sizes in the toolboxes collection.
A Simple Starter List
Here is a basic kit that covers most first loads. Change the numbers to fit your freight.
| Item | Starting Amount |
|---|---|
| Ratchet straps | Eight to ten |
| Grade 70 chains | Four to six |
| Ratchet binders | Four to six |
| Edge protectors | Twelve or more |
| Tarps with tie down straps | One or two |
| Warning triangles and a fire extinguisher | Three triangles, one extinguisher |
| Vest, gloves, hard hat, and glasses | One set |
| Flags and oversize banners | As your loads need |
| Wheel chocks and wood blocks | One set |
| Toolbox | One to hold it all |
Buy One Piece at a Time or as a Bundle?
You can build your kit piece by piece, which lets you spread out the cost. Or you can buy a bundle and have what you need in one order.
Bundles often cost less than buying each item alone, and the parts are matched to work together. The Hotshot Starter Bundle groups chains, binders, and straps for a new driver. You can also check the deals and bundles page for larger kits.
Final Thoughts
Good hotshot trucking equipment is not about having the most gear. It is about having the right gear, in good shape, every time you pull up to a load. Start with straps, chains, binders, protectors, a tarp, and safety gear. Then add to your kit as you learn what your customers ship. Take care of your gear and it will take care of your loads.
Build Your Hotshot Kit in One Order
Shop matched bundles of chains, binders, straps and more at Safe & Tie.
Shop Deals & BundlesFrequently Asked Questions
How many straps should a hotshot driver carry?
Eight to ten is a solid start for a 40-foot trailer. That covers the tie down count for most loads and leaves you a spare if one gets damaged.
Do I need both chains and straps?
Yes, if you haul mixed freight. Straps are best for pallets, lumber, and finished goods. Chains are best for heavy machines and steel.
What grade of chain should I buy?
Grade 70 transport chain is the usual choice for tie down work. Make sure the grade is stamped on the links so it can be checked during an inspection.
Is a tarp required for hotshot loads?
Not for every load. But many shippers require a tarp for freight that must stay dry. Having one opens up more loads for you.
How much does a starter kit cost?
It depends on how much gear you buy and the sizes you choose. A bundle can lower the total compared to buying each piece on its own.