Start from zero
Understand hotshot trucking, select equipment, and learn what is required before your first load.
Begin your journeyTHE HOTSHOT OWNER-OPERATOR ACADEMY
Learn the business. Know your numbers. Build your operation.
From your first questions to managing a growing fleet. Practical lessons at every experience level, without a paywall.
Explore learning paths →YOUR LEARNING JOURNEY
Choose where you are today
Follow a structured path or jump straight into the subject you need. Every course is free.
Run a profitable operation
Evaluate freight, protect your cash flow, invoice correctly, and keep equipment working.
Build your businessBuild beyond one truck
Learn when to expand, how to develop repeatable systems, and how to measure performance by truck.
Explore fleet growthHOW THE ACADEMY WORKS
Learn it. Practice it. Apply it.
01 / Learn
Read practical lessons with real-world examples and important source references.
02 / Practice
Work through exercises, calculations, and scored knowledge checks.
03 / Apply
Use what you learn to make better decisions for your own operation.
Your learning progress
Progress is saved in this browser only.
No account needed. Completion is self-reported and may be lost if browser storage is cleared.
Course directory
Choose a level or search the course catalog. Your completed courses are indicated on this device.
First lessons
These introductory lessons are the beginning of a larger, reviewed curriculum.
Apply what you learn
Use Grab That Load to evaluate operating costs, deadhead, and trip profitability.
Explore GTL tools →Education is free. Some software features require a subscription.
Accuracy first
Educational examples are not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify requirements with official federal and state agencies. Regulatory walkthroughs will include source links and review dates.
NEW · REGULATIONS LIBRARY
Understand the rules that apply to your operation
Explore 25 federal and state regulatory topics, including CDL classifications, USDOT registration, operating authority, hours of service, ELDs, cargo securement, inspections, insurance, and hazardous materials. Each topic links to an official source for further verification.
Explore the regulations library →
Educational reference; official requirements and exemptions must be checked for your specific operation.
New regulatory deep-dive courses
Two focused lessons expand the Academy's regulations library with diagrams, scenarios, and official source links.
New compliance courses
Continue with two detailed regulatory courses, including quizzes and realistic operator scenarios.
Roadside inspections and maintenance
Learn inspection levels, out-of-service procedures, periodic inspections, and documentation.
Start the inspection course →