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How Much Does a Hotshot Truck and Trailer Cost? (2026 Price Breakdown)
A hotshot rig — a dually pickup pulling a 40-foot gooseneck — has the lowest entry cost in for-hire trucking, which makes it both genuinely accessible and perpetually oversold by course-sellers. The price splits between the truck and the trailer, and financing them separately is sometimes smarter.
The equipment is straightforward to finance; making it pay in the current freight market is the part that deserves skepticism. Here's what each piece costs.
What a hotshot rig costs: full breakdown
| Configuration | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Used dually (3–6 yrs, diesel) | $35,000 – $60,000 | F-350/RAM 3500 tier; miles and emissions status get underwritten |
| New dually | $65,000 – $90,000 | Captive auto financing may beat commercial rates — quote both |
| 40 ft gooseneck (new) | $12,000 – $22,000 | Air ride and hydraulic dovetails add; used units $8–15k |
| Complete package + straps/chains/ELD | $50,000 – $115,000 | One combined loan or split truck/trailer — quote both ways |
What drives the price
- New vs. used dually and the truck's mileage/emissions status.
- Trailer length, axle rating, and features (air ride, hydraulic dovetail).
- Whether you finance the truck and trailer together or separately.
- Straps, chains, ELD, and other required gear.
- Insurance and authority costs, which sit on top of the equipment price.
Financing a hotshot rig?
Most buyers finance rather than pay cash — the equipment is collateral, which keeps rates lower than unsecured borrowing. The highest-leverage move is comparing at least two offers: a dealer or manufacturer quote against an independent lender.
See our full hotshot rig financing guide for real rates, terms, a payment calculator, and what lenders look for.
Get matched with equipment lenders →Frequently asked questions
How much does a hotshot rig cost?
A complete hotshot rig typically costs $40,000–$120,000. A used dually runs $35,000–$60,000 and a new one $65,000–$90,000; a 40 ft gooseneck adds $12,000–$22,000 new or $8,000–$15,000 used.
Should I finance the truck and trailer together?
Sometimes apart is smarter — a lightly-used dually may qualify for captive/consumer auto rates that beat commercial equipment pricing, with the gooseneck on a small equipment loan. Quote the package both ways.
What else costs money besides the rig?
Authority, insurance, ELD, and working capital. Insurance and authority sequencing determine whether the rig can legally earn on day one, so line them up alongside the financing.
Prices are typical market ranges, not quotes, and vary by region, condition, and configuration. Browse all equipment cost guides or find your machine's financing guide.