Here is a link to a website where any thing you want to know about transporting and hotshotting is found.
I will gladly answer serious questions. It is not easy to set up a company and get the proper operating authority but you can do it. Takes time and money.
You really need to do a lot of research and asking questions before you even take a step to get into the transport and hotshot business...which BTW are not exactly the same thing. Hotshot is just as the name implies...freight that is needed in a hurry. The correct term for hauling freight with a pickup or medium duty truck is less than a load (LTL) freight.
I got out of the business in Apr 07. Many of us have gotten out. To expensive to operate and low rates. Rick and some others have a different situation and are making money at it. They have dedicated customers and that is the only way that most owner operators are making it today.
If you receive pay for hauling a load you are hauling commercial and must have DOT and FMCSA authority to operate.
http://hotshotconnect.myfreeforum.org/