Hotshot trucking emerged because of the shippers’ need to transport commodities faster, at a low cost, and conveniently with less planning, compared to the big industry players. Hotshot trucking is mostly dominated by small fleet owners and one-truck dealers, in need of fulfilling their low pay and substandard lifestyles affiliated with driving company trucks.

Luis Lopez

What is Hotshot Trucking?

Looking at a little history of hotshot trucking, it is believed to have begun in the oil industry in the 1970s. Basically, hotshot trucking is defined as the process of moving smaller, time-sensitive loads using a flatbed hotshot trailer or a pick-up truck to desired locations. 

The majority of the hotshot drivers are self-employed owner-operators, who possess their vehicles and get their freights on hot shot load boards. There are several pros and cons of hot shot trucking and some of them are explained below:

Pros of hot shot trucking

●     The capital expenditures for hotshot trucking are a bit lower compared to owner operators, making it a great way for one to be self-employed in the trucking business. This allows the truck driver to set their own desirable price.

●     The urgency of hot shot trucking binds it to a single customer. Your goods don’t have to wait for other loads to be collected. There is no load swapping, cross-decking, or rapid transfers to hold up or possibly ruin your shipment. Hot shot trucking is cost effective.

Cons of hot shot trucking

●     The owner bears all the costs, as he/she is entirely responsible for all the company’s needs, including taxes, maintenance and insurance.

●     Just like normal trucking, the drivers in hot shot trucking are required to comply with some federal and state laws including insurance, commercial driver’s license, regular drug tests, etc.

Hot shot trucking is usually confused with normal trucking, but the two are different trucking services. The biggest difference between the two is the size of the vehicle. Normal trucking uses straight trucks or vans while hot shot trucking uses any vehicle from medium to heavy.

Types of trucks used in hotshot trucking

●     Class 3 (14,001-16,000 lbs)

Examples: RAM 3500, GMC Sierra 3500, Ford E-350

●     Class 4 (16,001-19,500 lbs)

Examples: Ram 4500, GMC 4500, Ford E-450

●     Class 5 (19,501-26,000 lbs)

Examples: Ram 5500, GMC 5500, Ford F-550, Peterbilt 325

Hotshot Trucking Companies

You need a trustworthy partner skilled to transport your hot shot load timely and with authentic professionalism. Hotshot drivers transport high-time loads to any place from a few to several miles.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a hot shot company that meets all your needs. These are such as;

●     First and foremost, you need to ensure that the hotshot trucking company of your choice is dedicated and totally understands the importance of hotshot transport delivery. This means that they are willing to transport your freight despite the size, load origin and destination.

●     A good hotshot trucking company is reliable and timely. In particular, your most crucial hot shot load should be in the hands of Hot Shot Trucking. This helps you attain the objectives of your firm.

Below is a list of top hotshot trucking companies:

A2C Logistics Company

A2C Logistics company was established in 2016 and operates from Chicago, Lincoln, and NE (headquarters). The company offers hot shot trucking services with sophisticated expertise. The organization provides their customers with an option to negotiate with their own loads from its load boards. This enables them to slash dispatch costs. The company’s services are available in all parts of the country.

ACME Truck Line

Established in 1960, ACME Truck Line has since and continues to lead in the transportation of equipment and supplies all around the United States. It operates from 15 states. ACME has an excellent record of delivering goods on time and with integrity.

CKJ Transport Company

The company is one of the best hot shot companies to lease to in Texas. Like the companies mentioned above CKJ transport provides steady work and an insurance program. Additionally, all loads transported by the company are almost short-haul, cutting earnings per load.

Expedited Freight

This is one of the largest hot shot leases on companies in the USA. The company operates from every U.S. state except South Dakota.

Hazel’s Expedited Freight

Based in Texas, the company is unique from other companies as it has a large fleet of its own. Additionally, the company hires owner operators with their own trucks.

Hotshot Logistics

The company offers services to 49 states of the U.S. Apparently, it is the only company to provide 75% of line haul truck pay.

HotshotTrucking.com

It’s located in all states of the U.S. It is recommended for hot shot drivers in search of longer hauls.

Hotshot Final Mile

The company is based in Texas and has over 150 years experience and makes delivery on the same day. It has reliable customer service.

JF EXPRESS Fr8

The company is based in Ohio and offers countrywide last-minute delivery services. They only lease to companies that are at least 24 years old, have a CDL (commercial driving licence) and present-day DOT physical.

Patriot Freight Group

The company handles both hot shot loads and normal freight deliveries across the U.S.

Hotshot Trucking Brokers

Hot shot trucking brokers can be simply defined as brokers that connect hotshot carriers and hotshot trucking companies to shippers in search of drivers. They negotiate the rates at a fee.

Hotshot Trucking rates

Hotshot trucking rates depend on the size of the cargo and the distance of transportation. The hotshot trucking rates vary from $1 up to over $4.00 per mile in the USA. The rate per mile paid depends on the time of year, the hot shot driver, distance, the truck, the type of trucking, weight and types of load

Hotshot Trucking in Florida

When shipping commodities in the State of Florida, you can easily find a hotshot trucking company from this article. We have compiled the best hotshot trucking companies for you, to help you make a good choice.

Below is a list of hotshot trucking companies in Florida:

Trinity 3 Logistics

It’s one of the best hotshot companies in Florida. The company is reliable and understands the trucking business set up. To work with Trinity 3 Logistics company, you don’t need state regulations.

FL Transport & Hotshots LLC

The company is at your service regardless of the size of your load or destination. It’s reliable for timely deliveries.

VeriTread LLC

This is the best company for you if you are on a low budget and want to move your shipment faster. You can also negotiate the price online.

HotshotTrucking.com

 It is recommended for hot shot drivers in search of longer hauls. The shipments are timely and without interruption.

Hoovers Hotshots LLC

They offer you the best solution for shipping your time-sensitive load. They also offer competitive and fair fees.

Conclusion

In case you are considering hotshot trucking, ensure you have all the facts about hotshot trucking at your fingertips, from the type of truck you want to use, to the specifications of trailers and to the financial essentials of the business. There are several factors that you need to weigh to make sure that hotshot trucking is for you. This article has gathered all the necessary information on hotshot trucking for you.