Is Hot Shot Trucking Right for Me?

Companies that offer a hot shot trucking option to their clients will tell you there are many good reasons to go with hot shot trucking in Houston, TX. For starters, hot shot delivery is fast, on-time and reliable, and most fleets are equipped to transport loads of any size. Drivers are trained in hot shot delivery, proper cargo loading and how to use state-of-the-art communication and logistics systems. What’s more, you can find a hot shot trucking business ready to deliver 24/7.

Is hot shot trucking right for you? Here’s some information to help you decide.

Brief definition

You’re probably more familiar with big rigs that transport a variety of cargo in single, double, sometimes triple trailers. You’ve seen them coasting down the freeway with the trucking company’s name printed on the side of the vehicle. Then there’s hot shot trucking. Hot shot truckers generally take incomplete or less-than-truckload (LTL) loads, focusing their route and schedule around serving a single customer, as opposed to having multiple customers’ cargo in the same truck load.

Both operations are for-hire services, and both haul time-sensitive loads, but they are not the same thing.

Hot shot trucking

Hot shots are typically Class 3, 4 or 5 trucks pulling a flatbed, and sometimes a type of trailer for extra carrying power. Depending on the hot shot trucking company, drivers may haul a variety of cargo for any number of businesses. Suppliers need fast delivery of products to their clients, which is what hot shots do. They also haul vehicles, equipment, boats and machinery, but are often delivering items needed to prevent potential problems in places like factories, power grids and oil fields.

Hot shot truck drivers only need a commercial driver’s license if the gross weight exceeds 26,000 pounds. Also, unless you’re driving for a hot shot trucking business, if you’re an interstate trucker you must get a USDOT number and carry a minimum liability insurance coverage of $750,000.

Expedited freight

Expediters are companies or owner-operators that use tractor trailers, cargo vans or sprinters to make emergency or rush deliveries. They generally drive straight through without stopping for other pickups. Expediters on interstate runs also need a USDOT number. Liability coverage varies depending on the type of truck.

Truck maintenance

Whether you own your own vehicle for hot shot trucking or own a fleet of hot shot trucks, maintenance plays a huge role in truck lifespan. Taking care of the onboard equipment can increase the return on the equipment investment. And preventative maintenance is key, since hot shot trucks are pushed hard on a regular basis—timely oil changes, clutch and brake replacement and regular component checks are important.

There are many reasons to go with hot shot trucking in Houston, TX. It’s a rewarding job for those looking for a career in the trucking industry, and it provides a beneficial service for customers needing cargo delivered fast. Call Pro Delivery LLC today to learn more about our services, as well as career opportunities in this growing industry!

Categorised in: Hot Shot Trucking

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