The Pros and Cons of Hot Shot Trucking

Are you familiar with hot shot trucking? Despite the colorful name, it actually refers to a type of fast shipping, usually for time-sensitive, less-than-truckload (LTL) deliveries. It may involve commercial trucks and trailers, or Class 3 trucks—whatever it takes to get the materials to their destination on time.

Is hot shot trucking right for your delivery? Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of hot shot trucking in Houston, TX.

What is hot shot trucking?

Hot shot trucking carries loads to their destination, often on a time-sensitive basis. If the load is under 10,000 pounds, it can be driven without a commercial driver’s license. This is usually a good option if you need to get a smaller load across town (or even across the state) right away. Unlike expedited shipping, hot shot trucking companies have trucks on standby for smaller deliveries—you won’t need to wait until the next scheduled departure time. This makes it well suited when you need to ship parts, equipment or other cargo fast.

Hot shot trucking may use a variety of trailers and trucks, like gooseneck trailers, bumper pulls, deckover and lowboy trailers. Trucks are usually Class 3, 4 or 5.

Pros and cons of hot shot trucking

Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits and drawbacks associated with hot shot trucking:

• Deliver LTL loads fast: The biggest hot shot trucking pro in Houston, TX is that it will deliver smaller loads much faster than normal shipping. You won’t need to wait until you have a full truckload, or until the next scheduled delivery. Instead, your trucking company will send an on-call driver to pick up and deliver your goods as you need it. For example, if you need a piece of farm equipment delivered to a nearby site right away, hot shot trucking is your best bet.
• Always on standby: Many hot shot trucking companies are on call 24/7, making them convenient for emergency situations or when you have can’t-miss deadlines.
• Not suitable for loads over five tons: Hot shot trucking is time, place and load dependent, which means that it’s generally not good for loads over 10,000 pounds. Depending on the company you use, they may have other restrictions in place.
• Rates by the mile and weight: You can expect to pay according to both load weight and how far you need the goods transported. Because hot shot trucking is expedited and on call, you’ll also pay more than you might with regular truck shipping. Be sure to inquire about rates when you call the company in order to avoid sticker shock.
• Usually regional: Finally, hot shot trucking is often a regional affair. Depending on the company you work with, you may have a certain mileage limit, such as a 100-mile radius from the company’s home base. Longer distances may require using more than one company, or a special long-distance hot shot trucking service.

Now that you know the pros and cons of hot shot trucking in Houston, TX, be sure to call Pro Delivery, LLC to schedule your next delivery.

Categorised in: Hot Shot Trucking

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