What Is Hot Shot Trucking?

If a shipper or broker has a relatively small load, they will often call on the services of hot shot truckers. Their services are useful for time-sensitive loads in a range of industries. Let’s take a closer look at how these drivers and operators work.

What is a hot shot trucker?

Hot shot truck drivers often utilize super-duty pickup trucks with trailers rather than semi trucks. This can be a lucrative business, especially for owner-operators, and is sometimes the starting point for drivers who later go on to operate big rigs. It’s easier to qualify for insurance, and has lower operational costs.

Hot shot truckers may have experience in transporting a range of load types, along with the necessary equipment. These drivers are attracted to hot shot trucking because of the pay, which goes hand in hand with transporting goods in a narrow time frame.

What are hot shot trucking loads?

Hot shot trucking is a great choice when you need a smaller load delivered quickly. Hot shot trucking is popular in fields like agricultural equipment, construction equipment, heavy machinery and more. For example, when construction firms need equipment to be delivered to a job quickly so it can be completed on time, they might call a hot shot trucking provider for prompt service.

Because these truckers use heavy-duty pickup trucks instead of semi trucks, they don’t take on the same size loads as big rig drivers do. They use a range of truck makes and models, along with several different types of trailers. Here are some of the trailers hot shot truckers use:

• Tilt deck trailers: These are tilted at an angle to allow for loading more heavy cargo and help with limiting the amount of heavy lifting required. They can also be turned flat for transport.
• Bumper pull trailers: These are shorter, less expensive and good for loads less than 10,000 pounds.
• Gooseneck trailers: Compared to bumper pull trailers, these have a tighter turn radius. They are also capable of carrying heavier loads, but may require a special hitch system.
• Lowboy trailers: These lay flat on the ground when detached from a truck. Lowboy trailers have a low center of gravity and are designed for the heaviest loads.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of hot shot trucking?

The biggest pros for hot shot trucking are the low barrier to entry and the lower operational costs. The trucks are cheaper and offer better fuel economy than semis. These savings are then passed onto customers, meaning that the charges for less-than-truckload and partial freight can be reasonable. Overall, hot shot truckers tend to make at least as much income as Class 8 drivers, if not more. On the other hand, competition in hot shot trucking is fierce.

When you’re looking for a reliable less-than-load trucking company, turn to Pro Delivery, LLC. We’ve been a go-to trucking company for more than a decade. Whether it’s LTL deliveries, heavy hauling or flatbed shipping, our team will get the job done. We have more than 50 drivers on staff and are available 24/7. Give us a call right now to learn more!

Categorised in: Hot Shot Trucking

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