Hot shot trucking is used to fulfil the needs of businesses that require urgent deliveries. Unlike semi trucks that delivery large loads in huge class 8 tractor trailers, hot shot trucking involves the use of either a box truck, pick up truck or trailer, which as you can imagine, means they handle much smaller load sizes, usually LTL that are time sensitive and have easily accessible pick up and delivery locations. Many different industries use hot shot trucking as a transportation option, as they’re fairly versatile, and offer extremely quick turn around times. Hot shot drivers have been known to deliver locally and even across state lines, and across country, so it’s a go to option for businesses nationwide that want to minimize down time and avoid drops in production.

We’re going to discuss who most commonly utilizes hot shot trucking as a shipping option, when hot shot is the right option for you and your business, when it perhaps is not the best option, and we’ll also compare hot shot with other popular shipping method, LTL, and provide you with a checklist to see if your freight is hot shot ready. So keep reading if you want to learn more about how hot shot trucking can transform your shipping schedule.

What Industries Most Commonly Use Hot Shot Trucking Methods ⁇

Any industry can use hot shot as a method of transporting their goods, as long as the freight fits within the dimension limits a hot shot can transport. Here is a list of the key industries, in no particular order that most commonly utilize this service:

1. Construction 👷‍♂️

Hot shot trucking is a service widely used in the construction industry. This is because they rely very heavily on the fast delivery of construction equipment, tools and material to job sites, especially when they’re working to a tight deadline.

2. Oil and Gas 🛢⛽️

Like the construction industry, oil and gas sites rely heavily on the fast delivery of equipment, parts and materials. Another reason the oil and gas industry love hot shots is because they’re much smaller and more agile than a semi-truck, which makes it easier for them to delivery to remote locations like drilling sites.

3. Manufacturing 👨‍🏭

The last thing a manufacturing line wants is downtime. This is why hot shot trucking services are a go to, for quick delivery of components, machinery, and other supplies that factories and assembly plants might need.

4. Automotive 🚘

The automotive industry use hot shot trucks for the transportation of specialized parts and electronic components to assembly lines and production lines.

5. Agriculture 👨‍🌾

The agriculture industry often uses hot shot methods to move machinery, equipment and even livestock between farms, markets, vets, events and other agricultural facilities.

6. Aerospace ✈️

Hot shot trucks are frequently used for the delivery of aircraft parts, engines, and other equipment in the aerospace world. Because for every minute a plane is grounded, the costs are unfathomable.

7. Telecommunications 📞

It’s super important to keep our telecommunications working, like telephone lines, radio waves and fibre optic cables, for obvious reasons. Microchips and semiconductors are integral parts of their equipment and hot shot trucks play a crucial part in the fast delivery of these parts in the case an issue arises.

When Is Hot Shot The Right Choice? 🤔

Hot shots are best used when your cargo has these requirements:

1. Time-Sensitive Shipments ⏰

Hot shots are a fantastic transportation method when you need freight moving quickly, often within 24 hours. But we’ve had people use our hot shot services for freight movement within the hour, and the best part, we’ve pulled it off every time!

2. Remote Location Pick Up or Delivery 🏜

Smaller, more nimble vehicles tend to navigate remote, “off the beaten track” locations better, like medium-duty pickup trucks, we’re talking; Ford-F350, RAM 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD. For example it would be much more difficult to get a full size semi truck to make a delivery to a drilling site, or rural agricultural area, etc.

3. Oversized Items That Are Not Full Truckloads 🏋️ 

Hot shot trucking is a perfect solution for freight that is typical for LTL, but also not large enough that it needs an entire semi trucks capacity. Typically used for bulky equipment under 16,500lbs, with the flatbed trailer, hot shots can accommodate irregular shaped and size freight.

4. Specialized or Exclusive Use Needs 🛣

Hot shot trucking is the perfect option for sensitive and high-value cargo. There’s no sharing truck space, no detours, no cross docking, only direct delivery making it one of the best options for fragile, time-sensitive, and those shipments that require the utmost speed and care.

When Is Hot Shot Maybe Not The Best Choice? ❌

1. Non-Urgent Freight ⏰

If you don’t have freight that is in a hurry, then paying the extra costs for a hot shot service that expedites the process could be pointless. A better option for your cargo might be an LTL, FTL, or PTL service where freight can be consolidated with other shipments and cut your costs.

2. Very Large & Bulky Shipments 🏗

When your freight is extra large and bulky a more general service like flatbed, conestoga, etc. might work out as the best, most efficient option. While hot shots can accommodate large loads, it’s really designed for slightly smaller loads that focus on speed.

3. Price Sensitive Shipments 💰

Although hot shot is a perfect option in many other ways, when competitive pricing is a top priority, it might not be the best choice. Due to the specialized nature of this kind of shipping, it generally comes with a higher per-mile rate than other standard shipping methods. Top Tip: If it is critical to you to keep costs as low as possible, consider options like LTL and other consolidated methods although you will sacrifice speed.

4. Frequently Recurring Freight 🔁

Hot shot trucking is usually used for one off, urgent, last minute shipments. If you’re shipping freight along regular routes then this shipping method is probably not the best option for you. A better solution would be to find a suitable carrier that can set up regular shipments, either LTL, FTL, PTL (depending on your freight) and building a contract with them. This way you can gain consistent costs, schedule pick ups and save in the long term.

Hot Shot vs. LTL 🤔

Okay, so to get the full picture of how hot shot out performs other shipping methods, let’s compare it to another method commonly used, LTL.

                                                              Hot Shot                                      vs                                           LTL

 

Load Size                                        Medium                                                                                       Small – Medium

Speed                                               Fastest (urgent shipments)                                              Slower (multiple stops)

Cost Per Mile                              Higher                                                                                           Lower

Ideal Use Case                           Urgent, one off shipments                                                 Cost-effective, multiple shipments, longer                                                                                                                                                                                                                          timeframes

 

How Can You Book A Hot Shot Load? ⁉️

First you need to identify your freight and businesses needs. Asking yourself these questions will determine if you really require a hot shot:

• Is your freight time-critical?
• Is it under 16,500lbs?
• Can it fit on a flatbed/gooseneck trailer?
• Does it require a dedicated vehicle?
• Is downtime costing you a lot?

If you answered yes to those, here’s how you can book…

Use Load Boards 👩‍💻

Utilize load boards like DAT to post your loads and find a suitable carrier with capacity.

Use A Freight Broker 👨‍💻

Another option, would be utilizing a freight broker. Freight brokers can find you the best carrier and method for moving your goods. They’ll be able to quickly match the freight to a reputable pre-vetted carrier.

Negotiate Rates 💵

You or your broker can negotiate rates and terms of service on your behalf with the chosen carrier.

Dispatch Of Carrier To The Load 🚚

Once the T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted, the carrier will be dispatched to collect the load and then deliver it directly to the destination as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible with no additional stops.

Track Your Hot Shot Shipment Up To Delivery 🖲

Utilize visibility provided by your carrier (if provided). Through GPS tracking you can keep up to date on your shipments whereabouts and plan accordingly.

FAQ’s About Hot Shots❓

1. Can I book a hot shot loads after business hours, during holidays and on weekends?

Yes, of course! At PEI we’re available and at your service 24/7/365, for example even if you have super urgent freight that needs moving at 3am on Christmas morning, we will make it happen, trust us with your hot shot shipments, we can handle it.

2. Can I track my hot shot load?

Our shipments are trackable through GPS live updates throughout the entire journey, from point A to B.

3. Do hot shot drivers need a CDL (commercial driver’s license)?

CDL’s are only required if the combined gross vehicle weight rating and truck and trailer exceeds 26,000lbs. So, when this is the case we only work with carriers with CDL’s.

4. How far can hot shot trucks travel? Do they cross state lines?

They absolutely can cross state lines and although they’re generally used for relatively short to medium distances there isn’t actually a limit on how far they can travel and could run coast to coast if requested. As long as they’re completely compliant, have a USDOT number and abide by different state laws and regulations then there isn’t any drawbacks in terms of travel distances.

5. How is a hot shot service priced? 

Most hot shot services are typically priced on a per mile basis, but there are a number of factors that effect the total, including fuel surcharges, tolls, return hauls, season, competition/capacity.

6. How big can hot shot freight be?

Hot shots can accommodate freight up to 40ft in length, meaning they’re slightly shorter than a standard flatbed trailer and up to 8.5ft in width. Freight that’s taller than this will require a low boy trailer for extra clearance.

7. Is there a weight limit on hot shot freight?

Most class 3-5 rigs max out at 16,500lbs gross weight on the deck, but carriers will always verify weights before dispatch.

8. How fast can a hot shot truck be on site after I call?

Depending on the area of collection will effect the amount of time taken to get a truck to your pick up address. But we can usually manage a dispatch within the first 60 minutes.

9. Do hot shots need access to a loading dock?

Not necessarily, although this depends on your freight. Most often hot shots can be loaded using just a forklift or crane.

10. What documents are needed for a hot shot load?

A BOL, commercial invoice, and weight and dims sheet are needed for each hot shot load, which is typical documentation for any freight. However, when the freight is specialized, i.e. haz-mat, etc. it will require extra paperwork.

Conclusion 💭

Hot shot trucking is an agile shipping method that provides businesses with an unmatched level of safety, speed and flexibility that other typical forms of truck transportation cannot meet. When you choose to use a hot shot service you can steer clear of costly downtime, because hot shots are typically class 3-5 lighter trucks they can be dispatched in minutes instead of hours, eliminating any timely bottlenecks.

But is it the right shipping choice for your business? Whether you need a critical part urgently shipping to keep a production line moving, or you have a high-value item that simply cannot wait for one reason or another, then this transportation method could be for you. If after reading this blog you’re still unsure or on the fence if it’s right for you then get in touch and we can help you make the best choice for your businesses needs. We’ve also written another blog all about hot shots, which you can read here: https://shippei.com/hot-shot-trucking-how-does-it-work/

At PEI we specialize in delivering this kind of rapid response service for time-critical shipments and can dispatch hot shot services within a matter of minutes, even offering same-day and next day deliveries.

Call PEI today and speak to one of our experts for a hot shot quote: Phone: 888-SHIP-911 or get in touch using the link below ⬇️

 

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