When to Use Hot Shot Trucking for Equipment Transport
William Thomas / January 2021
Hot shot trailer transport has gained massive traction in the market over the past few years. Hot shot trucking becomes an incredible option when you are operating on a limited time and need to transport cargo within the shortest period possible. Besides owning trucks, shippers working in this industry have invested in many trailers, which are always ready to go at concise notice. Hot shot trucking is great for local and regional transports you need done fast.
So, What is Hot Shot Transport?
Also known as hotshot trucking, hot shot transport involves the transportation of smaller, relatively lighter, and time-sensitive Less Than Truckload (LTL) items. Ideally, these shipments go to a single client or location and are delivered within a precise time. In most cases, hot shot loads are transported using medium-lucky trucks, usually pulling flatbed trailers.
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What is the Difference Between Hot Shot Trucking and Expedited Freight?
Sure, both hot shot and expedited trucking are designed for hire operations and transport time-sensitive shipments. However, they are not the same.
Ideally, hot shot trucking involves class 3, 4, or 5 trucks with flatbed or other trailer types hitched on them for extra capacity. The trailers are loaded with everything from shiny new dumpsters, insulation, custom signs, and new classic cars. You have most probably seen them operating in the interstate. On the other hand, expeditors are companies, or owner-operators use straight trucks, cargo vans, tractor-trailers, or sprinters which make emergency or rush orders. These exclusive vehicles operate straight through delivery, and as such, they rarely stop to pick up other loads on the road. If they operate interstate, they require a US DOT number. All the same, their liability requirements and limitations will vary depending on the truck type.
When Can You Use Hot Shot Trucking for Equipment Transport?
One of the significant benefits of hotshot trucking is speed. That said, this type of trucking becomes ideal when you are operating on strict deadlines and need to transport cargo within a very short time. However, clients should not settle for an unqualified transport company just because they guarantee you quick services. The idea is to find an experienced hot shot driver who will not only deliver your shipment on time but also safely and affordably.
Common Trailers Used in Hot Shot Trucking
Tilt deck Trailers
Tilt deck trailers can slope at an angle for easy loading and offloading of your cargo. After loading, you can simply turn them flat, ready for transit. Note that while tilt deck trailers might save you a lot of heavy lifting during loading, they operate on the hydraulic system, which needs regular oil and filter changes.
Gooseneck Trailers
These trailers are most loved for their stability. They transport larger and heavier loads than flatbed and bumper trailers. All the same, if you are a dedicated hot shot trucking operator, you might want to invest in a reliable hitching system.
Bumper Pull Trailers
They are generally smaller and less costly to purchase. They are also easy to operate, making them popular with most civilian drivers. One of the main disadvantages of these trailer types is that they cannot haul many heavier items. Moving anything above 10 001 pounds may cause excessive swaying making the vehicle and trailer lose their stability.
Lowboy Trailers
They have a low center of gravity, making them perfect options when shipping taller and heavier shipments. The major disadvantage of lowboy trailers is limited deck space. This means that while they can haul even the heaviest cargo, they cannot ship as many shipments at a time.