What is hot shot trucking?
Hotshot trucking is a specialty transportation company that offers expedited shipping of items needed “yesterday.” They specialize in over-dimensional (large) and hazardous material shipments. Hotshot trucks are specially designed to haul large or heavy loads on highways; they often feature extended length trailers (up to 120′ long), double or triple axles, and may use dollies under the rear trailer axle(s).
These unique trailers offer several advantages for hot shot services: they can haul massive loads at higher speeds than conventional equipment, have reduced stopping distances due to the load being distributed over more axles, have increased stability going down the road, which allows them to stop less often because drivers don’t need as much distance to brake, and can navigate tight turns better than a tractor-trailer.
Why do companies use hot shot trucking?
Companies use hotshot trucking for a few reasons. The most common cause is that they need an item shipped “yesterday,” and common freight carriers can’t get it to them in time. Hotshot trucking is also used for large or over-dimensional shipments that can’t go through conventional channels. Finally, some companies use hotshots as a last resort when their regular shipping routes are unavailable (due to weather, congestion, etc.).
Hot shot trucking requirements
- Trucking Insurance: This is a must-have for any company transporting goods. Ensure you have the correct liability and cargo insurance to cover your shipments.
- Freight Broker License: If you arrange freight pickups and deliveries, you will need to become a licensed freight broker. This process requires an application, fees, and an interview.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Registration: All hot shot trucking companies must be registered with the DOT. This can be done online and typically costs $300-$500 per year.
- Motor Carrier Authority (MCA): To transport goods on public roads, you must have a motor carrier authority. This allows you to operate throughout the United States and Canada. Most hotshot companies get a blanket authority that will enable them to transport goods anywhere in North America.
- Shipper and Receiver Registration: Commercial shippers, must be registered with each state they intend on picking up or delivering freight in. For example, if you are shipping from Michigan to New Jersey, you will need to register with both states. Each registration is $300-$500 per year and includes your company information such as an address, EIN (Employer Identification Number), and more.
- DOT/MC Numbers: These numbers identify your trucking company’s fleet of trucks.
- Hazmat (Hazardous Materials): Only hot shot trucking companies with the proper training and certification can transport hazardous materials. You will need to be certified in various modes of transport and need a special license to handle these materials. This varies by state but typically costs $1,000-$2,000 per year to maintain this certification.
Which types of trucks used in hotshot tucking
A typical hotshot trucking company uses various types of trucks depending on the services they are providing. The most common type of vehicle is the dry van which carries general freight. A hotshot truck will have anywhere from 6-10 axles on them to get the best weight distribution and more stability when driving down the road.
As stated before, if you plan to transport hazardous materials, you will need hazmat certified trucks with special equipment to handle these kinds of goods safely. Some companies specialize by using tankers or flatbeds for certain types of shipments, while others use both together depending on their client’s needs.
Importance of Hotshot Trucking
Companies will typically use hotshot trucking for time-sensitive shipments. When shipping something time-sensitive, there is no margin for error, and you must get the load moved as quickly as possible. Hotshots can move these items regularly because they provide the equipment and staff to work with drivers on a wide range of deliveries rather than just one particular type.
This is especially beneficial for companies that don’t have a fleet of trucks or drivers on staff who are familiar with the routes. This helps you cut costs by taking advantage of the hotshot trucking company’s existing resources without having to purchase your own equipment or hire employees. Any shipment can be transported via hot shot trucking, including electronics, retail goods, food, agriculture products, industrial supplies, medical materials, and more.
Conclusion
Read more: A Comprehensive Guide About What Is Flatbed Tow Truck And When To Use It?
Several requirements and regulations must be met to start a hotshot trucking company. However, this is a highly specialized field that can significantly benefit companies who need to move time-sensitive items quickly and efficiently. By using the resources of a hotshot trucking company, you can save money and time while ensuring your shipments arrive on time, every time.
FAQs
This can vary depending on the state you are applying to. Typically, the process will take a few weeks to complete.
This will vary depending on the state but typically costs $300-$500 per year.
Most of them will use dry vans for general freight. However, if they specialize in hazardous materials, they would use hazmat certified trucks with special equipment on them to handle these kinds of goods safely. Some companies choose to specialize by using tankers or flatbeds for certain types of shipments, while others use both together depending on their client’s needs.
Hotshot trucking can provide cost-saving benefits when compared to buying your own fleet and hiring employees because you can take advantage of their existing resources without having to purchase your own equipment or hire employees yourself. This is especially beneficial for companies that don’t have a fleet of trucks or drivers on staff who are familiar with the routes.
Virtually any type of shipment can be transported using this service, including electronics, retail goods, food and agriculture products, industrial supplies, medical materials, and more.
