
Hot Shot Trucking
What is Hot Shot Trucking?
We’ve Got the Solution for Your Urgent Shipment
Whether it’s a single parcel or a truckload of pallets, our dedicated team of full truckload experts will help you select the best solution, ensuring your delivery gets where it needs to be on time and at an affordable price.

Hot Shot Trucking Advantages
Hot shot trucking offers several advantages, especially for businesses and independent owner-operators looking for a flexible and efficient way to transport freight. One major benefit is speed—hot shot trucking specializes in urgent, time-sensitive deliveries, often bypassing the delays associated with traditional freight shipping. It also allows for lower operating costs compared to larger trucking operations, as hot shot drivers typically use smaller, more fuel-efficient trucks.
Capabilities
Transport
Unlike traditional freight shipping, which often relies on full truckloads and scheduled routes, hot shot trucking specializes in smaller, time-sensitive loads that need to be delivered quickly. Drivers typically use medium-duty pickup trucks with flatbed, gooseneck, or bumper pull trailers to transport freight such as construction materials, auto parts, oilfield equipment, and agricultural supplies. The ability to take on last-minute jobs and deliver to remote locations gives hot shot trucking a competitive edge. However, successful transport requires careful route planning, load securement, and compliance with DOT regulations to ensure safety and efficiency. By providing fast, reliable, and adaptable transport solutions, hot shot trucking plays a vital role in the logistics industry.
Versatility
Hot shot trucking is highly versatile, making it a valuable option for a wide range of industries and delivery needs. Unlike traditional freight shipping, which relies on large semi-trucks and rigid schedules, hot shot trucking utilizes smaller, more agile trucks that can transport urgent loads quickly and efficiently. This flexibility allows drivers to haul diverse cargo, including construction materials, farm equipment, automotive parts, and oilfield supplies, often delivering to remote or hard-to-reach locations. Hot shot trucking also adapts well to fluctuating demand, enabling independent operators to take on jobs as needed, whether for one-time emergency shipments or ongoing contracts. This adaptability makes hot shot trucking an essential part of the logistics industry, catering to businesses that require fast, reliable, and customized delivery solutions.
Loading
Proper loading is essential in hot shot trucking to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. Since hot shot loads often involve a variety of freight types, drivers must carefully distribute weight to maintain vehicle balance and prevent overloading any single axle. Using the right tie-downs, such as chains, straps, and binders, is crucial for securing cargo and preventing shifting during transit. Drivers should also verify load limits and adhere to Department of Transportation (DOT) weight restrictions to avoid fines or potential hazards. Additionally, conducting a thorough pre-trip inspection to check for loose straps or any load instability can prevent accidents and damage. By following best practices for loading, hot shot truckers can ensure a smooth, safe, and successful delivery.
Safety
Safety is a critical aspect of hot shot trucking, as drivers often handle urgent deliveries under tight deadlines while operating smaller, high-speed trucks. Ensuring proper load securement is essential to prevent shifting cargo that could lead to accidents or damage. Drivers must also adhere to DOT regulations, including hours-of-service rules, to avoid fatigue-related incidents. Routine vehicle maintenance, such as checking brakes, tires, and lights, is crucial for preventing mechanical failures on the road. Additionally, defensive driving techniques and awareness of weather and road conditions help mitigate risks associated with long hauls and high-speed travel. By prioritizing safety measures, hot shot truckers can protect themselves and others on the road while maintaining a strong reputation in the industry.
Advanced Tracking Technology
The most important aspect of hot shot trucking is the ability to get a load where it’s needed in the least time possible. To help achieve this, we use advanced tracking technology that reports vehicle location in real-time. With this information we can guide the driver around poor weather or road congestion, and give our clients regular status updates. This real-time tracking capability not only improves efficiency but also enhances transparency and customer trust. By monitoring traffic patterns, construction zones, and potential delays, we can provide drivers with the fastest and safest routes, ensuring on-time deliveries. Additionally, our tracking system allows clients to plan their operations more effectively, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Why Work with FullTruckload.com?
A Single Point of Contact
From booking to delivery, you’ll have a dedicated expediter guiding you through every step of the logistics process. Experience seamless, personalized support from start to finish.
Real-Time Tracking, 24/7/365
With real-time updates and complete visibility, you can stay ahead of any potential delays and make informed decisions to keep your operations running smoothly.
Multiple Options
We proactively analyze ground and air traffic, anticipate weather challenges, and account for potential flight delays to keep your shipment on track. Our goal is to overcome any obstacles and ensure your deadline is always met.
FullTruckload.com’s Streamlined Process
Single point of contact
shipment-to-vehicle matching system
Vetted & exclusive carriers
real-time monitoring & alerts
Types of Vehicles
HOT SHOT TRUCK
We'll happily arrange for your freight to be transported via hot shot trucking services. We've proudly partnered with hot shot trucking providers across North America to give you access to carefully-vetted ground delivery vehicles for your time-critical freight.

SPRINTER VAN
FullTruckload.com's expedited Sprinter vans have the capacity to meet your local, regional, or long-distance ground shipping needs. Measuring 8-12’ x 52” x 70", our carefully-selected vans have the capacity to carry loads up to 3,000 lbs.

BOX TRUCK
We pride ourselves in working with trusted partners that offer carefully-vetted box trucks, from temperature-controlled vehicles to varying sizes that accommodate smaller loads. Our box trucks, or small straight trucks, measure 12-16’ x 94” x 70” and have the capacity to carry up to 5,000 pounds.

STRAIGHT TRUCK
Measuring 22-26’ x 96” x 96”, our straight trucks can carry loads up to 9,000 pounds. Our large straight truck services offer focused logistics, professional drivers, and deeply-experienced expeditors to get your delivery where it needs to go.

53' DRY VAN
Our fleet of 53-Ft dry vans can carry loads up to 42,000 pounds. Measuring 53’ x 99” x 102”, these carefully-vetted vehicles will ensure your time-sensitive freight arrives at its destination safely.

FULL FLATBED
FullTruckload.com's full flat bed vehicles can accommodate wide or mega-size loads, such as specialized equipment machinery of all weights and sizes. Measuring 48-53’ x 102” x 102”, our fleet of full flat bed vehicles can carry freight of up to 48,000 pounds.

Hot Shot Trucking Specifications
We use vehicles ranging from Sprinter vans to Class 3 medium-duty pickups (like the F350) equipped with suitable trailers for our hot shot trucking service. The exact vehicle chosen is determined by the type of freight and where it has to go. Guidelines are as follows:
-
Sprinter van: Often used for short-range deliveries in urban and suburban areas. Maximum load is 3,000 lbs and the limit on dimensions is 52” x 70” x 144”.
-
Box truck: Used for short and medium range deliveries, some box trucks have a liftgate that simplifies loading and unloading. Maximum load is 5,000 lbs and the freight should be smaller than 94” x 70” x 144-192”.
-
Straight truck: For larger items of freight or up to 12 pallets, these are often selected for state-to-state journeys. Maximum payload is up to 54,000 pounds. Interior volume is around 96” x 96” x 22-26’.
-
Class 3 pickup truck with trailer: Weight limit is 10,000 to 14,000 lbs. Max height and width are 12’ (assuming a lowboy trailer), and 8.5’. Maximum length is set by the trailer, typically 12-14’.

Hot Shot Trucking Types of Cargo

Range and Routes

Hot Shot Trucking Cargo Capacity
Ready Solutions for Shipping Issues, Large and Small
FullTruckload.com has a wealth of resources and expertise ready to go, so we solve your shipping problems as soon as we learn about them. No matter the issue, we know what to do.
End to End Emergency Solutions with the Hot Shot Trucking Service
We were contacted by a woodworking company that had been contracted to make and deliver bar and kitchen equipment to multiple restaurant locations. The delivery windows were organized around the locations having no storage space and installation crews working overnight to minimize any loss of revenue. This meant equipment had to arrive exactly when needed, no sooner and no later. Plus, there were some immediate priority deliveries that had to go out as quickly as possible.

We assigned them a personal freight expert who arranged a fleet of delivery vans for the urgent deliveries. Once these had met the immediate need, we were then able to work on the longer term delivery arrangements that they needed.
As an indicator of our ability to satisfy this particular client, they tell us they’re looking forward to working with us again soon.

Trusted by Our Most Valuable Partners

Industries We Serve
Aviation & Aerospace
Construction
Energy
Manufacturing
Oil & Gas
Renewables & Environment
Retail
Technology
3PL
WHAT IS FULL TRUCKLOAD?
Full Truckload (FTL) refers to a freight shipping method where an entire truck’s cargo space is utilized for a single shipment. It is particularly suitable for large, heavy, or time-sensitive shipments and is often more cost-effective for high-volume freight.
Dedicated Single Point of Contact
At the heart of FullTruckload.com is a dedicated team of professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every shipment arrives on time, and in optimal condition, at its final destination. We offer the fastest ground and air transportation options for B2B customers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Get peace of mind with a dedicated single point of contact. We're with you along every mile of your journey.

Hi I'm Steve
Reach out today and let's solve your urgent shipping needs. I or a member of the team will be with you from start to finish. Let's chat