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ALL VEHICLES > HOT SHOT TRUCKING

Hot Shot Trucking

The hot shot delivery business is about getting things where they’re needed, as fast as legally possible. The type of vehicle and/or trailer used depends on the specifics of the load. Here’s some information on vehicle types and hot shot shipping services. Hot shot trucking is used for ultra critical shipments, like when a line or plant is down and awaiting a key spare, materials or components. Any time people are idled and capacity isn’t being utilized, it can make sense to have an expedited hot shot delivery to get them back to work again.

What is Hot Shot Trucking?

Hot shot trucking is often associated with heavy duty pickups (technically, Class 3 trucks), towing flatbed trailers. While this isn’t wrong, hot shot trucking can also use Sprinter vans, (for priority white glove deliveries), box trucks, dry vans and even full flatbeds. The point is, it’s about using whatever vehicle makes sense for going door to door as fast as humanly possible.

Given that speed is the top priority for expedited freight services, hot shot trucking is generally performed over shorter distances. It also tends to use smaller vehicles, because loading and unloading something like a 53’ dry van can take a long time. Carrying less means the urgently needed items get into the hands of those who are waiting for them in less time. However, for freight that’s especially large, heavy, or both, and that needs to be moved a long way, there’s no reason why hot shot trucking can’t involve a full flatbed providing a cross-border expedited service.
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Hot shot trucking works with Sprinters, box trucks, or straight trucks.

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Load capacity differs depending on the vehicle type.

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Remarkably adaptable, it’s a key asset for diverse industries and shipping demands.

Hub to spoke

Drivers transport a variety of loads, such as building supplies, agricultural machinery, car components, and oilfield gear.

Hot Shot Trucking Cargo Capacity

When planning a hot shot delivery, our expeditor will use their expert knowledge to select the most appropriate vehicle. These guidelines indicate what this might be:

Sprinter: Maximum payload 3,000 lbs, maximum dimensions: 52” x 70” x 144”.

Box truck: Maximum payload 5,000 lbs, maximum dimensions: 94” x 70” x 144”-192”.

Straight truck: Maximum payload up to 26,000 lbs without a CDL driver, and with a CDL, up to 54,000 pounds. Maximum cargo dimensions: 96” x 96” x 22-26’. (Enough for two rows of 6 standard pallets.)

Class 3 pickup truck (Ford F350, Chevy Silverado 3500 or Dodge Ram 3500) with trailer: Weight limit is 10,000 to 14,000 lbs. Max height and width are 12’ (assuming a lowboy trailer), and 102”.
 

TYPES OF CARGO

Hot shot trucking is for anything that’s needed urgently, especially when the cost of not having it is high. 
 
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Hot shot trucking is often used to get replacement parts or specialized equipment (for example, analytical equipment, borescopes, or measurement devices), to where they’re needed to address an urgent problem. It’s also sometimes used for delivering samples (as when a promise was made and has to be kept), production tools, or presentation and display equipment.
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In “line down” situations, when production is stopped because materials, components, or subassemblies aren’t available, hot shot trucking can get an initial batch or a few pallets to the site while a larger vehicle is being loaded.
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Another hot shot trucking scenario is when a wheeled or tracked vehicle is needed urgently. This might be to do excavation or trenching work (perhaps there’s been a water main break), or to move forestry or agricultural machinery into position in preparation for critical work.

Range and Routes

With hot shot trucking there’s no limit to range or routes: the goal is simply to provide the fastest delivery possible. In most cases, speed and urgency dictate hot shot trucking be undertaken over shorter distances – across town or between cities within a state - but if needed, it can be long distance too.

Sprinter vans, box trucks and pickups generally go 300 – 400 miles between refueling stops. If a journey needs more than 12 hours of driving, two drivers may be assigned to the vehicle.

An advantage of these lighter vehicles over full flatbeds and dry vans is their ability to take smaller but more direct roads where there may be weight limits on bridges.
 

End to End Solutions

Hot shot trucking shines with its adaptability, tackling smaller, urgent loads that don’t warrant a full-sized truck or trailer. From a lone pallet of machinery parts to niche equipment, hot shot drivers tap a range of rigs—pickup trucks with gooseneck trailers to compact flatbeds —tailored to the shipment’s size and weight. This mix of speed, accuracy, and flexibility makes hot shot trucking a vital fix for businesses craving fast, dependable expedited delivery service without skimping on safety or quality.
 
Our hot shot trucking broker service centers on delivering top-notch customer care and consistency. Freight pros oversee every step, offering real-time tracking and clear, upfront updates from start to finish. Be it a last-minute rush or a priority drop-off, hot shot trucking fuses swiftness, precision, and a personal touch—assuring businesses their critical shipments are in expert hands.
 
For expedited hot shot jobs, we deploy vehicles like Sprinter vans, box trucks, or Class 3 medium-duty pickups. When using pickups, they’re paired with fitting trailers—usually goosenecks over bumper pulls. The choice of rig hinges on the cargo type and its destination.

KEY VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Sprinter vans

Maximum load is 3,000 lbs and the size limit is 52” x 70” x 144”. Often used for short trips runs in urban and suburban areas, but just as effective operating between states and across country.

Box trucks

Maximum load is 5,000 lbs and maximum freight dimensions are 94” x 70” x 144”-192”. Some box trucks have a liftgate that helps with loading and unloading heavier items. Used for short and medium range journeys.

Straight trucks

Used for larger items of freight or up to 12 pallets. Maximum payload is up to 54,000 pounds. Interior volume is around 96” x 96” x 22-26’. These are often selected for state-to-state journeys.

Class 3 pickup truck with trailer

Maximum weight is 10,000 to 14,000 lbs. Max height is 12’ (assuming a lowboy trailer), and maximum width is 8.5’. Length is set by the trailer and is typically 12-14’.

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Hot Shot Trucking Advantages

Hot shot trucking offers several advantages, particularly for businesses and solo owner-operators seeking a nimble, effective freight transport option. Its standout edge is speed—hot shot services zero in on pressing, time-critical deliveries, sidestepping the holdups common in standard shipping. Plus, it trims costs against bigger trucking setups, with drivers usually running smaller, fuel-sipping rigs.

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Capabilities

Often dubbed heavy-duty pickups, these rigs are more precisely medium-duty or Class 3 trucks. Models like the Ford F350, Chevy Silverado 3500, and Dodge Ram 3500 are the usual stars of hot shot trucking, though larger trucks step up for heftier payloads. Hot shot jobs tap a range of trailers, with goosenecks leading the pack for their load capacity, stability, and sharp turning ability. Lighter hauls might roll with a bumper pull, while extra-tall cargo could land on a lowboy with its low-riding deck. Dovetail trailers come into play for vehicles that drive on and off. These trucks strike a sweet spot of strength, agility, and affordability, perfect for rushing time-critical freight.
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Transport

Hot shot trucking breaks from the mold of traditional freight shipping, which leans on full loads and fixed schedules, focusing instead on smaller, urgent shipments that demand quick delivery. Drivers harness medium-duty pickups paired with flatbed, gooseneck, or bumper pull trailers to haul goods like building supplies, car components, oilfield gear, and farm materials. Its knack for jumping on last-second gigs and reaching out-of-the-way spots gives hot shot trucking a sharp advantage. Still, pulling it off means smart route mapping, tight load securing, and sticking to DOT rules for safety and speed. Offering swift, dependable, and flexible transport, hot shot trucking carves out a crucial niche in logistics.
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Versatility

Hot shot trucking stands out for its versatility, proving invaluable across a broad spectrum of industries and shipping demands. In contrast to conventional freight, which depends on big semis and strict timetables, hot shot trucking taps smaller, nimbler trucks to zip urgent loads to their destinations with efficiency. This agility lets drivers manage a mix of freight—think building supplies, agricultural machinery, car parts, and oilfield gear—often reaching tricky or distant spots. It also bends to shifting needs, letting solo operators pick up gigs on the fly, from one-off rush jobs to steady contracts. This flexibility cements hot shot trucking as a key player in logistics, serving up quick, trustworthy, and tailored delivery options for businesses.
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Safety

Safety sits at the core of hot shot trucking, where drivers juggle pressing deliveries and tight timelines with smaller, fast-moving rigs. Securing loads properly is a must to stop cargo from shifting and sparking accidents or damage. Drivers have to stick to DOT rules, like hours-of-service limits, to dodge fatigue-driven mishaps. Keeping up with regular checks on brakes, tires, and lights is key to avoiding breakdowns mid-route. Plus, sharp defensive driving and staying alert to weather and road quirks help cut down risks tied to long stretches and speedy trips. By putting safety first, hot shot truckers shield themselves and fellow road users while upholding a solid industry rep.
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Tracking Technology

The heart of hot shot trucking lies in rushing a load to its destination as fast as possible. To nail this, we lean on cutting-edge tracking tech that pinpoints vehicle locations live. Armed with this data, we steer drivers clear of bad weather or clogged roads and keep clients in the loop with steady updates. This real-time tracking boosts efficiency while ramping up transparency and trust. By keeping tabs on traffic jams, construction holdups, and other snags, we map out the quickest, safest paths for drivers, locking in timely drop-offs. On top of that, our system lets clients fine-tune their schedules, cutting idle time and lifting output.
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Loading

Getting the load right is a cornerstone of hot shot trucking, locking in safety, efficiency, and rule-following. With hot shot hauls often mixing all sorts of freight, drivers need to spread weight smartly to keep the rig steady and avoid overburdening an axle. Picking the perfect tie-downs—like chains, straps, and binders—is key to pinning cargo down tight and stopping it from sliding mid-trip. Drivers also have to double-check load caps and stick to DOT weight limits to steer clear of fines or trouble. A solid pre-trip once-over, scanning for loose straps or wobbly loads, can head off crashes and damage. Sticking to top-notch loading habits keeps hot shot truckers rolling smoothly, safely, and on point.

THE EXPEDITED FREIGHT PROMISE

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End to End Emergency Solutions with the Hot Shot Trucking Service

An example from the world of retail provides a fascinating illustration of how hot shot trucking solves problems and can save money.

There’s a company in Kansas City, MO that manufactures retail displays. The run up to Christmas is an especially busy period for them, but delivery schedules are constrained by having to work around mall opening hours. This company contacted us for help when they couldn’t see a way to get a large delivery to St Louis at a time when an installation crew could do the work needed.

We proposed using three box trucks equipped with liftgates. This would speed up loading, and especially unloading, given there were no loading docks available at the mall. By letting the installers use their crew in the most efficient way possible, it avoided unnecessary, and expensive, downtime. The manufacturer got everything set up in the stores before opening time, and best of all, they still use us for their most time-critical deliveries.
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Why Work with ExpeditedFreight.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.

Our Streamlined Process

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Single point of contact

Work with the same expeditor during your shipment’s entire process–no annoying call centers!
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shipment-to-vehicle matching system

We carefully match the size and weight of your shipment to the right vehicle.
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Vetted & exclusive carriers

We work with vetted, experienced carriers, so you get one vehicle for the entire delivery process exclusive.
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real-time monitoring & alerts

Our GPS tracking technology lets us know exactly where your shipment is at all times.
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Types of Vehicles

HOT SHOT TRUCK
SPRINTER VAN
BOX TRUCK
STRAIGHT TRUCK
53' DRY VAN
FULL FLATBED

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Industries We Serve

Aviation & Aerospace

Every minute a commercial airliner is grounded costs airlines money. ExpeditedFreight.com helps get flights back in the air with fast delivery of parts and equipment across North America, using a nationwide carrier network and dedicated box trucks, straight trucks, and tractor-trailers to provide reliable, aviation-specific transportation solutions.

Construction

Because one shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project, you need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is ExpeditedFreight.com. From heavy machinery and building materials to specialized tools and equipment, our logistics solutions are tailored to keep your project on track. With a robust network of carriers and expertise in handling oversized, time-sensitive, and critical shipments, we ensure that every delivery arrives exactly when and where it’s needed.

Energy

The consequences from lost power production are serious for any business. Equipment failure is one of the biggest causes of energy production downtime. Losses compound exponentially with delay, loss of energy capacity, or the idling of plants for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Whether it's a hydroelectric power station or solar farm, you need a 3PL provider who can move your parts and equipment safely and securely while meeting your most stringent deadlines.

Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money due to the high costs involved in lost sales and lost customers. With many manufacturers building to just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed, expertise, and experience of freight services from AirFreight.com make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain.

Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle, waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and a logistics partner such as ExpeditedFreight.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.

Renewables & Environment

Wind turbines can be as tall as an 85-story building with a blade radius of an acre. Transporting just one wind turbine can take up to nine separate shipments. Solar equipment includes sensitive electronics and glass that are easily subject to damage. Constructing one solar panel requires nearly 40 different components, including precious metals, that need to get to the factory on time. With requirements like this, it's critical to work with the right 3PL provider that can flex with your needs when situations and requirements change.

Retail

During downtime, retailers experience lost sales with the inability to process credit cards, access customer purchasing history, or locate items in stock at a distribution center or another retail location. Don’t let unexpected downtime due to point-of-sale equipment failures impact your brand or frustrate your customers. If you can’t serve your customers, your competition will!

Technology

Unexpected IT downtime can bring down even the largest businesses—just ask airlines when their reservation systems go offline. The importance of e-commerce, online sales, and the computing infrastructure that supports it makes getting systems and servers up and running even more critical. With 98% of organizations reporting that a single hour of downtime costs over $100,000, you can’t afford a slow logistics partner.

3PL

With today’s broken supply chains, even companies that specialize in logistics find themselves needing help. We provide an expansive network of expedited ground and air shipping options to make the trip in the air, to and from the airport, or complete the entire delivery on the ground. Through these resources and our centralized planning operations, we help 3PL providers overcome all the challenges of their industry.

GET A FREE FREIGHT QUOTE

We provide freight transport services by ground and air for businesses in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. We tailor our express delivery services to meet your specific needs. Enjoy premium customer service with a single point of contact for support during the standardized shipping process. Wherever your business takes you, we’re with you—mile after mile.

Dedicated Single Point of Contact

At the heart of ExpeditedFreight.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. 

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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

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