When planning your shipping and logistics, there will be times that you run into a situation where an 18-wheeler or rail freight just won’t cut it. You need your load shipped ASAP, and you don’t have time to wait on traditional shipping methods. In these instances, hot shot trucking could be the solution you need! In this blog, we take a closer look at hot shot trucking, including what it is, what potential drivers should know about this job, and how companies can use it to their advantage.
What Is Hot Shot Trucking?
Hot shot trucking refers to the hauling of time-sensitive, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight to a specific location. Instead of large trucks that require a CDL to operate, hot shot trucking uses medium-duty trucks with flatbed trailers to transport goods from point A to point B. Due to the time-sensitive nature of the freight involved, distances can vary from load to load. It’s an excellent option for companies that need to supplement their regular shipping needs, and it can also provide employment opportunities for interested drivers.
Hot Shot Trucking for Potential Drivers
Whether as a full-time or part-time gig, hot shot trucking is an excellent way for anyone who’s considered a career in trucking, wants to earn a CDL, or enjoys hitting the road to earn money.
Hot shot truckers are typically independent contractors who own the necessary equipment to take on LTL loads from companies that need a quick delivery turnaround. Much like freelancers in other professions, they accept individual jobs and oversee the delivery of assigned goods to a predetermined destination. The trucks that are typically used for these hot shot trucking jobs fall under class 3 (Ford F-350, Ram 3500), class 4 (Ford F-450, Ford E-450), and class 5 (city delivery trucks).
Truckers typically find loads through online load boards. These boards are similar to what you might see for freelance work in other industries but explicitly targeted for hot shot truckers.
Does Hot Shot Trucking Make Sense for Your Business?
If you run a business that routinely has LTL loads that need to be delivered in a timely manner, hot shot trucking offers a creative, cost-effective logistics solution. But if you decide to set up an employer account on a load board and manage the process yourself, you’ll need to find the right drivers and keep track of the delivery details. Hot shot trucking is a strategic solution, but managing it can be difficult, and can prove to be a time-intensive process.
Fortunately, there’s a better way — let UCW Logistics handle it.
The UCW Difference
UCW is the best solution for your company’s logistics needs. We secure reliable, high-quality carriers for every LTL load that needs to be delivered, and we take it a step further by handling every detail of your hot shot trucking arrangements. We combine loads for optimal, strategic shipping. There’s no need to post your loads to multiple job boards and wait for a trucker to accept the load. We have access to a large network of qualified carriers, so all you have to worry about is running your business.
Logistics is our expertise, and we’re ready to streamline shipping logistics for you and your business!
Interested in learning more about what UCW can do for you? Request a quote today.
