Fast-loading trucks, also known as hot shot trucking, involve transporting smaller, more urgent LTL (less than a truckload) loads within a specific timeframe and usually to a single customer or location. These loads are typically delivered using medium duty trucks that tow flatbed trailers. Rates vary widely as popular truckers generally charge per mile and set their own prices. The charges depend on the route, fuel costs, the mile per gallon of the truck/trailer combination, and the likelihood of picking up a return trip.
The prices are also based on the specific job at hand, such as how fragile the equipment is and how quickly it needs to be moved. Hot shot trucking is a type of transport that moves relatively smaller and more urgent loads to accessible locations. The most common vehicles used are standard heavy-duty pickup trucks that transport agricultural equipment or appliances. The most popular form of road transport is to use smaller vehicles to transport smaller loads on tight deadlines.
Unlike some fast-moving jobs that may require you to drive a large, fully loaded semi-trailer, hot shot loads are usually smaller and use a medium duty station wagon and a flatbed trailer. Carriers and runners hire expert drivers to transport loads that would not be economical to transport in a larger vehicle. Unfortunately, popular drivers tend to be looked down upon by their counterparts who drive large platforms for the reasons mentioned above. Many popular operators also lack adequate insurance and often lack the necessary permits and licenses to operate in the states they travel to.
Delivery times for hot freight loads are usually short and routes are usually local, but regional freight may also require interstate or long-distance travel. The manufacturer's weight ratings for the power unit and trailer, as well as the overall gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the combination, will determine which (if any) you'll need for road transport. It's important to learn everything about trucking, including the equipment you'll need, some of the pros and cons of the job, and how to find trucking jobs. One advantage of road transport, unlike other forms of transport, is that it is relatively beginner-friendly.
However, since it's much easier to break into the world of trucks, you'll face pretty fierce and consistent competition. The most popular drivers typically operate heavy-duty trucks with trailers rather than heavy-duty class 8 semis. Since popular truckers are owner-operators, there are several factors in determining how much they are actually paid. When loaders and intermediaries have relatively small loads that need to be delivered quickly, they resort to the services of expert truckers.
The best driving jobs can be found on the Internet as well as in the free truck magazines available at truck stops. Although it is still a relatively small segment of the transportation industry in general, road transport has grown steadily in market share in recent years. For many experienced and aspiring truckers, it's the dream of owning their own business and keeping more of the fruits of their labor that draws them in.
