What is Hot Shot Trucking and Why is it so Popular?

The term “hot shot” originated in the 1970s in the Texas oil fields, where trucks delivered critical parts for drilling operations as quickly as possible. This created a niche in which owner-operators could execute necessary items with speed. As the name suggests, hot trucks are all about speed. Hot shot drivers take lots of materials that need to be delivered to a specific location as soon as possible.

These types of loads became common for the first time, making trips between manufacturers of oil parts and fields. Nowadays, there is a wide range of materials that the most staunch drivers carry. Just a few of the most common types of loads are construction equipment, agricultural equipment, industrial machinery and other heavy loads.

Hot cargo transportation

is the process of transporting smaller quantities of cargo using a flatbed trailer and a “medium duty station wagon” station wagon. In many cases, trucking offers an economical and economical solution for shippers who would, alternatively, ship their cargo using under-truck (LTL) or part-load (PTL) services. Hot Shot Trucking is for more urgent loads within a specific time period and usually to a single customer or location.

Hot cargoes are generally delivered in medium duty trucks for a single shipment known as hot shipping. This isn't to say that shippers can't find a quick solution when it's time to move their cargo, just that a limited supply makes it difficult to find one. Hot shot truckers typically have experience transporting various types of cargo and the equipment needed to do so. As a result, for shippers who need more capacity than these thresholds allow, quick-pull trailers simply won't be an appropriate option for their cargo. If you're into trucking, you might want to invest in a gooseneck trailer instead of a trailer with bumper drive.

Since the most enthusiastic drivers don't bear the cost of owning and maintaining a tractor and the low fuel efficiency of driving a Class 8 semi-trailer and pulling a 53-foot trailer, they can offer their services at more cost-effective prices. Many drivers enjoy the challenge of high-end trucks and are proud to help customers on a tight deadline. On the other hand, the vast majority of trailers used for hot draft trucks have a crossbow suspension that doesn't give the scare the same protection. Here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), we've seen how trucking has evolved tremendously over the years and we're ready to offer some insights into this mode of freight transport. The initial costs of trucking are slightly lower than those of owner operators, so it can be a good way to be your own boss in the transportation industry. Their versatility, together with the efficiency they provide to their drivers, which often translates into cost savings for the shipper, make hot draft trailers a very popular option for moving loads that are within their dimensional limits. Like other parts of the trucking industry, Hot Shot has pros and cons, both as a career and a lifestyle.

However, today, they are heavily attacked by the DOT because the most popular owners and operators don't usually have their commercial driver's licenses. Although road transport has become more popular and therefore more available in recent years, it is still a relatively specialized service offering. Combined hot draft units are usually within the class 3 to 5 range, giving them a gross weight of between 10,000 and 26,000 pounds. To begin with, the best drivers use very different equipment and perform specialized races in a short period of time.