Has your business ever been in an emergency situation but couldn’t get the material needed fast enough?
A business has a lot of moving parts, and if one machine breaks or one division isn’t running properly, it can affect your entire company. There are times when you simply can’t wait for a delivery, and in that case, you need to utilize hot shot shipping.
We are going to tell you everything you need to know about hot shot trucking and how you can benefit from hiring a trucking service. Keep reading so you don’t have to stress about sending your next package.
Hot Shot vs. Expedited Trucking
Before you start scheduling your delivery, you need to know the difference between hot shot trucking and expedited trucking. Hot shot drivers typically drive a medium-duty truck and tow a long flatbed trailer. They may pull other trailers if the load is larger and your package needs more space.
This service is reserved for emergencies, for example, if a pipe bursts in a power plant and a new one is needed. When you order and schedule a hot shot driver, your package is their only priority. They won’t pick up other clients’ packages on the way to you.
Hot shot trucking is a type of expedited trucking, meaning it needs to get to its destination quickly. An expedited shipment may not account for holidays and nights.
You may have to opt for two-day shipping to wait until the holiday weekend is over. Hot shot drivers also carry smaller and lighter loads.
The Benefits of Hot Shot Trucking
If you need delivery right away, hiring a hot shot driver is your best bet. The driver will head out to pick up your item or product immediately, no matter what time it is.
They are available 24/7. They will take the faster route, and depending on the length of the journey; they will drive straight through the night.
The product that you’re shipping is likely crucial to your business. While it’s important that you receive the package quickly, you want it to arrive safely.
Working with a trucking company that understands the importance of your business can make all the difference. You don’t want a company that only focuses on speed but also on reliability and communication.
When to Use Hot Shot Trucking Companies
You might be confused as to when you should use expedited trucking and when you should opt for hot shot trucking. If you have items that are frozen or refrigerated, you’ll want to have them as quickly as possible.
The same goes if you are waiting for medical supplies. Those are items that you can’t wait for.
You’ll have to decide how important it is to have those products. Can you and your business wait a day or two, or do you need them as soon as possible? If you have a package that is too fragile for a standard shipping container, you can utilize hot shot trucking.
Finding a Good Company
When you’re looking for a trucking company to work with, you’ll want to consider a few things. You want to hire and work with a company that has a great reputation. You want to be confident that they will provide the best service.
Be sure to check if the company has insurance. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your delivery is protected.
Accidents happen all the time, and while they can be inconvenient, they can also be costly. A hot shot trucking company should have full coverage, so if your product or supplies get lost or damaged, you’ll be compensated properly.
Before hiring a company, ask how many drivers they have on staff. You’ll need to know if someone is going to be available to deliver your package on time.
You also want to be sure that the drivers aren’t overworked. If they are, there’s a greater chance of something going wrong.
A red flag is if the company takes a long time to respond to you. This can show you that they are unreliable or too busy to prioritize your business.
Cost
When you’re talking to a company that you’re going to work with potentially, you may want to ask about their fees regarding extra large and heavy loads. Typically, the cost is based on mileage, but some hot shot trucking companies may charge extra for the package size.
The cost per mile can range from $1 to $3. If fuel prices go up, you can also expect an increase in the amount.
FAQs
Here are a few common questions people tend to have about hot shot trucking.
How Long Will Delivery Take?
Delivery times are based on how far away your package is and the location it’s going to. Once you schedule your shipment, the company or driver will be able to provide you with an estimate.
How Are the Prices Determined?
The final price will be dependent on the destination, the travel time, the equipment required, and the size and weight. You can request a quote before signing a contract and scheduling the shipment.
Hot Shot Trucking
If you’re in need of a quick delivery, then hot shot trucking is for you. There are times when you can’t wait for a package to be delivered. You want to be confident that your shipment is going to get where it needs to be safe.
If you’re rushing to get a load delivered, contact us. We have helped many customers, and we are confident that we can help you too.
