Did you know that there are over 13 million trucks on the road in the United States of America alone?
While many of these trucks are long-haul trucks that are designed to carry goods across the country, hot shot trucking is also increasingly popular. This kind of trucking is done on a smaller scale and prioritizes fast delivery.
When it comes to hot shot trucking rates, that’s where things can get a bit unique. This is because hot shot trucks are uniquely billed compared to standard trucking solutions. It’s important to understand how these trucks work so that you can decide if the service is right for you.
Want to learn more about hot shot trucking? You’re in the right place. Here’s a closer look at hot shot trucking and how their rates work.
What Is Hot Shot Trucking?
If you’re asking yourself, what is hot shot trucking? The answer is incredibly simple. Hot shot trucking is an express trucking service that specializes in smaller loads over smaller distances.
In simple terms, hot shot trucking is a trucking solution that prioritizes fast deliveries in a shorter time frame. This is the perfect solution for those that have time-sensitive deliveries that need to be made. While this service is essential in emergency situations, it can also come in handy to keep your business running efficiently.
If you’re suddenly going to run out of stock, hot shot trucking can step in to deliver goods quickly. This may cost you a bit more, but it will ensure that your business never runs out of stock and needs to close early.
When you look at the benefits of hot shot trucking, you’ll notice that it’s essential to keep your business running efficiently. This is why it’s so important to find a shipping partner that also offers hot shot trucking.
Benefits of Hot Shot Trucking
The key benefit of hot shot trucking is express delivery. This is not the same as express shipping as it takes a different approach. However, this kind of trucking service is key to help make deliveries within strict timeframes.
Hot shot trucking offers you a fast, reliable shipping solution for your business. In some cases, hot shot delivery can even secure your delivery within the same business day. This is ideal for businesses that run out of stock or need to make express deliveries.
Hot Shot Trucking vs. Express Shipping
As mentioned above, hot shot trucking is different to express shipping. This is because both of these services run on very unique shipping models. When it comes to express delivery, these services have trucks and vans on standby to deliver your goods on time.
However, hot shot trucking is unique in the way they approach express deliveries. Hot shot trucks are used to prioritize shorter routes and faster delivery times. In some cases, your order can get split up and sent with multiple hot shot trucks so that you get your delivery sooner.
What Do Hot Shot Truckers Do?
Hot shot truckers are expert drivers that specialize in short-distance trucking. This is mainly within cities or towns. In most cases, hot shot truckers will run short routes from warehouses to businesses in and around town.
This shorter route means that deliveries can be done quicker. This saves on travel costs but also enables your business to have access to fast delivery services. With this being said, hot shot truckers need to be experienced in driving safely, quickly, and efficiently around town.
Pros and Cons of Hot Shot Trucking
There are a few significant pros and cons that come with hot shot trucking. Here’s a quick look at the benefits and downsides of this kind of shipping solution for your business.
The Pros
The pros of hot shot shipping include quick, time-based deliveries. This shipping solution includes expert drivers that can get your deliveries done more efficiently than express shipping solutions.
The Cons
The main drawback of hot shot trucking is that they used smaller trucks to deliver. This means that you are limited in some way on how much you can transport. However, this is perfect for smaller, emergency deliveries.
Hot Shot Trucking Rates
Hot shot trucking is an express service that goes above what traditional trucking and transportation offer. This is why it’s natural to assume that they will charge more for this service. However, this is not always the case.
This is because hot shot trucking is based on a per-mile rate. What does this mean? Basically, hot shot trucking is entirely dependent on the rate that you pay per mile that the truck drives.
This rate takes various factors into consideration. This includes what kinds of goods you’re planning to ship. However, the rate that’s given to your business is used to calculate how much shipping is going to cost.
How Are Rates Calculated?
As mentioned above, the per-mile rate is incredibly important when it comes to hot shot shipping. This means that there are no fixed prices or quotes given before the completion of a job. Instead, we agree on a rate that’s then used to calculate delivery as the driver drives.
This rate is important and takes a wide variety of factors into consideration. These factors include what you’re shipping, how heavy your shipment is, how big your shipment is, what city you’re in, and the nature of the route.
Once all these factors are considered, a rate is created for your business.
Let’s assume that this rate is completely random at $2 per mile. If you plan to have goods shipped from your warehouse to your store, the distance between the two locations is calculated. If the distance is 15 miles, then you would multiply $2 by 15 miles.
This looks something like this:
$2 x 15 miles = $30.
This calculation gives you the price of $30 for your shipment. This is before factoring in other costs that may come with the shipment. These costs include the basic fees that apply to all shipments regardless of their distance.
Different shipping companies have different static fees, so it’s important to look at those when you’re finding a shipping partner.
Does It Depend on Weight?
The nature of what you’re shipping does play a role in calculating your unique rate per mile. However, you’re not actually paying based on the weight itself. In most cases, the maximum capacity of the truck is what has an effect on how much you can transport.
There are limits to how much goods you can load onto different vehicles. Hot Shot trailers that are 40 feet in length tend to have a limit of 16,500 lbs. This means that when you’re using that kind of truck, you can’t load anything more than 16,500 lbs. in the back.
Do You Pay More for Quick Delivery?
When you compare hot shot delivery to standard delivery, you’ll notice that there is a slight difference in the cost. Hot shot trucking is a unique, express service that helps you get things done within strict timeframes. This is why you can expect to pay a slight premium for the service.
However, when you weigh out the pros and cons of hotshot shipping, you’ll see that it’s worth every penny.
What’s the Average Rate Per Mile?
The average rate per mile for hot shot shipping can range depending on where you are in the country. As mentioned above, this rate can fluctuate depending on the city you’re in and the goods you’re transporting.
However, if you’re trying to find a ballpark average, you can expect to pay anything from $2 to $2,50 per mile.
The best way to find an affordable shipping partner is to ask for a custom rate. A custom rate is only possible by talking to the trucking company directly. They’ll analyze your needs and calculate a rate that works for you.
This is the best way to ensure that you get a great deal every time.
How to Find a Reliable Hot Shot Trucking Company
Finding a reliable hot shot trucking company is important to set your business up perfectly. Whether you have an eCommerce business or a traditional retail store, finding a reliable transportation partner is key. This ensures that you have a reliable supply chain that you can depend on.
When it comes to finding a trucking company, it’s always a great idea to find a single solution for all your needs. Modern businesses may need more than one kind of service. You may require long-haul transportation to transport your good to you, but also hot shot trucking for emergency deliveries.
Having this option ensures that your business will never be left without stock, ingredients, or goods. This is essential if you want to build and grow your business.
Finding a Shipping Partner
There are a few things that you should always keep in mind when looking for a reliable hot shot trucking company. These factors form easy steps that you can take to find a reliable shipping partner.
Here’s a quick look at how to find the right trucking company for you.
Initial Research
When it comes to finding a shipping partner, it’s always important to start with in-depth research. Not all shipping companies are the same. Some companies may only offer one kind of shipping solution.
While this may sound great and efficient, this isn’t always the best option. This is because your needs may change in an instant. If you suddenly need express solutions, you are going to need to find another shipping company.
This can take tons of time and cause you to delay your shipment. Finding a company that offers both traditional trucking and hot shot trucking is the best option. This way, you know that the same company can have your shipments covered in emergency situations.
Comparing Quotes
Once you have found a company that you think is great, take a closer look at how much they charge. Don’t feel shy to ask for a quote or use their shipping calculators to get a better idea of their rates. Different shipping methods come with varying rates, so it’s important to keep an eye on that.
It’s not always the cheapest option that’s the best. This is why you should compare the price with what that company is offering you. In most cases, it’s worth it to pay a bit more for a company that offers you more.
This ensures that you partner with a company for the future.
Online Reviews
Online reviews are often the most honest way to find out about a company. These reviews are independent and come directly from other businesses that have used the company in the past. This way, you can know for sure how the company operates from previous clients.
Reliable References
For the most reliable source of information, ask specifically for references. These references should be other businesses that also work with the shipping company. References are different from online reviews since you can call them and chat with them about their experience.
This is the most reliable way to find out about a shipping company before you sign a long-term deal with them.
Partner With Patriot Freight Group Today
Hot Shot trucking rates are specifically based on both the size of the goods and the delivery distance. In most cases, this kind of expedited trucking is charged at a specific rate per mile. This makes it quick and easy for you to calculate how much delivery is going to cost.
Patriot Freight Group is one such logistics solutions company. We have a number of delivery options for your business, from small carriers to larger haulage jobs. Contact us today for a quote on the best and most reliable trucking solutions available.
