What is HotShot Trucking?

Unlike traditional trucking carriers where a truck contains multiple loads going to multiple locations, HotShot carriers typically haul smaller, more time-sensitive loads and less-than-full loads (also known as LTL loads) to a single customer or location within a specific time frame. HotShot rigs are typically medium-duty trucks pulling flatbed or other types of trailers.

HotShot loads may need to be delivered locally, or they may need delivered across the country.  Customers sometimes request HotShot rigs (truck and trailer combined) because a larger truck and trailer rig would not be able to maneuver around the shipping or receiving location.

What is the Difference Between HotShot Trucking and Expedited Shipping?

HotShot trucks often deliver time-sensitive equipment and other goods but HotShot hauling differs from expedited shipping.  In expedited shipping, there are usually dedicated vans or trailers just waiting on standby to deliver loads as quickly as possible which often results in only one-way hauling followed by more standby time. Expedited shipping vehicles are typically trucks, tractor-trailers, or straight trucks.

In HotShot hauling, loads are distributed to various drivers through the companies they are working with and through load boards, and delivered in medium to one-ton trucks with trailers. In HotShot trucking, it is much easier to find loads to carry both directions, eliminating empty miles, and creating better earnings opportunities.

The dispatchers at JF Express FR8 are skilled in finding the best loads based on location and route.

Types of Trucks and Trailers Used in HotShot Trucking

Trucks used for HotSot rigs are typically class 3 (14,0001-16,000 lbs), 4 (16,001-19,500 lbs), or 5 (19,501-26,000 lbs).  The type of truck you choose depends on the type of loads you want to haul and the type of trailer(s) you plan to use.

There are several types of trailers that can be used for HotShot rigs and there are pros and cons to each. They are: bumper pull, deckover, gooseneck, lowboy, tilt deck, and dovetail.

Deckover trailers have a wider deck and no wheel wells. They are good for larger equipment and heavier hauls but they have shorter ramps which must be taken into consideration when loading and unloading.

Gooseneck trailers have high stability with limited swaying and a tighter turning radius, which make them very popular with HotShot drivers.  They do require special hitching to be installed and typically special training and licensing.

Lowboy trailers have the best stability for the heaviest loads. They are easy to load and unload but they lack the usable deck space of some of the other trailer types.

Dovetail trailers are good for hauling equipment with wheels, such as tractors, cars, etc., but they are low in the back, sometimes making them prone to dragging on inclines.

The type of truck and trailer(s) you have and the type of licensing you have determines the types of loads that can be hauled.

What Do HotShot Trucking Rigs Haul?

HotShot rigs haul construction materials, heavy equipment, farm machinery, industrial materials, etc.  As mentioned above, the type of loads hauled depend largely on the type of truck and trailer(s) and licensing requirements.

Some of the most common hauls are large industrial equipment and machinery, factory supplies and machinery, farming equipment, construction equipment, etc..

How Much do HotShot Drivers Make?

How much money you make in HotShot trucking depends on many factors, not the least of which, is how much time you devote to it.  Those who are most flexible and available will make far more than those who are rigid in their availability, types of loads, and destinations. Other factors that determine income are the type of HotShot rig you have, the type of licensing you have, the number of loads available, fuel prices, etc..

Work with JF Express FR8 to Maximize Income

JF Express FR8 works with experienced dispatchers who are highly skilled in prioritizing drivers’ schedules, coordinating loads, and managing routes.  Our dispatchers are paid by the load, not by the hour, and have over 25 combined years of experience in both dispatching and driving, which helps them find the best loads and freight lanes available.

If you are looking to become a HotShot driver and/or if you already have a HotShot rig and are interested in working with JF Express FR8,  Profitable Venture lists JF Express Fr8 as number four on the top eleven nationwide HotShot companies to lease on with.  If interested, visit our HotShot trucking jobs page to learn more.

Our Mission

At JF Express Fr8, our mission is to provide safe, timely transportation of goods, nationwide.

JF Express Fr8, LLC is a woman-owned, family-run trucking company based in Marysville, OH.  Our core values are to operate with honesty and integrity, and to respect others and the goods they entrust us with transporting.

There are a lot of nationwide hotshot trucking companies and we believe our core values are what sets this successful, woman-owned, family-run hotshot trucking company apart from all the rest.