Resources & Insights

What is Hot Shot Trucking? Definition, Benefits, and Cost

Hot shot trucking is a type of trucking service that uses medium-duty pickup trucks and flatbed or gooseneck trailers to haul urgent, time-sensitive freight. It is typically used for smaller loads that need to be delivered quickly, often without waiting for a full truckload shipment schedule.

In simple terms, hot shot trucking is:

  • fast freight transportation for urgent loads
  • usually handled with a pickup truck and trailer rather than a full semi-truck
  • commonly used for smaller, partial, or expedited shipments

Hot shot trucking is often used in industries like construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and oil and gas, where equipment, parts, or materials may be needed on short notice. Compared with standard trucking, hot shot loads are usually lighter, more flexible, and more time-sensitive.

 

Ever been called a hot shot? Outside of the trucking industry, a hot shot is someone who’s flashy, successful or larger than life — but in the world of transportation, a hot shot is a smaller trailer hauled by a commercial pick-up

What Does First Come, First Served (FCFS) Mean in Logistics?

First come, first served (FCFS) in logistics means a warehouse or shipping facility handles trucks and freight in arrival order rather than by scheduled appointment. The first carrier to check in is usually the first one loaded or unloaded, although delays can still happen due to dock availability, labor, and freight volume.

Is FCFS the same as a delivery appointment?
No. FCFS means service is based on arrival order, while an appointment-based system assigns a specific time for pickup or delivery.

The pricing structure in the freight shipping industry is complex. The price you pay to move your freight is subject to many variables and — in some cases — a first come, first served scheduling model is one such factor. 

How Do Freight Brokers Grow and Maintain a Reliable Carrier Network?

Many semi trucks with a variety of trailers parked at a truck stop.

Whether you’ve worked with a freight brokerage in the past or are thinking about doing so in the future, it’s important to understand how the right broker can help your business. The first step when making any investment or decision that could impact your company is to do your research.

What is Multi-Stop Truckload Shipping?

The trucking industry is full of unique services dedicated to making the lives of shippers and receivers a little bit easier. You frequently ship freight to multiple customers but recently this process has become tedious and difficult to manage. 

What is "Zone-Skipping" In Freight Shipping?

Shipping large quantities of freight to a wide array of receivers can be a complex task. But understanding the best way to do this, what options are on the table and which services fit your supply chain is important. 

How Much Are Common Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Accessorial Charges?

less than truckload freight graphic

The last itemized list you got from your less-than-truckload transportation provider probably had several surcharges that were included in your final rate. Like many industries, the trucking world is ripe with rich — and oftentimes confusing — jargon.

What are all of these charges that were included in your final rate? 

What is Hot Shot Trucking? Definition, Benefits, and Cost

Posted by Mike Rudnick on Jul 16, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Hot shot trucking is a type of trucking service that uses medium-duty pickup trucks and flatbed or gooseneck trailers to haul urgent, time-sensitive freight. It is typically used for smaller loads that..

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[Video] What Are Spot Quotes and How Does a Freight Brokerage Use Them?

Posted by Dean Pasek on Jun 28, 2021 4:08:37 PM

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What Does First Come, First Served (FCFS) Mean in Logistics?

Posted by Brandon Voigt on Jun 16, 2021 10:00:00 AM

First come, first served (FCFS) in logistics means a warehouse or shipping facility handles trucks and freight in arrival order rather than by scheduled appointment. The first carrier to check in is..

Read More

How Port Service Charges Impact the Cost of Freight Shipping

Posted by Sean Glenz on Jun 14, 2021 10:00:00 AM

You’ve routed your shipment through a U.S. port before and know that doing so provides its own set of unique fees and challenges. The services provided to your shipment at the port can become expensive and you..

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How Do Freight Brokers Grow and Maintain a Reliable Carrier Network?

Posted by Erick Mumm on Jun 9, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Whether you’ve worked with a freight brokerage in the past or are thinking about doing so in the future, it’s important to understand how the right broker can help your business. The first step when making any..

Read More

What is Multi-Stop Truckload Shipping?

Posted by Mike Zarns on Jun 4, 2021 10:00:00 AM

The trucking industry is full of unique services dedicated to making the lives of shippers and receivers a little bit easier. You frequently ship freight to multiple customers but recently this process..

Read More

What is White Glove Delivery Service in Freight Shipping?

Posted by Richard Phillips on Jun 2, 2021 10:00:00 AM

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How is Milk-Run Logistics Used to Ship Freight?

Posted by Mike Zarns on May 26, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Supply chains can be complex. Some organizations have shipments coming and going at all hours and, often, this can make managing budgets and maintaining timelines difficult.

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What is "Zone-Skipping" In Freight Shipping?

Posted by Richard Phillips on May 24, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Shipping large quantities of freight to a wide array of receivers can be a complex task. But understanding the best way to do this, what options are on the table and which services fit your supply chain..

Read More

How Much Are Common Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Accessorial Charges?

Posted by Josh Gewecke on May 17, 2021 10:00:00 AM

The last itemized list you got from your less-than-truckload transportation provider probably had several surcharges that were included in your final rate. Like many industries, the trucking world is ripe with..

Read More

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