In today’s world clients and consumers want products NOW! For example, Amazon has recently opened up several fulfillment facilities across the southeastern to fulfill getting their products to the customers quickly. Just in time inventory strategies are being implored by more businesses to increase efficiency in getting products to their clients. There is an increase in demand in hot shot trucking and as the hot shot broker and business owner of Insure Logistics I make it a priority to inform my clients and prospects why hot shot trucking will continue to surge as the preferred method to ship some LTL shipments!
What are expedited and hot shot carriers?
Simply put hot shot carriers are 1 or 2 ton medium to large size pickup trick in combination with up to a 40 foot flatbed trailers used to haul LTL or hot shot loads for customers. Expedited carriers are sprinter vans, straight trucks, or dump trucks used to haul time sensitive freight straight from origin to destination. Products hauled can be equipment, bulk lubricants, metals, pallets, lumber and almost any product or commodity that can fit on a traditional flatbed.
LTL Loads vs Hot Shot loads
Many shippers are confused about the terminology. Below list fundamental differences that will allow you to distinguish between LTL (Less Than Truckload) loads or hot shot loads!
LTL is traditionally combining multiple LTL loads until a full trailer is established. Your freight will be consolidated and placed on a full 53 ft pub trailer with freight from different companies. Hot shot loads are time sensitive LTL freight that needs to reach a specific destination in a timely manner.
Why should businesses use more hot shot carriers?
Below lists the pros and cons on why businesses should utilize hot shot carriers! You will find important information for all shippers that will aid you in determining what would be the best way to move your product. Traditionally speaking, your hot shot broker should assist you with you needs. If you do not have a freight broker please email me!
Pros
The margins on rates per mile are cheaper than that of a 53 ft truck. Hot shot carriers can move starting at $1.60 a mile in some cases whereas an 18 wheeler rates per miles will most likely be $2.00 or more.
Typical hot shot carriers with 40ft flatbed trailers can two up to 20,000 lbs.
Because we are using pick-up trucks deliveries to residential and commercial business are more likely than that of a 53ft or full size flatbed bed trailer.
Hot shot carriers who travel across states are required to have CDL license and insurance.
Your product is directly transported to its destination.
Cons
Freight bill tends to be a little higher because of the expedited fashion.
Most likely will use a carrier that does not have a major brand.
Unable to ship Full truck loads with hot shot carriers.
Who is exempt from the ELD rule?
Drivers who use the timecard exception are not required to keep records of duty status (RODS) or use ELDs.
Drivers who use paper RODS for not more than 8 days out of every 30-day period.
Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000.
Drivers who are required to keep RODS not more than 8 days within any 30-day period.
Drivers who conduct drive-away-tow-away operations, where the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered, or the vehicle being transported is a motor home or a recreation vehicle trailer with one or more sets of wheels on the surface of the roadway.
Drivers of vehicles manufactured before the model year 2000.
Shippers, as a hot shot broker I am a strong advocate for utilizing hot shot carriers to get your products to the client in a timely efficient manner. I hope you find this content informative as you go about shipping! If you have any questions please reach out to me at ray.mcdonald@insurelogistic.com or (404) 394-4640.
