<img src="//bat.bing.com/action/0?ti=4066564&amp;Ver=2" height="0" width="0" style="display:none; visibility: hidden;">
Skip to content

Hot Shot Flatbed

In the hot shot trucking industry, speed and reliability are paramount. Hot shot flatbed trucking is designed to meet urgent shipping needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of hot shot flatbed services, exploring everything from the types of vehicles used to the role of technology in tracking and managing shipments. Our goal is to provide you with a thorough understanding of this vital service, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions that enhance your operations and drive your business forward.
 
hot-shot-flatbed-trucking

 

Understanding Hot Shot Flatbed Trucking

What exactly is a flatbed trailer? Essentially, it's a combination of a standard semi-truck tractor and a trailer that lacks sides or a roof, designed specifically to carry freight. A typical flatbed trailer spans from 48 to 53 feet in length, 102 inches in width, and 110 inches in height, equipped with up to six axles. Unlike 53-foot dry vans, flatbed trailers are fully open, exposing freight to external temperatures and weather conditions, which can present challenges in protecting cargo, though it's not insurmountable.
 
When handling over-sized, extra-wide, and bulky freight, conventional straight trucks or dry vans often lack the necessary carrying capacity. This is where various types of flatbed trailers demonstrate their excellence.
 

texas-trucker

TALK TO AN EXPEDITOR NOW

Get a Quote in Minutes for Your Time-Critical Freight Needs

Cargo for Hot Shot Flatbed

Hot shot flatbed services are versatile, capable of transporting a wide range of cargo types. These include construction materials, machinery, plane and automotive parts, and other industrial goods. The open nature of the flatbed trailer allows for easy loading and unloading, accommodating oversized or irregularly shaped cargo.

The standard 53-foot tractor trailer boasts a load capacity of up to 48,000 pounds, though this can vary depending on the type of flatbed used, offering significant economies of scale for any shipment. The maximum height of cargo that can be loaded onto a flatbed varies by trailer type and bed height, typically not exceeding 162 inches in total height. A typical flatbed trailer sits 5 feet above the ground and utilizes a combination of materials such as lumber, steel tarps, winch straps, transport chains, and binders to securely fasten the cargo. As long as your freight isn't hazardous, perishable, or sensitive to temperature changes, a 53-foot flatbed trailer proves to be an excellent choice for expedited transportation across states and even within states.

hot-shot-flatbed-air

 

Vehicles and Trailers Used in Hot Shot Flatbed Trucking

The vehicles used in hot shot flatbed trucking are as diverse as the cargo they transport and include lowboy trailers, step deck trailers, sidekit trailers, gooseneck trailers and others. At HotShotTrucking.com, our seasoned expeditors carefully evaluate various types of flatbed trailers, each offering unique advantages for specific types of freight. This thorough assessment ensures we select the optimal flatbed trailer type for your shipment needs.

freight-1

Safety and Compliance

Safety is paramount in hotshot trucking. From securing the load to ensuring the vehicle's roadworthiness, every aspect must be meticulously managed. Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, posing a risk to the driver and other road users. Therefore, it's essential to use appropriate tie-downs and load securement devices, and to regularly check them during the journey.

Hot shot trucking is subject to various regulations and permits. These can include weight and size restrictions, driver hours of service rules, and special permits for transporting hazardous materials.

oil

Choosing the Right Hot Shot Flatbed Service Provider

Choosing the right hot shot flatbed service provider is crucial for successful freight transport. When choosing a hot shot flatbed service, it's important to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Building relationships with reliable carriers is key to ensuring consistent and high-quality service. These relationships can lead to preferential rates, priority service, and better communication. It's also important to maintain these relationships through regular communication, prompt payment, and mutual respect.

hotshot-flated

Future Trends in Hot Shot Trucking

The hot shot trucking industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing market demands. Looking ahead, transport logistics is set to become even more complex and dynamic. Advancements such as autonomous vehicles, drone delivery, and technology for supply chain transparency are likely to reshape the industry. For hot shot flatbed services, staying ahead of these trends and adapting to changes will be crucial for continued success and growth.

logistics-service

Related Blog Posts

The History of Hot Shot Trucking in North America

The History of Hot Shot Trucking in North America

Businesses facing shipping emergencies have long counted on hot shot trucking to fill the gaps. But the hotshot field didn’t just pop into existence as it is today. Rather, this bastion of emergency shipping developed slowly over time, emerging and expanding in tandem with the rest of the trucking industry. From the earliest days of pre-automotive transport to the modern era of brokers, reshoring, and JIT production systems, hot shot providers...

Hot Shot Trucking for the Oil Industry

Hot Shot Trucking for the Oil Industry

Hot shot trucking originated in the oil and gas industry. It was a response to the need for rapid transport of time-sensitive materials to remote drilling sites. Today, it plays a critical role in the logistics of the oil and gas sector. This article delves into the intricacies of hotshot trucking within the oil and gas industry. We'll explore how it provides fast freight and expedited shipping solutions, ensuring quick delivery of critical...

Advantages of Dedicated Freight Services

Advantages of Dedicated Freight Services

In the expedited freight industry, efficiency is paramount. Dedicated freight services offer a solution, promising speed, safety, and consistency. Dedicated freight services involve the allocation of specific vehicles, such as sprinter vans or tractor trailers, exclusively for a single client's cargo transport needs. Unlike traditional freight carriers, dedicated freight services provide tailored solutions that align with a client's unique...

Regulatory and Legislative Update - December 2022

Regulatory and Legislative Update - December 2022

Contents Regulation and Enforcement FMCSA issues interim guidance on definitions of broker and bona fide agents FMCSA plans to narrow scope of emergency declaration relief ‘Interpretive rule’ clarifies applicability of regulations to passenger carriers Withdrawal of passenger inspection rulemaking confirmed by FMCSA Livestock stakeholders are denied broad HOS exemption FMCSA rejects owner-operator’s exemption from various HOS provisions Driver...

747 Freighter Air Charter to Hawaii

747 Freighter Air Charter to Hawaii

When it comes to providing air cargo capabilities, there is no aircraft in the world that compares with the Boeing 747 series of freighters. All three 747-400F, 747-400ERF and 747-8F freighter models in service today, are unmatched in carrying capacity, cargo handling, global reach, speed and versatility. An aviation icon born in 1968, the 747 is instantly recognizable by its large upper deck “hump”, four engines and six-story high vertical...

Regulatory and Legislative Update - September 2020

Regulatory and Legislative Update - September 2020

Contents Regulation and Enforcement FMCSA plans pilot programs on 14-hour window, younger drivers OOIDA, SBTC seek rulemakings to expand broker transparency Proposed HHS guidelines on hair testing would require backup alternative FMCSA retreats on carrier size analysis in Beyond Compliance study Railroads seek broad HOS relief for unplanned events IANA training now counts as intermodal inspector qualification J.J. Keller, Netradyne seek...

Regulatory and Legislative Update - September 2024

Regulatory and Legislative Update - September 2024

Contents Regulation and Enforcement House panel approves bill to address FMCSA’s commercial enforcement House panel advances bill granting carrier access to driver safety history Regulation and Enforcement FMCSA once again seeks input on plan to revamp online registration FMCSA seeks input by September 26 on its periodic review of guidance documents Truck Leasing Task Force to meet in October and November FMCSA removes two devices from list of...

Regulatory and Legislative Update - November 2022

Regulatory and Legislative Update - November 2022

Contents Regulation and Enforcement DOL proposes to reverse Trump-era rule on worker classification under FLSA FMCSA’s COVID-19 emergency declaration ends FMCSA rejects SBTC exemption related to the language skills requirement School bus group receives CDL testing exemption regarding engine compartments FMCSA renews UPS exemption from certain ELD requirements FMCSA renews ELD exemption for motion picture-related drivers Legislation House bill...

Regulatory and Legislative Update - May 2023

Regulatory and Legislative Update - May 2023

Contents Regulation and Enforcement DOT to allow oral fluids testing for controlled substances FMCSA forms task force on truck leasing FMCSA says states may grant CDLs or CLPs to Mexican citizens under DACA program California mandates zero-emissions vehicles by 2042 Comment periods closing soon on SMS changes, crash preventability program Propane industry denied broad HOS exemption Alaskan ice road school seeks skills test exemption FMCSA renews...

Regulatory and Legislative Update - June 2023

Regulatory and Legislative Update - June 2023

Contents Regulation and Enforcement Labor Department nominee concedes federal ABC test is up to Congress Volpe Center supporting FMCSA in test of wireless inspections CVSA announces Operation Safe Driver Week for July 9-15 Women of Trucking Advisory Board to meet June 29 FMCSA launches anti-human trafficking campaign Brenna Marron to head FMCSA’s government affairs office Legislation House T&I Committee approves package of bills related to...

Regulatory and Legislative Update - August 2023

Regulatory and Legislative Update - August 2023

Contents Regulation and Enforcement FMCSA to revisit state regulation of drivers’ rest breaks Three devices removed from list of registered ELDs FMCSA updates technical guidance on ELDs Brian Stansbury appointed FMCSA’s chief counsel FMCSA rejects driver’s requested exemption from multiple HOS requirements Legislation Senate DOT funding bill would block younger driver program mandates Senate bill would establish a carrier selection standard...

Regulatory and Legislative Update - June 2024

Regulatory and Legislative Update - June 2024

Contents Regulation and Enforcement FMCSA to hold listening sessions on safety fitness procedures FMCSA outlines plan for updating registration process FMCSA to hold public meeting on fees charged for towing and recovery UCR fees to rise in 2025 after two years of decreases FMCSA rejects SBTC petition related to broker role in executing cargo claims Washington high school seeks age relief on commercial permits Company seeks exemption to allow...

WHAT IS HOT SHOT TRUCKING? AKA HOTSHOT TRUCKING

Modern business is all about strict timelines. Whether your field is manufacturing, extraction, retail, or research and development, your operations are bound to rely on activities that operate in tandem. The most minor of supply shortages can throw these activities off, potentially costing you thousands of dollars just for a few hours' delay. Success thus hinges on your ability to right the ship as quickly as possible after a supply shortage arises.

Industries We Serve

Modern day hot shot trucking provides the speed and exclusivity you need to meet the most demanding and time-sensitive shipping requirements. We use every resource, avenue, and channel available to ship your freight by ground or air. Designed specifically to address supply and distribution problems that arise without warning, hotshot trucking tactics involve coordinating a network of carriers in a variety of locations. By calling on the vehicles closest to your supply or distribution points, hotshot brokers can fill any sudden gaps in your supply network almost as soon as they happen. This minimizes the disruption to your business and allows you to quickly return to ordinary operations, weathering the storm without skipping a beat.

Automotive

The automotive supply chain already has significant challenges. Don’t let malfunctioning equipment stop the production line. Step on the gas with HotShotTrucking.com’s suite of services that will get you back in the fast lane. With HotShotTrucking.com, companies are devising shipping strategies to swiftly deliver critical parts and equipment — whether it's ground expedite service with sprinter vans, box trucks and 53-foot tractor trailers or air freight and air cargo.

Learn More About Automotive

Aviation & Aerospace

Every moment a commercial airliner sits on the ground, it costs an airline money. Expedited freight services by HotShotTrucking.com can get you back in the air with prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America. We are equipped with the expertise to navigate the complexities of shipping jet engines and other types of loads, and our network of hot shot drivers has extensive experience transporting aviation assets.

Learn More About Aviation & Aerospace

Construction

One shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project. You need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is HotShotTrucking.com. Whether in the air or on the ground via truck and trailer, we can connect companies to expedited freight services for the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America.

Learn More About Construction

Mining & Metals

From cranes to chemicals to excavators to conveyor belts, HotShotTrucking.com has the experience and industry know-how required for shipping sensitive, oversized, and hazardous equipment. Third-party hot shot trucking and logistics providers such as HotShotTrucking.com specialize in devising and implementing innovative shipping solutions, ensuring mines can swiftly return to operation. We’ll pick up your shipment, deliver it to the airport and receive it at the other end – providing hand-carried service as necessary or required.

Learn More About Mining & Metals

Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money because of the high costs involved. With many manufacturers building to only just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed and expertise of freight services from HotShotTrucking.com can make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain. We do all the logistical legwork to find the optimal solution for your job, whether it's an exclusive air charter or expedited ground shipping.

Learn More About Manufacturing

Telecommunications

From servers to cell towers, information, voice, and data must flow to keep businesses, production, and the public online and connected. When equipment goes dark, depend on HotShotTrucking.com to get your systems flashing green again. This is where the speed and experience of trucking and freight services from HotShotTrucking.com can help. Our hot shot truck network excels at the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America.

Learn More About Telecommunications

Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and logistics partner like HotShotTrucking.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.

Learn More About Oil & Gas
CTA Hero Star Background
CTA Hero Star Background
TOP