Texas Central Texas Waco

Hot Shot Trucking Waco Texas

Waco sits in the heart of Texas, and HotShotTrucking.com provides fast, reliable hot shot trucking services to keep this region’s economy moving. Our expedited freight solutions in Waco, TX cater to urgent shipments for every industry – with dedicated trucks, 24/7 availability, and a nationwide network that ensures your critical freight reaches its destination on time.

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HOT SHOT TRUCKING SERVICES WACO

Waco’s Economy: Growth, Industries, and the Need for Fast Freight

Waco, Texas is often called the “Heart of Texas” due to its central location and vital economic role. The city boasts a diverse economy spanning education, advanced manufacturing, food production, and retail trade.

Major institutions like Baylor University and companies such as Cargill (food processing) and L3Harris (aerospace/defense) have significant operations in Waco, contributing to steady growth and a broad employment base. This economic diversity means Waco serves as an important hub for Central Texas, supporting everything from agriculture and industrial manufacturing to healthcare and higher education.

Highways like I-35 (a key north-south trade artery) and rail connections via Union Pacific and BNSF link Waco to the rest of the state. With industries ranging from food processing to aerospace manufacturing thriving here, the ability to move freight quickly is crucial for keeping factory production lines running, store shelves stocked, and projects on schedule.

In fact, Greater Waco is home to hundreds of warehouses and distribution facilities that take advantage of its prime location. More than 420 distribution centers, totaling nearly 7 million square feet of space, operate in the Waco area, illustrating the city’s role as a regional logistics hub.

This robust infrastructure, combined with Waco’s proximity to about 80% of Texas’s population within 200 miles, means local businesses have come to rely on expedited freight and hot shot trucking services to meet tight deadlines. Whether it’s rushing machine parts to a Waco factory or delivering fresh inventory to a retailer, fast and flexible transportation is a must in Waco’s growing economy.

Waco’s manufacturing sector accounts for 14% of the local economy, a higher share than in Texas or the U.S. overall

Greater Waco has over 420 distribution centers with nearly 7 million square feet of space, underscoring its strength as a logistics hub.

Air cargo capacity is available at three Waco-area airports, enabling local businesses to ship urgent freight quickly when time is critical.

More than 30 aviation and aerospace companies operate in the Waco region, leveraging the city’s robust air transport infrastructure for rapid parts delivery and supply chain support.

Given Waco’s dynamic economy, hot shot trucking and expedited freight services play a pivotal role in keeping local businesses running smoothly. Hot shot trucking refers to accelerated ground delivery of smaller, time-sensitive loads – using dedicated trucks that go directly from origin to destination with no unnecessary stops. In Waco, this means if a manufacturer suddenly needs a critical component or a contractor urgently requires materials at a job site, a hot shot truck can be dispatched immediately to deliver the shipment within hours rather than days.

Waco’s geography and industry mix make expedited trucking especially valuable. The region encompasses bustling urban centers and industrial parks in the city, mid-sized neighboring cities like Temple and Killeen, as well as rural areas dotted with farms and energy facilities. This diversity of shippers – from factories and warehouses to farms and medical centers – often faces scenarios where waiting on standard freight schedules isn’t an option. Hot shot trucking provides a solution by dispatching a dedicated vehicle on-demand, without having to wait to consolidate loads or adhere to a preset route. It’s faster than traditional less-than-truckload shipping and more flexible than overnight couriers.

Hot Shot Trucking Services in Waco

Same-Day and Next-Day Services in Waco

Rush Trucking Service in Waco

Waco Expedited Freight

Air Freight and Air Charter Services

Why Choose HotShotTrucking.com for Expedited Freight?

KEY BENEFITS

NATIONWIDE NETWORK

SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT

DEDICATED EXPERTISE

REAL-TIME TRACKING

We back every shipment with a nationwide network of vetted carriers, giving Waco shippers unparalleled reach and responsiveness.

No matter if you need to send a part across Texas or across the country, we have trucks and drivers positioned and ready to move. Our expansive carrier network means we can dispatch a vehicle within minutes of your request, with capacity secured on the spot. HotShotTrucking.com operates on a 24/7 basis – there’s always a logistics expert on call to answer your request and mobilize the nearest available truck.

We utilize proactive route planning and real-time communication tools to avoid delays en route, so your freight stays on track even if traffic, weather, or other challenges arise. With resources nationwide, we eliminate downtime and ensure that your critical shipments get moving immediately and arrive right on schedule, every time.

EXPLORE OUR COVERAGE

hst-coverage-Aug-19-2025-12-52-46-8636-PM

275,000

Metro Population

The Waco metropolitan area is home to approximately 273,000 people, providing a strong workforce and consumer base in the Heart of Texas.

Over 420

Distribution Centers

Greater Waco hosts more than 420 distribution centers (nearly 7 million square feet of space), underscoring its prominence as a supply chain and distribution hub in Central Texas.

2+ Million

Visitors

Since 2015, Waco has attracted over two million visitors annually – thanks in large part to Magnolia Market and other attractions – which has boosted the local hospitality and retail sectors.

HotShotTrucking.com – Your Hot Shot Trucking Partner in Waco, TX

HotShotTrucking.com is proud to support the Waco business community with reliable, round-the-clock expedited freight solutions. We understand the unique needs of Waco’s diverse industries and have tailored our services to keep your supply chain running smoothly. Operating out of our Central Texas dispatch center, we coordinate hot shot trucking in and out of Waco with unparalleled speed and professionalism. Our team has experience handling shipments for all of Waco’s key sectors – from rushing aerospace components to local defense contractors, to delivering temperature-controlled food products for area manufacturers, to resupplying retail distribution centers on short notice. We know that each delivery is mission-critical for your business, and we treat it with the urgency and care it deserves.

With HotShotTrucking.com, Waco companies gain access to an extensive fleet and coverage network. We have vehicles positioned across Texas (and nationwide), which means we can typically have a truck at your Waco facility within mere hours. In fact, our coverage is so thorough that we usually have a vehicle no more than 2 hours away from virtually any pickup point – even in outlying rural areas. Once we receive your order, we immediately assign the best-suited truck and driver team to handle it, eliminating any delay.

Whether you need a local Waco delivery or an urgent haul across state lines, our drivers are ready to go at a moment’s notice. We also ensure that each shipment is assigned a dedicated truck that carries your freight exclusively, so there are no detours or multi-stop milk runs that could slow down the transit. The vehicle goes straight from your origin to the destination, focusing only on your load and your deadline.

Construction

A healthy construction industry in Waco – from commercial development downtown to infrastructure projects on I-35 – means contractors often face tight project timelines. Builders use air freight to bring in urgent construction materials or specialized parts when local supplies run short. If a piece of heavy equipment breaks and a replacement part is needed immediately, an overnight air shipment can prevent delays on multimillion-dollar projects.

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Retail

Waco’s retail and e-commerce sector, supported by numerous distribution centers, depends on fast replenishment of inventory. Big-box stores, regional warehouses, and even small businesses leverage air freight to meet surges in customer demand. For instance, a Waco retailer might use next-flight-out services to stock high-demand electronics during a holiday rush.

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Aerospace & Defense

Waco has a notable aerospace and defense presence – including L3Harris Technologies and around 30 aviation-related companies. These firms utilize air charter services extensively. When an aerospace manufacturer in Waco needs a specialized component or avionic part immediately to complete an aircraft overhaul, they often charter a plane or use expedited air cargo to get it within hours.

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Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry in Waco is broad – spanning food products, automotive components, industrial machinery, and more – and it often runs on just-in-time schedules. Manufacturers use air freight to receive critical raw materials or machine parts that are not available locally. For example, if a Waco factory is running low on a specific electronic component, they can have it flown in overnight from a supplier in California to avoid halting production.

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Technology

While Waco’s tech sector is emerging, local tech companies and data centers still have time-sensitive shipping needs. Whether it’s a hardware startup at Baylor University needing to send prototype devices to a partner, or a data center waiting on urgent server components, air freight plays a role.

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Renewables & Environment

The renewables sector in the Waco area – including solar energy projects and environmental engineering services – is growing. Solar farm developers or environmental tech companies sometimes need quick delivery of specialized equipment. For instance, if a solar project near Waco requires replacement inverters or panels urgently to meet a commissioning deadline, those components might be flown in via charter aircraft.

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Hospitality

Waco’s hospitality industry has expanded thanks to tourism and Baylor University events. Hotels, convention centers, and catering companies occasionally use air freight for last-minute needs. Imagine a large conference in Waco where promotional materials or specialty food ingredients were forgotten – the organizers can ship those overnight by air so the event goes off without a hitch.

ACT

Waco Regional Airport (ACT)

Waco Regional Airport Official Site – Waco Regional is the city’s primary commercial airport, located just 5 miles northwest of downtown. It spans 1,300 acres and features two runways (the main runway is 7,107 feet).

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Texas Aero

Waco Regional Airport (ACT)

Texas Aero is the full-service fixed-base operator at Waco Regional Airport, renowned for its top-notch service to private and charter aviation. As the airport’s primary FBO, Texas Aero provides fuel (100LL avgas and Jet-A jet fuel), aircraft parking and hangars, maintenance support, and passenger amenities.

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Work with a Dedicated Single Point of Contact in Waco

One of the hallmarks of HotShotTrucking.com’s service in Waco is our single point of contact model for clients. We believe that clear, consistent communication is essential for successful expedited shipping. That’s why when you start working with us, we assign you a dedicated logistics coordinator who will handle all aspects of your shipment. This means from the moment you request a quote or place an order, through pickup, transit, and final delivery, you deal with the same person.

There’s no need to navigate through call center queues or explain your situation multiple times – your personal expediter is already fully briefed on your needs and is directly overseeing your freight. Waco customers can quickly reach their representative by phone or email at any time, day or night, for assistance.

Hi, I'm Steve

Reach out today and let's solve your urgent shipping needs. I or a member of the team will be with you from start to finish.

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Wherever You Need Us, You'll Find Us

We're proud to serve customers across the United States with custom shipping solutions designed to meet urgent needs. Browse by state to view services in your area.

AREAS WE SERVICE

SPRINTER VAN

HotShotTrucking.com's network of expedited Sprinter vans have the capacity to meet your local, regional, or long-distance ground shipping needs. Measuring 8-12’ x 52” x 70", our carefully-selected vans have the capacity to carry loads up to 3,000 lbs.

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#1

Shipping, trucking, & logistics company

5/5

From 1,140+ verified reviews

50000

Traceable delivery vehicles

24/7

Support and tracking information, 365 days a year

BOX TRUCK

We pride ourselves in working with trusted partners that offer carefully-vetted box trucks, from lift-gate service to varying sizes that accommodate smaller loads. Box trucks, or small straight trucks, measure 12-16’ x 94” x 70” and have the capacity to carry up to 5,000 pounds.

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#1

Shipping, trucking, & logistics company

5/5

From 1,140+ verified reviews

50000

Traceable delivery vehicles

24/7

Support and tracking information, 365 days a year

STRAIGHT TRUCK

Measuring 22-26’ x 96” x 96”, straight trucks can carry loads up to 9,000 pounds. Large straight truck services offer focused logistics, professional drivers, and deeply-experienced expeditors to get your delivery where it needs to go.

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#1

Shipping, trucking, & logistics company

5/5

From 1,140+ verified reviews

50000

Traceable delivery vehicles

24/7

Support and tracking information, 365 days a year

HOT SHOT TRUCK

We'll happily arrange for your freight to be transported via hot shot trucking services. We've proudly partnered with hot shot trucking providers across North America to give you access to carefully-vetted ground delivery vehicles for your time-critical freight.

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#1

Shipping, trucking, & logistics company

5/5

From 1,140+ verified reviews

50000

Traceable delivery vehicles

24/7

Support and tracking information, 365 days a year

53' DRY VAN

Our premium network of 53-ft dry vans can carry loads up to 42,000 pounds. Measuring 53’ x 99” x 102”, these carefully-vetted vehicles will ensure your time-sensitive freight arrives at its destination safely.

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#1

Shipping, trucking, & logistics company

5/5

From 1,140+ verified reviews

50000

Traceable delivery vehicles

24/7

Support and tracking information, 365 days a year

FULL FLATBED

HotShotTrucking.com's network of full flat bed vehicles can accommodate wide or mega-size loads, such as specialized equipment machinery of all weights and sizes. Measuring 48-53’ x 102” x 102”, full flat bed vehicles can carry freight of up to 48,000 pounds.

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#1

Shipping, trucking, & logistics company

5/5

From 1,140+ verified reviews

50000

Traceable delivery vehicles

24/7

Support and tracking information, 365 days a year

What is hot shot trucking?

Hot shot trucking is a type of expedited freight service that moves smaller, time-critical shipments using light- or medium-duty trucks and flatbed trailers. In most cases, a hot shot driver—often an independent owner-operator—uses a heavy-duty one-ton pickup paired with a trailer to deliver urgent freight directly to its destination. These dedicated runs typically serve a single customer and are designed for fast turnaround, often same-day or overnight for regional hauls. As a niche within the trucking industry, hot shot trucking specializes in on-demand less-than-truckload (LTL) freight that requires immediate transport. It’s also known as hot shot delivery or hot shot logistics, emphasizing its role in providing quick, dedicated trucking solutions for urgent shipments.

What is GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)?

GCWR is the maximum allowable total weight of a truck and its attached trailer, including cargo, fuel, passengers—everything. For hot shots, this number is crucial in determining if you need a CDL or not. For example, if your pickup truck and loaded trailer together have a GCWR over 26,000 lbs, you’re in CDL territory.

What is GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)?

GVWR refers to the maximum weight a single vehicle can safely weigh when loaded. Your pickup might have a GVWR (it’s on a door sticker) like 14,000 lbs – which includes the truck itself plus fuel, people, cargo. Trailers also have a GVWR. If a trailer’s GVWR is over 10,000 lbs, it affects CDL requirements even if GCWR is under 26k. Essentially, GVWR is the manufacturer’s weight limit for the vehicle.

What are hot shot loads?

Hot shot loads are the shipments transported by hot shot truckers, typically smaller, time-sensitive freight that doesn’t require a full-size trailer and must be delivered quickly. They can include almost anything—such as pallets of industrial components, a single piece of machinery, construction materials, oilfield equipment, agricultural parts, or plumbing and HVAC supplies—so long as it can fit on a medium-duty truck or trailer. While most hot shot loads fall under less-than-truckload (LTL), they differ from standard LTL in that they are usually hauled directly from pickup to delivery without being consolidated with other freight, ensuring speed and dedicated service.

Is hot shot trucking the same as expedited freight?

Hot shot trucking is closely related to expedited freight—in fact, a hot shot delivery is one type of expedited shipment. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences. Expedited freight is a broad category covering any shipment moved faster than standard transit times. If a load is prioritized and rushed, it’s expedited—regardless of the mode. This could involve a guaranteed LTL service, a team of semi-truck drivers running nonstop, a cargo van courier, or even air freight. The defining factor is speed. Hot shot trucking, on the other hand, typically refers to expedited ground transport using a pickup-and-trailer or medium-duty truck setup. It’s most often associated with smaller, dedicated loads serving regional or specialized markets. In short, hot shot trucking is a niche within the broader expedited freight world, focusing on urgent shipments that are best handled by smaller, more agile trucks.

Which industries use hot shot trucking services?

Hot shot trucking first emerged in the oil and gas industry, where companies needed a way to rush critical equipment and replacement parts to remote drilling sites to avoid costly downtime. While energy producers still rely heavily on these services, hot shot trucking has expanded into many other sectors. Construction companies use it to deliver building materials, tools, or machinery parts directly to job sites when deadlines can’t wait. Manufacturing and industrial plants depend on hot shots to ship urgent replacement parts or specialized tools that keep production lines running. In agriculture, farmers and equipment suppliers turn to hot shot drivers for time-sensitive deliveries of machinery or repair parts during planting and harvest seasons. Even industries such as automotive, utilities and infrastructure, and emergency response count on hot shot services to provide dedicated, fast transport for smaller, high-priority loads. In short, any business facing a critical-time shipment—where traditional freight schedules aren’t fast enough—can benefit from hot shot trucking to reduce downtime and keep operations on track.

What is UCR (Unified Carrier Registration)?

UCR is an annual registration program that interstate trucking operators (including hot shot carriers) must pay into. It’s a federal mandate administered by states. If you get your own authority, you’ll file UCR each year, paying a fee based on your fleet size. It’s basically a way to fund transportation enforcement – even brokers and freight forwarders register under UCR. (If you’re leased under someone, you typically fall under their UCR.)

What are short-haul exemptions?

This refers to a provision in Hours of Service rules that frees certain local drivers from having to use logs/ELDs, provided they meet specific criteria. For CDL drivers, it’s typically the 150 air-mile short-haul exception – if you stay within a 150 air-mile radius of your work reporting location and finish your duty within 14 hours (returning to the starting location each day), you don’t need to carry logs for those days (your company just keeps a timesheet). For non-CDL drivers, a 150 air-mile radius and 14-hour duty day also applies. Essentially, short-haul drivers can use a timecard system. Many hot shot truckers running local or intrastate runs benefit from this. But the moment you go beyond the radius or extend past the 14 hours, you must use an ELD and log that day.

What is POD (Proof of Delivery)?

POD is documentation that cargo was delivered. In practice, it’s usually a signed Bill of Lading or delivery receipt that the consignee signs (could be on paper or electronic). The POD has details like date, time, location of delivery, and who received it. It’s the confirmation hot shot drivers need to get paid, and it closes the loop for the shipper that the urgent shipment made it. In hot shot scenarios, PODs are often emailed or uploaded immediately after drop-off due to the high-touch service.

What kind of truck do I need for hot shot trucking?

The primary workhorse for hot shot trucking is a heavy-duty pickup truck, most often a one-ton dually with dual rear wheels for added stability and towing strength. Popular models include the Ford F-350/F-450, RAM 3500/4500, and Chevy/GMC 3500HD series. These trucks generally fall into the Class 3 to Class 5 medium-duty category, with GVWRs ranging from about 10,000 to 19,500 pounds. A Class 3 one-ton dually is especially favored for its balance of towing capacity (often 15,000+ lbs), broad availability, and maneuverability—making it ideal for pulling a variety of hot shot trailers on tight deadlines.

Hot Shot Trucking Waco Texas

Waco’s Economy: Growth, Industries, and the Need for Fast Freight

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Waco’s manufacturing sector accounts for 14% of the local economy, a higher share than in Texas or the U.S. overall

Greater Waco has over 420 distribution centers with nearly 7 million square feet of space, underscoring its strength as a logistics hub.

Air cargo capacity is available at three Waco-area airports, enabling local businesses to ship urgent freight quickly when time is critical.

More than 30 aviation and aerospace companies operate in the Waco region, leveraging the city’s robust air transport infrastructure for rapid parts delivery and supply chain support.

Expedited Hot Shot Trucking Services in Waco

Why Choose HotShotTrucking.com for Expedited Freight?

KEY BENEFITS

We back every shipment with a nationwide network of vetted carriers, giving Waco shippers unparalleled reach and responsiveness.

With HotShotTrucking.com, you won’t be passed around a call center or left in the dark about your shipment.

When you ship with HotShotTrucking.com, you’re supported by experienced expedited freight experts who manage every mile of the journey.

Stay informed about your freight’s journey with our advanced real-time tracking technology.

Waco By the Numbers

Metro Population

Distribution Centers

Visitors

HotShotTrucking.com – Your Hot Shot Trucking Partner in Waco, TX

Top Industries in Waco

Construction

Retail

Aerospace & Defense

Manufacturing

Technology

Renewables & Environment

Hospitality

Waco Regional Airport (ACT)

ACT

Texas Aero

Work with a Dedicated Single Point of Contact in Waco

Wherever You Need Us, You'll Find Us

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