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Hot Shot Trucking Tyler Texas

Businesses in Tyler, Texas, count on fast, reliable hot shot trucking to keep operations running smoothly. HotShotTrucking.com supports Tyler’s thriving economy with expert expedited freight solutions – offering same day delivery, next day trucking, overnight shipping, and dedicated transportation services. We connect this East Texas hub to destinations nationwide with speed and precision.

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HOT SHOT TRUCKING SERVICES TYLER

Tyler’s Growing Economy Demands Speedy Logistics

Tyler – known as the “Rose Capital of America” – boasts a diversified economy that blends agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city’s legacy in rose cultivation is world-famous; local growers process and ship millions of roses across the country annually. Beyond flowers, Tyler is home to major employers in manufacturing (from HVAC systems to petroleum refining) and serves as a regional retail and distribution hub.

Companies like Brookshire Grocery Company base their operations here, and a Target distribution center employs around 1,000 workers to supply stores across East Texas. With a population over 100,000 and a metro area of nearly 240,000, Tyler is the largest city in Northeast Texas – a center of commerce, education, and medical services for the region. As such, businesses in Tyler rely heavily on efficient ground transportation and logistics services to keep shelves stocked, factories running, and customers happy.

Situated just 2 hours east of Dallas and near the crossroads of Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 69, Tyler offers a strategic location where trucking routes can reach far and wide. In fact, a one-day truck haul from Tyler can span from Memphis to Mexico, underscoring the city’s importance as a freight conduit. In this bustling environment, expedited freight and hot shot trucking services have become vital for meeting tight production schedules and same-day demands.

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Add your shipment details below, and one of our professional expeditors will contact you within minutes. For immediate assistance on an urgent quote, call (817) 962-2626 with these details handy.

economy

Tyler’s economy remains robust in 2025, built on key sectors such as manufacturing, retail, oil & gas, education, and healthcare.

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Two major hospital systems in Tyler each employ over 4,000 people, reflecting the vital importance of healthcare in the local economy.

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Tyler Pounds Regional Airport offers facilities for air freight, cargo handling, and charter services, connecting local businesses to national and global markets.

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The airport is expanding with new hangars and distribution facilities, aiming to attract cargo operations and boost Tyler’s role in regional supply chains.

Expedited Trucking and Ground Transportation for Tyler Businesses

KEY BENEFITS

NATIONWIDE NETWORK
SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT
DEDICATED EXPERTISE
REAL-TIME TRACKING

Urgent freight needs demand speed and reliability above all.

HotShotTrucking.com delivers both by leveraging a nationwide network of vetted carriers and drivers ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice. Whether you need a rush shipment sent from Tyler to Houston, or from East Texas to the East Coast, we have trucks (and even planes) positioned to make it happen without delay. No downtime, no excuses – our operations team is on call 24/7/365, so there’s always a logistics expert available to respond to emergency requests or last-minute schedule changes.

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By the Numbers

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109,000+

Population

Tyler’s population is approximately 109,000 (as of 2022), reflecting steady growth and a solid workforce base in this East Texas city.

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Top 100

Best Places to Live (2025)

Tyler made Livability.com’s Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2025, underscoring its high quality of life and “Rose Capital” charm.

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~50,000

Annual Air Passengers

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport saw nearly 50,000 passenger enplanements in 2023, illustrating robust usage of local air travel infrastructure that also supports regional air freight needs.

Your Trusted Hot Shot Trucking Partner in Tyler, TX

When it comes to expedited freight in Tyler, HotShotTrucking.com stands out as a trusted partner uniquely equipped to handle the region’s urgent shipping challenges. We understand the pace of business in Tyler – a single delay in obtaining a part or shipping a product can ripple across production lines, construction schedules, or retail inventories. That’s why our entire operation is built around speed, dependability, and tailored solutions for local industries. We’ve invested in a robust fleet and network: thousands of vehicles including cargo vans, 53-foot dry vans, flatbed trucks, and specialized hot shot rigs are at our disposal across Texas and beyond. This means whether you’re moving a single pallet or an oversize industrial component, we have the capacity ready to deploy. Every shipment we handle in Tyler is treated as mission-critical – our expediters plan the route meticulously, accounting for traffic patterns on I-20 or any weather events that could affect transit, so that nothing stands in the way of your deadline.

HotShotTrucking.com also brings a wealth of experience in serving Tyler’s key industries. With tailored solutions for manufacturers, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and energy companies, we’re familiar with the specific requirements each sector demands. For example, our team knows how to arrange temperature-controlled transport for delicate medical supplies or floral products, just as well as we know how to secure permits and escorts for heavy oilfield equipment moving out of a Tyler facility. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all shipping; instead, we customize our approach to match the nuances of each load and industry. Tyler’s medical community, including two major hospital systems, trusts us for expedited delivery of everything from surgical instruments to emergency generator parts. Local factories lean on us to keep their supply chain running smoothly, requesting our trucks by name when an unexpected need arises. By consistently performing in these high-stakes scenarios, HotShotTrucking.com has earned a reputation for reliability and white-glove service among Tyler’s business community.

Top Industries in Tyler

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Oil & Gas

Tyler lies near the rich East Texas Oil Field, and the oil and gas industry remains a significant part of the local economy. Energy companies often turn to air freight and charter services to keep their operations running smoothly. For example, if a drilling rig outside Tyler needs a critical piece of equipment or a replacement part, an air charter can fly it in within hours – far faster than ground transport.

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Construction

A growing Tyler means a busy construction industry, with ongoing projects like downtown revitalization and new facilities boosting demand. Construction firms in the area sometimes rely on air freight for time-sensitive deliveries when schedules are tight. If a crucial piece of heavy equipment breaks down at a job site or a specialized building material is unavailable locally, an air shipment can provide a swift solution. 

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retail

Retail

Retail is a cornerstone of Tyler’s economy – the city is a regional shopping hub and even headquarters companies like Brookshire Grocery and Cavender’s Boot City. Retailers and distributors in Tyler use air freight to keep inventory flowing and customers happy. Stores may need to restock popular products quickly if shelves run empty, especially during peak seasons or promotions. AirFreight.com can arrange same day or overnight air cargo shipments to rush high-demand goods from distribution centers to Tyler.

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Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a major sector in Tyler, encompassing everything from HVAC equipment to food products. Local factories often operate on tight schedules and just-in-time supply chains, making air freight an important tool. A production line can’t afford to sit idle waiting for a critical component coming by truck from another state. Instead, manufacturers partner with AirFreight.com to fly in parts or raw materials at a moment’s notice.

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Technology

Tyler is cultivating a growing technology and telecommunications sector, supported by initiatives like the Tyler Business and Technology Park and major employers in IT and communications. Companies in this space often depend on air shipping for high-value electronics and time-sensitive hardware. Whether it’s a telecom provider receiving network equipment or a local tech firm sending out server parts for repair, air freight offers the fastest transit.

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hospitality

Hospitality

With its renowned Rose Garden, annual Texas Rose Festival, and a new conference center drawing visitors, Tyler has a vibrant hospitality and tourism industry. Hotels, event venues, and restaurants typically rely on regular logistics, but when there’s a special event or an urgent need, air freight becomes invaluable. For example, a resort hosting a large conference in Tyler might use air charter services to bring in last-minute audio-visual equipment or decor that wasn’t available locally. 

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR)

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TYR

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport

City-owned field ~5 mi west of downtown; two paved runways (longest 8,334 ft) support limited commercial service and a busy GA community.

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Jet Center of Tyler

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport

Full-service Shell-branded FBO with fuel, hangars, crew lounge and courtesy cars—markets itself as the “gateway to East Texas.”

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Work with a Dedicated Single Point of Contact in Tyler

At HotShotTrucking.com, effective communication is just as important as fast transportation. To make our process as seamless as possible for Tyler clients, we’ve established a Dedicated Single Point of Contact (SPOC) model for every shipment. This means from the moment you initiate an order until your freight is delivered, you interact with the same expedition specialist. No bouncing between departments or repeating your situation to multiple people – your dedicated contact already knows your needs and is empowered to act on them.

This streamlined approach saves valuable time and eliminates the frustrations of traditional call centers. When you call us for a hot shot load out of Tyler, you’ll quickly reach the logistics coordinator handling your delivery, rather than a random operator. They will immediately start arranging the truck or flight, provide you with updates, and answer any questions along the way.

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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

Alabama

(205) 453-1955

Alabama Alabama

Centered around Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile, Alabama is known for aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing. Its competitive business climate and skilled workforce support efficient operations and long-term investment.

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Alaska Alaska

Alaska’s location supports time-sensitive shipments for oil, fishing, and remote resource development. We offer custom shipping and delivery access through Anchorage, Fairbanks, and coastal hubs.

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Arizona

(623) 252-0101

Arizona Arizona

Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa anchor Arizona’s expanding economy, with strengths in technology, aerospace, and clean energy. A business-friendly environment and consistent population growth attract a range of enterprises.

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Arkansas

(314) 269-1222

Arkansas Arkansas

Little Rock and Fayetteville support Arkansas’s economy, known for its concentration in retail, agriculture, and transportation. The state’s central location and affordable business costs appeal to companies serving national markets.

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California

(323) 648-3500

California California

Explore time-critical shipping coverage across Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and the Central Valley. California leads the nation in technology, entertainment, agriculture, and global trade connections.

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Colorado

(720) 262-8998

Colorado Colorado

Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs contribute to Colorado’s strengths in aerospace, software development, and outdoor recreation. A well-educated population and strong quality of life continue to draw new businesses.

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Connecticut

(203) 936-6655

Connecticut Connecticut

Explore reliable delivery services for finance, insurance, and biotech sectors in Hartford, Stamford, and New Haven. Connecticut’s position between New York and Boston provides direct access to Northeast economic hubs.

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Delaware

(302) 504-6044

Delaware Delaware

Wilmington leads Delaware’s activity in finance, pharmaceuticals, and corporate services. Its streamlined incorporation process and favorable legal framework attract many national and international businesses.

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District of Columbia

(202) 644-8833

dc state icon District of Columbia

Located in the heart of the nation's capital, our Washington, D.C. hub specializes in urgent and highly sensitive shipments. We provide rapid delivery for government contractors and professional services firms, ensuring your cargo arrives securely and on time in this critical market.

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Florida

(786) 231-6700

Florida Florida

Florida’s major metros, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, support thriving sectors like tourism, aerospace, and international trade. The state’s coastal access and tax-friendly policies are major draws for businesses of all sizes.

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Georgia

(678) 288-5005

Georgia Georgia

With Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta as key centers, Georgia is recognized for its contributions to film, manufacturing, and transportation. A well-connected infrastructure and growing tech scene make it a strong option for expansion.

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Hawai Hawaii

Honolulu anchors Hawaii’s economy, which includes tourism, defense, and sustainable agriculture. Its location in the Pacific enables unique access to Asian markets and renewable energy development.

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Idaho Idaho

Boise, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls are central to Idaho’s growing sectors in agriculture, food processing, and tech. A low cost of living and supportive business policies encourage entrepreneurship and relocation.

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Illinois

(773) 966-2800

Illinois Illinois

Statewide shipping access, from Chicago to Springfield, supports manufacturing, agriculture, and related operations. Illinois offers a large talent base and strong connections to both national and global markets.

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Indiana

(317) 800-7222

Indiana Indiana

Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville contribute to Indiana’s manufacturing, life sciences, and agriculture industries. A central U.S. location and stable regulatory environment support long-term business growth.

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Iowa Iowa

Explore reliable shipping and delivery services in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport for agricultural products, insurance documents, and machinery. Iowa combines rural productivity with strong financial and tech sectors.

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Kansas Kansas

Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka anchor Kansas’s industries in aviation, bioscience, and renewable energy. Low operational costs and a central geographic position benefit businesses with national reach.

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Kentucky

(502) 230-4444

Kentucky Kentucky

Learn about custom delivery support for bourbon, healthcare products, and auto parts in Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green. Kentucky’s distribution networks and manufacturing legacy make it ideal for time-sensitive shipping.

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Louisiana

(504) 613-6666

Louisiana Louisiana

New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport shape Louisiana’s focus on energy, shipping, and chemical production. Its access to the Gulf of Mexico and established port infrastructure offer critical trade advantages.

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Maine Maine

Serving Portland, Bangor, and Augusta, we offer delivery options for marine products, healthcare, and specialty goods. Maine offers natural access to Canadian and Atlantic markets along with a strong quality-of-life appeal.

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Maryland

(800) 604-2511

Maryland Maryland

Baltimore, Bethesda, and Frederick contribute to Maryland’s strengths in cybersecurity, biotech, and defense. Its proximity to federal agencies and top research institutions supports innovation and investment.

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Massachusetts

(617) 934-7800

Massachusetts Massachusetts

Supporting urgent deliveries in Boston, Cambridge, and Worcester, we ship pharmaceuticals, higher education, and R&D-driven goods. Massachusetts offers access to top-tier universities and leading-edge innovation hubs.

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Michigan

(313) 887-0577

Michigan Michigan

Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor form the backbone of Michigan’s automotive, mobility, and manufacturing sectors. A deep talent pool and commitment to innovation attract investment in advanced industries.

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Minnesota

(763) 273-5444

Minnesota Minnesota

Explore custom delivery services for medical devices, retail, and food manufacturing across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester. Minnesota combines innovation with a strong corporate presence and a skilled labor force.

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Mississippi

(769) 553-4413

Mississippi Mississippi

Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg support industries like shipbuilding, agriculture, and manufacturing. Mississippi offers affordable business conditions and strategic access to southern U.S. markets.

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Missouri

(314) 269-1222

Missouri Missouri

Learn about shipping support across St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield for food processing, healthcare products, and life sciences. Missouri’s location and infrastructure support regional delivery and national service coverage.

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Montana

(800) 604-2511

Montana Montana

Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman are central to Montana’s economy, which includes energy, agriculture, and tourism. The state offers wide open space, natural resources, and room for innovative rural development.

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Nebraska

(402) 909-0200

Nebraska Nebraska

Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island support Nebraska’s activity in finance, agriculture, and manufacturing. Its central location and skilled labor force provide dependable conditions for growth.

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Nevada Nevada

Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson shape Nevada’s economy in hospitality, mining, and clean energy. The state’s tax structure and rapid population growth contribute to ongoing economic momentum.

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New Hampshire

(603) 782-0333

New Hampshire New Hampshire

Manchester, Nashua, and Concord are economic hubs in New Hampshire, supporting healthcare, manufacturing, and tech. The state combines access to Boston markets with a lower tax burden.

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New Jersey

(862) 236-3116

New Jersey New Jersey

Newark, Jersey City, and Princeton support New Jersey’s diverse economy in pharmaceuticals, finance, and logistics. Its proximity to major East Coast metros and deep talent base attract both startups and global firms.

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New Mexico

(505) 886-0622

New Mexico New Mexico

New Mexico’s key cities, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, help drive energy, aerospace, and scientific research. The state’s open land and national labs support innovation in advanced industries.

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New York

(347) 514-9999

New York New York

New York City, Buffalo, and Albany shape a broad economy in finance, media, and health sciences. With access to global markets and deep institutional resources, New York is a leader in commerce and innovation.

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North Carolina

(919) 800-0339

North Carolina North Carolina

Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham contribute to North Carolina’s leadership in banking, biotech, and manufacturing. A growing talent pool and strong research universities attract long-term investment.

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North Dakota

(701) 212-1922

North Dakota North Dakota

North Dakota’s energy, agriculture, and technology sectors are supported by the state's metro areas, including Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. Low unemployment and stable growth create a welcoming climate for business development.

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Ohio Ohio

Covering major cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati with tailored shipping solutions and reliable delivery networks. Ohio offers central access to the Midwest with leading industries in healthcare, manufacturing, and finance.

Oklahoma

(405) 445-7505

Oklahoma Oklahoma

Providing custom shipping options throughout Portland, Eugene, and Salem, we deliver advanced tech and sustainable goods. Oregon's economy thrives on innovation in technology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

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Oregon

Oregon

With Portland at the forefront, Oregon has built a reputation for innovation in green energy, advanced manufacturing, and software. Its commitment to sustainability and quality of life draws both startups and global brands.

Pennsylvania

(215) 989-4444

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

Supporting urgent deliveries and time-critical shipments includes cities such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg. Pennsylvania connects East Coast markets with strengths in education, healthcare, and industrial manufacturing.

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Rhode Island

(800) 604-2511

Rhode Island Rhode Island

Fast, flexible shipping supports marine products, healthcare, and design goods in Providence, Warwick, and Newport. Rhode Island’s coastal access and dense regional network support creative and technical industries.

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South Carolina

(803) 403-9055

South Carolina South Carolina

Custom shipping and delivery supports auto parts, aerospace components, and industrial goods in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. The state is known for its growing role in advanced manufacturing and exports.

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South Dakota

(701) 212-1922

South Dakota South Dakota

Reliable delivery services operate in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and beyond for agriculture, finance, and light manufacturing. South Dakota attracts business with no corporate income tax and a stable economic environment.

Tennessee

(615) 970-7100

Tennessee Tennessee

Time-critical shipping solutions serve Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville for healthcare, automotive, and music-related goods. Tennessee offers access to key Southern markets with strong infrastructure and workforce programs.

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Texas Texas

Custom shipping solutions for construction, manufacturing, oil & gas, and more support major cities, including Dallas and Austin. Enjoy Texas’ business-friendly climate, no state income tax, and prime location.

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Utah Utah

Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden handle urgent shipments for the tech, finance, and recreation industries. Utah combines rapid economic growth with a skilled, youthful workforce and a strong startup culture.

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Vermont

(800) 604-2511

Vermont Vermont

Burlington and the surrounding areas support efficient delivery services for specialty foods, renewable energy systems, and small-scale manufacturing. Vermont promotes sustainability, community-based business, and green innovation.

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Virginia

(804) 886-3100

Virginia Virginia

Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Arlington offer streamlined shipping and delivery access for defense, cybersecurity, and maritime goods. Virginia’s proximity to D.C. and educated workforce support both public and private sector growth.

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Washington

(206) 673-2900

Washington Washington

Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane provide fast delivery and custom shipping for aerospace parts, tech products, and agricultural exports. Washington combines West Coast market access with a deep culture of innovation.

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West Virginia

(804) 886-3100

West Virginia West Virginia

Charleston, Morgantown, and Huntington offer shipping options for energy, chemical, and forestry-related goods. West Virginia’s natural resources and infrastructure investments support long-term business activity.

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Wisconsin

(414) 973-8000

Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay offer statewide shipping solutions for dairy, heavy equipment, and medical products. Wisconsin is known for its industrial strength and commitment to workforce development.

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Wyoming

(800) 604-2511

Wyoming Wyoming

Cheyenne, Casper, and surrounding regions provide custom shipping support for energy and natural resource projects. Wyoming offers tax advantages and wide-open space for growing operations in mining, ranching, and energy.

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The Right Capacity Is Key to Every Urgent Shipment

Your urgent shipment will be the only freight in the sprinter van, box truck, straight truck, hot shot truck, 53’ dry van, or full flatbed to minimize damage and ensure the shipment goes direct from pickup to delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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