Is Hot Shot Car Hauling Worth It?
There are lots of options if you ever need to ship a car, the most common of which is open car transport. With this auto transport service, up to 10 vehicles are transported at the same time. These trucks and trailers are also what you’ll most often see on the highway.
Aside from ten-car carriers, there are two-car, three-car, six-car, and nine-car haulers. Then there’s hotshot car hauling.
What is hot shot car hauling and is it something you should consider when you want to ship your car across the country? In this post, we’ll explain how it works, what makes it different, and whether hotshot car haulers are right for you.
What is hot shot car hauling?
Hotshot car hauling, also known as hotshot trucking, is a service that involves hauling smaller, more time-sensitive LTL loads (less than truckload) within a specific timeframe and usually to a single customer or location.
Deliveries made using hotshot car haulers are usually made using medium-duty trucks that pull flatbed trailers.
Different hot shot hauling truck types
Various types of trucks can be used for hotshot hauling, however, the most common ones are one-ton pickup trucks classified as medium duty by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
These are generally classified as non-commercial vehicles but they can be used for providing hotshot hauling services if the owner has operating authority, a USDOT number of hauling over state lines, liability insurance, and proof that they own a business.
Hot shot trucks can be either Class 3, 4, or 5.
Class 3 medium-duty trucks
This type of truck has a weight limit of 10,001 - 14,000 pounds. The most common types are the GMC Sierra 3500, the Ram 3500, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and the Ford F-350.
Class 4 medium-duty trucks
This type of truck has a weight limit of 14,001 - 16,000 pounds. Common examples are the Ford F-450, the Ram 4500, and the Chevrolet Silverado 4500. They are heavier than Class 3 trucks but still classified as non-commercial.
Class 5 medium-duty trucks
The weight limit for this type of truck is 16,001 - 19,500 pounds. Common models include the Ford F-550, the Chevrolet Silverado 5500, and the Ram 5500. Other models include the International TerraStar, the Peterbilt 325, and the Kenworth T170. However, these are categorized as commercial trucks.
What is a hot shot car hauler?
A hot shot hauler is an expert at delivering small, time-sensitive loads that must be delivered within a specific time frame. Most hotshot haulers are freelance owner-operators who own their vehicles and find jobs on load boards.
Hot shot truckers have experience transporting various load types, including vehicles, and the equipment that allows them to provide a good service.
Hot shot carriers can haul both open and enclosed and have to follow the same laws, rules, and regulations as any other truck. They must be fully licensed and insured to transport different types of cargo and to drive commercial vehicles. The only difference between a hot shot hauling cars and an auto transport company is the size of the truck and how many cars can be moved.
What are the benefits of hot shot car hauling?
Hot shot trucking/car hauling has some advantages over more traditional shipping services. For example:
- Hotshot trucks can access locations that regular ten-car transporters can’t
- Hotshot transporters make pickup and delivery easier for the customer
The major advantage of hot shot transport is that it’s much easier for them to access areas that regular car shipping trucks can’t. For example, neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs can be hard for regular haulers to reach because of the size of the truck and trailer. Tight turns, low-hanging trees, and power lines also make it hard, sometimes even impossible, for them to operate.
Is hot shot hauling worth it?
Whether hot shot trucking car hauling is worth it kind of depends. It is often described as an expedited transport method and there are some occasions when it would suit you well. For example:
- If you need vehicles shipped for a rush job
- If you need to make up for logistics hiccups
- If an auto transport company is short on drivers to deliver vehicles to a location
Whatever the reason, you can rely on hotshot car hauling to get a vehicle to a location as fast as possible.
How much does hot shot car transport cost?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, so it’s almost impossible to give a rough estimate here. The best option if you want to know about the cost is to use our instant quote calculator.
If you think you might need to transport a car sometime in the future, you can rely on SGT Auto Transport to deliver the right option. We offer a range of services for shipping your vehicles and deliver a safe, affordable, reliable, and professional service every time.
Talk to our shipping advisers at (864) 546-5038 or use our Live Chat option.
