Whether you need to transport your vehicle across town or across the country, hot shot car transport companies provide a convenient solution. Hot shot auto transport refers to time-sensitive, on-demand transportation services that haul vehicles quickly using open or enclosed trailers hitched to pickup trucks.
We will provide an overview of hot shot car hauling, exploring how the process works, what types of vehicles can be transported through hot shot auto transport services, and what factors determine the cost of hot shot car transport.
What’s a Hot Shot Auto Transport Service?
A hot shot auto transport service, also called hot shot car hauling, is a specialized auto transport company that moves vehicles faster and more time-sensitive than traditional auto transport firms.
The name “hotshot” refers to the speed and flexibility that these transporters provide. Moving individual or small groups of vehicles over relatively short distances, often within a day or two, hotshot auto carriers aim to get the job done quickly.
Hotshot transport services handle more urgent transport projects. This could mean relocating a vehicle for someone who just accepted a new job across state lines and needs their car immediately. Hot could also mean moving collector cars to shows, auctions, or specialty events within tight deadlines.
So, what makes hot shot auto transport different from traditional car transport? There are a few key factors:
- Speed - Hotshot carriers specialize in fast turnarounds, often promising door-to-door service within 1-3 days on average. Traditional transport can take 1-2 weeks.
- Flexibility - Hotshot transporters are equipped to handle last-minute, urgent transport requests with quick response times. Traditional carriers require more lead time.
- Scale - Rather than hauling multiple vehicles on a bigger open/enclosed car hauler, hotshot transport is typically conducted with both enclosed and open car haulers that can handle 1-3 vehicles at a time.
- Customization - Hotshot carriers can provide extra attention to things like pickup/delivery coordination, luxury vehicles, antique cars, and specialized transport needs.
- Cost - While faster, hot shot auto transport rates tend to be higher than traditional carriers per mile due to their distinctive operations and personal touch.
| Factor | Hot Shot Auto Transport | Traditional Car Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1-3 days for door-to-door service | 1-2 weeks for transport |
| Flexibility | Quick response to last-minute requests | Requires more lead time |
| Scale | Enclosed/Open car haulers, 1-3 vehicles at a time | Enclosed/Open car haulers, multiple vehicles |
| Customization | Attention to pickup/delivery, luxury, antique cars, specialized needs | Standard service for all vehicles |
| Cost | Higher rates per mile | Lower rates per mile, traditional operations |
Types of Hotshot Trailers:
The most commonly used types of hotshot carriers are class 3 to 5. These are faster but have lower haling capacity. Let’s discuss them below:
Class 3 medium-duty trucks
Class 3 medium-duty trucks are trucks with a weight limit between 10,001 to 14,000 pounds. Some common examples of Class 3 hot shot trucks used for hot shot car transport include the GMC Sierra 3500, Ram 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The Ford F-350 is also a popular option.
These trucks can legally provide hot shot auto transport services within the United States since they are still considered non-commercial vehicles, unlike heavier-duty Class 5 trucks. However, hot shot haulers using Class 3 trucks for hot shot car hauling would still need operating authority,a USDOT number if hauling across state lines, commercial auto transport insurance, and registering as a business.
Class 4 medium-duty trucks
Class 4 trucks have a weight limit between 14,001 to 16,000 pounds, making them heavier duty than Class 3 hot shot trucks but still non-commercial. Common Class 4 hot shot trucks used for hot shot car hauling include the Ford F-450, Ram 4500, and Chevrolet Silverado 4500.
While able to haul slightly heavier hot shot cargo than a Class 3 truck, Class 4 trucks have similar restrictions and requirements as Class 3’s for providing hot shot auto transport services since they are also non-commercial vehicles. Haulers must still have the proper licensing and insurance and operate as a registered business.
Class 5 medium-duty trucks
Class 5 trucks are the heaviest medium-duty hot shot trucks, with a weight limit from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds. They are considered commercial trucks under federal law, unlike lower classes. Common Class 5 hot shot trucks used in the hot shot auto transport industry include the Ford F-550, Chevrolet Silverado 5500, and Ram 5500. Additional options are the International TerraStar, Peterbilt 325, and Kenworth T170.
| Class | Weight Limit (lbs) | Examples of Hot Shot Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10,001 - 14,000 | GMC Sierra 3500, Ram 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, Ford F-350 |
| 4 | 14,001 - 16,000 | Ford F-450, Ram 4500, Chevrolet Silverado 4500 |
| 5 | 16,001 - 19,500 | Ford F-550, Chevrolet Silverado 5500, Ram 5500, International TerraStar, Peterbilt 325, Kenworth T170 |
While able to haul even heavier hot shot loads than lower classes, operating a Class 5 truck for hot shot car hauling requires full compliance with commercial vehicle regulations regarding licensing, drivers, maintenance, and insurance.
Rates are often higher to accommodate higher operating costs than non-commercial Class 3 and 4 hot shot trucks commonly used among new hot shot hauling startups.
Who Uses Hotshot Vehicle Shipping?
Individual Vehicle Owners
Individuals who need to transport their personal vehicles like cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, etc., often turn to hotshot carriers for door-to-door transport. Some common reasons individuals use hotshot service include relocating to a new city, taking a vehicle on vacation, shipping a classic or antique car to shows and events, or transporting a newly purchased vehicle home. Hotshot carriers provide convenience and flexibility that suit many individual transportation needs.
Dealerships
Car dealerships regularly use hotshot carriers when transporting new or used inventory vehicles between lots or to car auction sites. With no set routes or fixed schedules, hotshot transport offers dealerships an on-demand solution for fast, direct transport of even just one or two vehicles at a time. This is important for dealers who need to move vehicles quickly for things like filling empty lot space, meeting deadlines to supplier/auction locations, or delivering high-priority sales.
Rental & Leasing Companies
Like dealerships, vehicle rental and leasing companies rely on efficient transfer of vehicles between locations as their inventory constantly rotates. Hotshot carriers are well-suited for these companies’ occasional small loads and time-sensitive transport demands. Whether repositioning vehicles or shuttling replacement rentals and leases, hotshot provides a flexible option for companies that need to move one or a few cars at a time between their lots and airport locations.
Manufacturers
Vehicle manufacturers often use hotshot transport at the beginning and end of the supply chain. Newly-produced vehicles may be hot shot direct from factories to regional shipping yards or big-city dealers before embarking on longer hauls. Meanwhile, specialized manufacturer equipment or prototype models are sometimes shipped by hotshot for events and testing purposes. Hotshot’s door-to-door delivery fits the urgent transport needs of auto manufacturing.
Government & Commercial Fleets
Government agencies and companies with large commercial fleets occasionally require hotshot transport of individual vehicles. Examples include shuttling new patrol cars to local police stations across a wide service area or repositioning service trucks for a nationwide fleet. Hotshot carriers support these organizations’ diverse vehicle distribution needs on long- and short-notice timelines.
How Much Does it Cost to Transport a Car Using Hot Shot Auto Transport?
The regular open carrier shipping is around $1/mile for short distances and $0.75 for longer, but hotshot car shipping costs $1.5 to $2. The longer the distance, the lower the per-mile cost to haul a car.
What kind of vehicles can you ship using hotshot transport?
You can ship all types of vehicles using hotshot transport, including:
- Cars
- Trucks
- SUVs
- Motorcycles
- RVs
- Boats
- ATVs
- Heavy equipment
Any vehicle that can fit on a standard hotshot truck bed can be shipped through hotshot transport. The hotshot driver will work with you to securely tie your vehicle for transport.
5 Key Advantages of Using Hotshot Over Regular Open or Enclosed Trailers
1. Faster Transit Times
Since hotshot trucks aren’t restricted by the same regulations as larger commercial trucks, they can often deliver cargo faster. Transit times are typically 50-75% faster than traditional carriers.
2. Door-to-Door Service
Hotshot carriers provide direct, non-stop service from pickup to delivery locations without intermediate stops. Vehicles aren’t transferred between multiple drivers.
3. More Flexible Delivery Windows
Hotshot transport allows for scheduling pickups and deliveries on nights and weekends when regular carriers are not operating. This offers more flexible delivery timeframes.
4. Secure Cargo Area
Vehicles shipped via hotshot are secured in the locked cargo area of the truck rather than being exposed on an open trailer bed. This reduces the risks of theft or weather damage.
5. GPS Tracking & Communication
Most hotshot firms offer 24/7 GPS tracking and two-way communication between the driver and shipper for complete shipment visibility and updates.
How Safe is Hot Shot Auto Transport?
Hot shot auto transport can be a very safe option when using a reputable carrier. Some key factors that influence safety include:
- Driver Qualification: Reputable firms thoroughly screen drivers’ driving records and license status and conduct regular checks.
- Equipment Inspection: Trucks and tie-down gear are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure cargo is secured correctly.
- GPS Tracking: Satellite tracking allows firms to monitor drivers’ hours, speed, and location and respond quickly to any issues.
- Insurance: Look for carriers that maintain strong auto and cargo liability insurance of $100k or more in the event of accidents.
Although hot shot car transport has a better safety record than regular open transport, shippers should carefully vet carriers and confirm drivers meeting strict qualification standards for maximum security.
What Size of HotShot Trailer Should You Use?
Common Sizes
Most trailers range from 24-28 feet to fit 1-2 average vehicles. Larger 30+ foot trailers can haul 3-4 smaller cars.
Weight Capacity
Trailers are built with weight limits of 25,000-40,000 lbs to safely transport 1-3 average passenger vehicles or smaller commercial vehicles.
Vehicle and Route Dimensions
The size of the vehicles to be hauled and road restrictions where the trailer will travel must be considered for proper equipment.
Parting Words:
With many years of experience in both hot shot auto transport and traditional car hauling, Easy Auto Ship has completed over 123,000 successful vehicle moves. Call us today at (888) 687-3243 to discuss how our flexible hotshot services can meet your urgent car transport needs.
Whether relocating one collector car across town or a handful of vehicles out of state, our professional drivers take great care in every vehicle haul.