What Is Hot Shot Service?

A hot shot is a last minute cargo delivery.

A hot shot is a service provided to individuals that are in need of shipping last-minute cargo. It is an overnight courier service that select companies provide at a higher cost. When shipping heavier cargo, it is important to keep in mind interstate regulations and restrictions for cargo weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

Function

Hot shot service is used when you need something delivered outside of usual shipping operating hours. It is a last minute cargo delivery service available 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Prevention

Do not wait until the last minute. Do what you can to avoid being in a situation where you have to hot shot cargo. Careful planning includes having a back-up plan in case something goes wrong. A hot shot should be used if that back-up plan fails.

Considerations

Hot shot services usually require a higher fee. It is also important to find a good service with proper permits for crossing state lines if your cargo needs to travel interstate and is more than 10,000 pounds.

Time Frame

Hot shot services are a last-minute service, so most companies are available around the clock. Also, a driver carrying cargo weighing more than 10,000 pounds may not drive more than 11 hours straight, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If your cargo needs to go to a location that is more than 11 hours away, please keep this in mind.

Fun Fact

You may "hot shot" passengers. If a person is your cargo and you need to get them to a location, you are able to hire a hot shot service to drive that person to where they need to be. This, as most hot shot services, is for last-minute emergency situations, and is usually very expensive.

References

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration