Trying to identify what type of truck is needed on pickatruckload.com to see if they have any for straight trucks and wondering what they are referring to as a hotshot? Is that a strait truck?

 

A "Hotshot" can be just about "Any" vehicle. In general business terms, a Hotshot is an "Express Delivery". "Hotshot" is used widely today, but 25 years ago, it was a term almost exclusive to the oilfields, and the service companies doing business with the Oil companies.

Here on the Gulf, everything from Sedans and 15 passenger Vans, all the way up to Heavy-haul tractors pulling RGN's, are classified "Hotshot". Plenty of starving Owner/Operator's here on the Gulf Coast right now, due to the fact that the majority of the "Hotshot" companies have signed on to many trucks, to chase to little freight.

 

Like many terms in the trucking industry, the term HOT SHOT can mean something a little different depending on who you talk to and which company you are talking to.

Back in the 80's (perhaps sooner) Hot Shots were either large pickups, straight truck chasis with a 5th wheel, or small tractor (usually single axle) pulling either a small van (about horse trailer size) or a small flat bed or drop deck trailer. Often these vehicles would have some type of small sleeper on them to allow compliance with DOT regs.

Today, more often than not, straight trucks with sleepers are called expediters and cargo vans are often called sprinters.

 

Hotshots are primarily 1-ton pickup trucks or single axle tractors that pull a trailer. Most will pull a goose-neck, wedge or flat bed trailer. I seem to see most pulling a wedge or goose-neck. A wedge trailer is primarily used for transporting vehicles or trailers. The wedge can accommodated up to 3 or 4 vehicles, depending on size. Most trailers will be the smaller cargo type, but I have seen RV trailers on a wedge. Most of these pickups will have small diesel engines, usually Cummins, and have either an automatic or straight shift transmission. Straight shifts seem to be more popular because the automatics don't hold up as well according to some to whom I have spoken. There are a few carriers who lease on hotshot drivers, such as Jones Motor Company. They did have 2 divisions who leased on drivers, Hotshot and Tracer. Jones may have some photos on their website. Some Hotshot owner operators will have their own authority. A friend of mine has 2 or 3 hotshots in his fleet as well as a couple of class 8 trucks. He rarely hauls anything on his trucks but vehicles.

 

A hotshot is an electronic cattle prod. :P

 

Actually, you warm some whiskey and pour it in a shot glass. :wink:

 

hahaha

 

I came across this a few weeks ago:
http://www.successfulexpediters.com/AboutExpediting.htm


Its a great into to the world of Expediting.

 

Hotshot = newbie driver just out of school and knows everything, a lot on CAD....lol

 

Hotshots are almost always 350's or 3500's pulling gooseneck or wedge trailers. Now the term "Bigshot" has been associated with a single axle trailer pulling a gooseneck.
I have been pulling a 34 footer with my Dodge for the last 18 months. I found a really good price on a used expeditor truck with sleeper. Removed the box, shortened the frame, added a fifth wheel and now have a Bigshot. Found a medium duty step deck to pull and now enjoy having that sleeper as well.
My first three weeks have been great and made more by staying out longer due to having the sleeper.

Chris