Not every auto transport job requires a massive semi-truck and trailer. Those with time-sensitive deliveries, smaller loads, or short routes are easy to carry out with hotshot car hauling. The method uses medium-duty trucks and flatbed trailers to move vehicles quickly and often on a tighter schedule than those traditional long-haul trucks.
To decide whether this method is worth considering for your next car shipping, you first need to understand what hotshot car hauling is and the different types of hotshot setups.
What Is Hot Shot Car Hauling?
In short, hotshot car hauling is a specialized form of vehicle transport through medium-duty pickup trucks and trailers of classes 3, 4, and 5. This method is great for smaller loads or urgent cases where time and delivery quality are critical.
It appeals to both customers and carriers. For customers, the turnaround and flexible scheduling mean faster delivery, while drivers can enter the market with lower startup costs. Moreover, hotshot carriers are more independent, meaning the services become more adaptable and personal for the customers.
How Does Hot Shot Car Hauling Work?
Hotshot vehicle transport is a simple process designed for speed and efficiency. With all the steps and moving parts streamlined, this method significantly eliminates the waiting that comes with traditional long-haul trucking.
Requesting a Quote
Everything begins by submitting details about the vehicle, pickup, and drop-off locations, and the expected delivery timeframes. Many brokers and carriers will decide the service fee based on their pricing models and the current market trends. Yet, you can also use a free auto transport quote calculator to estimate costs quickly and be prepared in advance.
Pickup and Loading
Since many hotshot trucks arrive at the pickup location with specialized equipment, the loading becomes quicker and less stressful for everyone involved.
Transportation of the Car
Hotshot haulers tend to handle relatively shorter and regional trips, transporting the vehicles directly to the destination. As a result, the delivery is often completed within a few days, instead of weeks.
Delivery and Handover
Once arrived, the driver will unload the vehicle and confirm the condition with the customer. While these jobs involve fewer vehicles, the process is faster and will involve less waiting.
Types of Hotshot Auto Transport
Hotshot car hauling comes with different trailer setups, each designed for specific vehicle types and transport needs. Your final choice will affect the cost, safety, and convenience. So, here are some of the most common options to consider:
Flatbed Trailers
These are the most widely used trailers in hotshot hauling. Flatbed trailers are very common during open auto transport cases, where open platforms with no walls or a roof make loading and unloading vehicles straightforward. The open space design allows handling a wide variety of vehicles, from sedans to light trucks, all without specific adjustments. However, vehicles transported via flatbeds are exposed to weather hurdles and road debris.
Enclosed Trailers
Enclosed trailers create a completely covered environment with a protective shield to keep the vehicles away from rain, dust, and potential damage along the journey. Such options have well-equipped security features, such as lockable doors and reinforced walls, that make the option more expensive than flatbeds. Yet, transporting your car through an enclosed auto transport carrier provides extra peace of mind and confidence.
Dovetail Trailers
Another option features dovetail trailers with a sloped rear section, creating a natural ramp. Such a design makes it easier to drive vehicles onto the deck and unload them upon arrival. Dovetail trailers are rather popular with drivers who frequently load and unload different types of vehicles while reducing the need for separate ramps.
Tilt Deck Trailers
Using hydraulic or gravity mechanisms to angle the entire trailer bed for car loading, tilt decks are especially great for specialty carts, machinery, or vehicles that can be easily driven up ramps. In this case, the whole deck tilts to meet the ground for the vehicles to move forward and avoid scraping the undercarriage.
Hotshot Car Hauling Rates
The final cost of hotshot vehicle transport can depend on several factors like distance, vehicle type, seasonality. On average, you can expect $1.25 – $2.50 per mile for most common car type, like a compact sedan in a mid season
| Distance | Price Range |
| 100 miles | $150 – $250 |
| 250 miles | $375 – $600 |
| 500 miles | $750 – $1,200 |
| 750 miles | $1,100 – $1,800 |
| 1,000 miles | $1,500 – $2,500 |
While so many factors affect the shipment costs, it’s best to use a transport quote calculator and get a detailed quote tailored to your specific case.
Hotshot car hauling has carved out a valuable space in the auto transport industry by focusing on speed, flexibility, and smaller load sizes. It can still be a great solution for those looking for urgent or short-distance moves when waiting for a full trailer isn’t practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hot Shot Transport Worth It?
It is absolutely worth it when you need a short regional haul or want to transport a single vehicle without waiting. While the per-vehicle cost may be higher compared to traditional multi-car carriers, the time and nerves saved often justify the price.
How Many Cars Can a Hot Shot Hauler Carry?
Most hot shot haulers carry between one and four vehicles, depending on their sizes, as well as the trailer type. For instance, flatbeds can handle multiple standard cars, but specialized trailers focus on fewer vehicles to handle the challenging loads.
Is Hot Shot Auto Transport Safe?
Yes, hotshot carriers strictly adhere to the same licensing and insurance requirements as traditional trucking companies. Their difference lies only in the equipment used to transport vehicles. Choosing the right type of trailers can further minimize the risks from weather or road obstacles and result in safer transport.
