Hotshot trailers are the perfect solution for anyone looking to haul freight securely and safely. There are different types of hotshot trailers. You need to choose the one that is best for you. This article will help you learn more about hotshots to choose the best one for your needs.
Different Types of Hotshot Trailers
Hot shot trucking involves employing a “medium-duty” pickup truck with a flatbed hot shot trailer to move less freight. Hot shot trucking frequently offers shippers who would otherwise transport their freight via less-than-truckload or partial-truckload services a time- and cost-effective solution.
Hot shot trucking has risen to the top of the trucking industry since it began in the Texas oilfields in the 1970s. Hot shot services have a tastefully designed and well-deserved place among the transportation options available today for smaller goods.
Flatbed Trailers
Hotshot trailers are the most sought-after type because they are strong and durable. They are made from steel or aluminum to carry heavy items like cars and construction machinery. They have a winch that makes it easy to load and unload items.
Flatbed trailers have different sizes and have different designs. Some have ramps and some have no top. They can hold different amounts of weight. You should pick the one that you need for what you want to transport. Flatbed trailers are good for people who need to move heavy things or things that need to be careful. The trailer has places to tie down the load so it does not move around while transported.
Drop Deck Trailers
Drop deck trailers are a good option for transporting bulky and heavy materials. These models have an especially low bed, making loading and unloading cargo easy. Plus, they’re constructed of robust steel or aluminum to ensure your items remain secure during transit!
Drop deck trailers are different sizes and designs, like flatbed trailers. Some have ramps and some have open-tops. You can choose what kind you need depending on what you want to ship. They are often used for shipping big things, like industrial machinery, large vehicles, and boats.
Gooseneck Trailers
A long, curving neck where other trailers could have a straightforward hitch distinguishes a gooseneck trailer from others. The only significant problem is that it attaches to the bed of a pickup truck or other comparable vehicle; otherwise, the gooseneck hitch isn’t really useful unless you own or have easy access to a tow vehicle of such type.
Gooseneck trailers are available in various sizes and designs, with ramps or open-top options and different weight capacities. They are often used for shipping agricultural and construction equipment and other heavy and oversized items.
Utility Trailers
a compact non-powered vehicle with an open-top rear cargo compartment (bed) typically dragged by a motorized vehicle and used to move light cargo.
Also known as flatbed or open-bed trailers, utility trailers are designed without walls or roofs and can be constructed with either aluminum or steel. Consequently, these trailers offer an ideal solution for cargo transportation and other general purposes.
As with the other types of trailers, utility trailers come in different sizes and designs, with ramps or open-top options and different weight capacities. They are used to carry huge home items like furniture and big appliances.
Benefits of Hotshot Trailers
When detached from the truck, these trailers will lay flat on the surface for easy loading and unloading. Lowboy trailers can help you circumvent size restrictions when transporting taller goods – however, this does come at a cost of having a smaller deck area.
Hotshot trailers are also generally faster than traditional semi-trucks. Because of their small size, they can fit through fewer openings and go farther in time. This can be especially beneficial for time-sensitive shipments.
Providing the Required Capacity Without Paying FTL Costs
Full-length (48-53 foot) flatbed and step-deck trailers can be expensive, especially if you need to reserve the full trailer but do not have enough products.
As a result, when applicable, employing the capacity of a hot shot trailer will save you the expense of hiring a complete truck, tractor, and semi-truck driver. Because hot shot drivers don’t have to pay for the expense of owning and maintaining a tractor, as well as the poor fuel economy that comes with driving a class 8 semi and carrying a 53-foot trailer, they may provide their services at lower prices.
Capability to Meet Strict Deadlines
When a delivery deadline is nearing and the freight your customer expects needs transportation, look no further than hot shot trucking.
Due of the size and mobility of these trailers, protracted loading — which generally impedes a truck’s ability to meet deadlines — and delayed transit durations aren’t a problem for hot shot trucking solutions.
The transit timing of 14,000 pounds of freight on a hot shot is significantly easier to estimate and plan for than PTL and LTL services. Hot shot freight is considerably more effective with time-sensitive shipments than PTL or LTL services since drivers and trailers are committed to each cargo and do not have to pick/drop other shippers’ loads.
Also, hot shot trailers are simpler to drive around town, use less gasoline on the highway, and load/unload at both ends faster than a 48 or 53-foot semi-trailer.
Considerations When Choosing a Hotshot Trailer
When looking for a hotshot trailer to fulfill your transportation requirements, there are some aspects that you must factor in. Chiefly, consider the size and weight of whatever items require transport.
You should also consider the pick-up and delivery locations. Hotshot trailers are often used for delivering to remote or hard-to-reach locations, but you must ensure the trailers you select can navigate the roads and terrain to reach your destination.
Another factor to account for is the cargo you plan on carrying. Specific types of freight may necessitate special equipment or maintenance, and not all hotshot trailers are designed with that in mind. For instance, if your cargo needs temperature control while en route, it’s imperative to have a trailer equipped with refrigeration abilities.
Finally, you should consider the overall cost of transportation. While hotshot trailers can be more cost-effective than traditional shipping methods, there are still costs associated with their use. You should compare the prices and services of different hotshot trailer providers to ensure you get the best value.
Conclusion
Hotshot trailers are a dependable and practical solution for anyone looking to move heavy goods or fragile items. With plenty of options available, there’s undoubtedly the perfect hotshot trailer out there that can meet your needs- no matter what size or weight you’re dealing with. As you shop around, consider how far away the pickup and drop-off locations may be, what kind of cargo is being transported, and the budget associated with moving those items.