FreightWaves Ratings cuts through the noise of freight technology product reviews to make you a smarter buyer

7 Best Hot Shot Trucking Companies in California

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After reviewing California Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose ALL Service Handling as the top company.

Take a closer look at ALL Service Handling and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in California that can meet your urgent delivery needs.

Why Trust FreightWave Ratings?

There’s a reason we’re one of the world’s leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.

We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in California. Every California trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies’ safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.

From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies in California for your commercial shipping needs.

ALL Service Handling

9749 Bellegrave Ave, Riverside, CA, 92509
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Building materials

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Auto carrier
  • Conestoga
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Hopper bottom
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Pneumatic
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Dump trailer
  • Hot shot
  • B-train semi
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Consolidation
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

ALL Service Handling (DOT: 2525963) is a prominent trucking company based in California. Despite having operated for over 10 years, ALL Service Handling does not disclose its exact year of establishment. They are well-regarded for their diversified services, including full and partial truckloads, reefer, and cross-border transportation. The company boasts impressive customer ratings with a Google rating of 4.5 and a BBB rating of 5.0. They specialize in transporting building materials and have a reliable fleet age of just over two years.

Commercial shippers can benefit from their extensive support services, such as dedicated routes, expedited and team driving, and less-than-truckload options. The company also offers specialized driver services including hazmat, intermodal, flatbed, and oversized load transportation. Additionally, ALL Service Handling promotes a supportive work environment with robust benefits such as health insurance, company uniforms, and ongoing training and development programs. For businesses seeking dependable and versatile freight solutions, ALL Service Handling stands out as a comprehensive choice.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.25
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: intrastate non-hazardous
  • Drivers: 4
  • Revenue: $260,000
  • Miles driven: 200,000

Speed Intermodal

3732 Farmington Rd, Stockton, CA, 95215
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • General

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Auto carrier
  • Conestoga
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Hopper bottom
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Pneumatic
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Dump trailer
  • Hot shot
  • B-train semi
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Consolidation
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Speed Intermodal (DOT: 2418540) is an active transportation carrier in California with a notable reputation in the industry. Although the exact year of establishment is not provided, the company operates a sizable fleet of 345 trucks. They excel in offering diverse services, including partial truckload, full truckload, and intermodal operations, catering to commercial shipments. The company specializes in hauling general freight, along with a strong focus on hazardous materials and expedited service options.

Speed Intermodal provides various specialized services such as reefer and dry van operations, flatbed, and lowboy transportation. They also offer benefits to their drivers, including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans. The company is particularly known for supporting commercial shipments by providing dedicated routes, consolidation services, and cross-docking facilities. With a total of 370 drivers, Speed Intermodal ensures efficiency and reliability in meeting diverse business shipping needs.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 26
  • Unsafe driving: 3.36
  • Driver fitness: 0.05
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 1.2
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.84
  • Controlled substances: 0.01
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 370
  • Miles driven: 4,160,717

DDA

5800 Alder Avenue, Sacramento, CA, 95828
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • General
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Auto carrier
  • Conestoga
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Hopper bottom
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Pneumatic
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Dump trailer
  • Hot shot
  • B-train semi
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Consolidation
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

DDA (DOT: 1579940) is a cutting-edge trucking company established in 2023 in California, specializing in various freight services across the state and beyond. With a modern fleet comprising 16 trucks and a diverse team of drivers, DDA caters to a wide array of needs, including general freight, beverages, building materials, and US mail. Their services also encompass specialized support such as reefer, dump trailers, lowboys, and intermodal drivers, ensuring that commercial shipments are handled with maximum efficiency and care.

What sets DDA apart is their strong commitment to driver welfare and customer satisfaction. They offer numerous benefits like health insurance, paid time off, sign-on and referral bonuses, gym memberships, and flexible scheduling. The company’s dedication to safety is evident with ongoing training programs and a range of support services including roadside assistance and guaranteed home time. DDA’s robust operational capabilities make it an exceptional choice for business owners seeking reliable and top-notch freight transport solutions.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 3.46
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.58
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.11
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 18
  • Miles driven: 2,200,000

CDL Carriers

406 Kerwin Ct, Roseville, CA, 95747
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Farm supplies
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Metal materials
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Auto carrier
  • Conestoga
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Hopper bottom
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Pneumatic
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Dump trailer
  • Hot shot
  • B-train semi
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Consolidation
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

CDL Carriers (DOT: 1319599) is a top-tier trucking company providing extensive transport solutions across interstate regions. They have an active USDOT status and maintain a solid reputation in the industry due to their diverse service offerings, including refrigerated transport (reefer), full and partial truckloads, dry van, flatbed, and hazardous materials handling. Notably, CDL Carriers specialize in shipping a range of cargo types such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, grain, hay, and paper products, ensuring versatile and reliable freight services.

Business owners will appreciate CDL Carriers’ comprehensive support that extends to regional, local, and team driving opportunities. In addition to specialized transport services like dump trailer, tanker, and cross-border logistics, the company provides valuable commercial support through driver fitness programs, safety bonuses, guaranteed home time, and robust compensation packages. Their commitment to commercial excellence is further evidenced by amenities like paid CDL training, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training and development programs.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 1
  • Miles driven: 49,940

Reeve Trucking Company

5050 Carpenter Road, Stockton, CA, 95215
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Oilfield equipment

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Auto carrier
  • Container
  • Hopper bottom
  • Oversized
  • Power only
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Reeve Trucking Company (DOT: 290187) is a reputable trucking firm established in 1976, specializing in heavy haul and oversize trucking. This California-based company operates a fleet of 162 trucks, servicing a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, construction materials, grain feed hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and machinery large objects. Their commitment to general freight and oilfield equipment transport underlines their extensive capabilities.

Reeve Trucking Company offers robust support for commercial shipments, featuring power-only, hazmat, and reefer services along with intermodal and drayage options. They emphasize safety and driver satisfaction with comprehensive health and life insurance, paid CDL training, and guaranteed home time. As a full-service entity, they accommodate specialized drivers for flatbed and tanker operations, ensuring flexibility and reliability in their logistics solutions.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 15
  • Unsafe driving: 1.39
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.04
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 144
  • Revenue: $21,239,000
  • Miles driven: 8,813,113

Mike Lowrie Trucking, Inc.

7134 Tremont Road, Dixon, CA, 95620
  • Fleet size: 11 to 25
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Power only
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Consolidation
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Mike Lowrie Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 351560) is a reputable freight trucking company established in 2003, with a primary focus on transportation, logistics, and agriculture. The company operates a fleet of 145 trucks and offers a variety of services including dry van, flatbed, lowboy, and step deck trailers. They handle a diverse array of cargo such as agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, fresh produce, machinery, and refrigerated foods, making them a versatile option for many business needs.

Specializing in hazardous materials, Mike Lowrie Trucking, Inc. offers dedicated routes, regional and local drivers, and a robust support system for owner-operators. They also provide several benefits for their drivers, including health, dental, and life insurance, paid CDL training, flexible scheduling, and guaranteed home time. With strong safety ratings and a commitment to managed transportation and cross docking, they ensure reliable and efficient service for commercial shipments.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 21
  • Unsafe driving: 2.28
  • Driver fitness: 0.08
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.37
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.15
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 160
  • Revenue: $2,184,000
  • Miles driven: 16,800,000

North American Transportation, LLC

26535 Danti Court, Hayward, CA, 94545
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border

North American Transportation, LLC (DOT: 613284) is a diverse trucking company based in California, operating a substantial fleet of over 60 trucks and 122 trailers. Specializing in general freight, their range includes building materials, household goods, intermodal containers, machinery, paper products, and refrigerated foods. The company stands out with its expedited service using sprinter vans and reefer units, addressing a variety of shipping needs from standard cargo to temperature-sensitive goods.

Dedicated to providing strong customer service, North American Transportation offers cross-border shipping and manages specialized cargo such as oversized machinery. Business clients benefit from features like guaranteed home time, health insurance, and flexible scheduling. Additionally, the company supports its drivers with sign-on and safety bonuses, direct deposit, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of employee perks, including gym memberships and company uniforms. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their “Satisfactory” safety rating and zero crash fatalities.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: intrastate hazardous
  • Drivers: 108
  • Revenue: $7,566
  • Miles driven: 6,170,000

How Safety Ratings Work in California

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Compliance, Safety & Accountability (CSA) program evaluates trucking companies using BASICS (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories)

Here’s a look at what each of the BASICS cover:

  • Crashes: Trucking companies are required to report any accidents that result in injury or death. The FMSCA uses these state-reported crashes to determine any patterns of crash involvement and potential behaviors contributing to that pattern.
  • Unsafe driving: This CSA category covers behaviors like texting and speeding that can lead to accidents
  • Driver fitness: The FMCSA requires trucking companies to keep up-to-date records on their drivers. That includes identification and paperwork like CDLs, annual driving reviews, and any relevant medical certifications or documentation. Violations of this category will result in lower overall safety scores.
  • Hours-of-service compliance: The FMCSA cites truckers and trucking companies that do not follow or enforce hours-of-service regulations that limit how much time a large commercial vehicle operator can be on the road without rest.
  • Vehicle maintenance: Truckers are responsible for completing inspections before hitting the road on a route. They must also log any issues and have repairs to those identified problems completed before operating the truck.
  • Controlled substances: As with all vehicle operators, truckers must be sober behind the wheel. This category accounts for violations issued to a trucking company’s driver(s) for being under the influence of or in possession of alcohol and street drugs or prescriptionor over-the-counter medicines that could impair judgement.
  • Hazardous materials violations: Trucking companies and their drivers must exhibit proper loading and handling of hazardous materials, including labeling these items correctly, ensuring packaging meets regulations, and follows all restrictions and rules for the vehicle type.

Companies scoring a zero for any or all of the above categories did not receive any citations or other violations within a given month. Essentially, any trucking company that has multiple zeroes in these categories can likely be considered a safe freight shipper in compliance with all FMCSA standards and regulatory requirement.

Choosing the Right California Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments

Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking for an California Hot Shot carrier for your business’ small, time-sensitive loads:

  • Response time and availability: A Hot Shot carrier known for rapid response times that has the capabilities needed to handle urgent, last-minute shipping needs.
  • Specialty services: If you have unique requirements — like temperature control or fragile cargo — choose a Hot Shot carrier with specialized equipment or handling capabilities.
  • Load size and equipment variety: Hot Shot trucks come in various sizes and configurations, so make sure the California carrier you use can handle your load type, whether it’s palletized goods, machinery, or specialty items.
  • Regional and long-haul capabilities: Some California Hot Shot carriers focus on local or regional routes, while others offer long-haul services. Make sure you pick one that can accommodate all your routes.
  • Customer service and support: Reliable customer service is crucial for handling any changes or issues with urgent deliveries, giving you peace of mind and control over your shipments. Use a Hot Shot that offers reliable tracking tools so you can monitor your shipment while en route.
  • Driver safety: Experienced Hot Shot drivers understand the urgency of expedited shipping and are skilled at managing loads for timely, safe delivery. Check California carriers’ safety ratings to see their record of violations and accidents.

FAQs: California Hot Shot Trucking Companies

What are the advantages of using Hot Shot trucking for urgent deliveries?

The main advantage of Hot Shot shipping on urgent delieveries is that it provides fast, direct transport for small, time-sensitive loads without needing a full trailer. Hot Shot is also a cost-effective and flexible way for California businesses to handle last-minute shipping.

How is Hot Shot trucking priced compared to other trucking services?

Hot Shot pricing in California is generally based on load size, distance, and urgency. It’s usually more affordable for smaller loads than full truckload options.

What types of vehicles are commonly used in Hot Shot trucking?

Medium-duty pickup trucks with trailers, such as goosenecks or flatbeds, are most commonly used for Hot Shot shipping. These vehicles are versatile, allowing for quick loading and efficient handling of various cargo types.


Mike Marshall