After reviewing Colorado Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Apex Transportation, Inc. as the top company.
Take a closer look at Apex Transportation, Inc. and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Colorado that can meet your urgent delivery needs.
Top Hot Shot Trucking Companies in Colorado
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 Colorado. Every Colorado 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 Colorado for your commercial shipping needs.
Apex Transportation, Inc.
9800 Alton Way, Henderson, CO, 80640- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Mobile homes
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
- Water well
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Conestoga
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- B-train semi
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Apex Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 652182) is an active and reputable trucking company with a fleet size of over 50 vehicles, operating in Colorado. They offer a wide range of services including team driving opportunities, reefer, conestoga, power-only, dry bulk commodities, and general freight. The company also excels in transporting specialized cargo such as fresh produce, grain, feed, hay, meat, metal sheets, and coils. Apex Transportation has built a robust support system for commercial shippers, including direct deposit, paid CDL training, a truck lease purchase program, and guaranteed home time for their drivers.
The company is dedicated to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its employees and clients by offering comprehensive benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement. Apex Transportation’s impressive portfolio of transported goods includes agricultural and farm supplies, construction materials, intermodal containers, and refrigerated food. With a satisfactory safety rating and various support programs, Apex Transportation, Inc. stands out as a reliable partner for businesses in need of top-notch trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.72
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 43
- Revenue: $15,493,000
- Miles driven: 2,024,733
Preferred Cartage
108 North 6th Avenue, Greeley, CO, 80631- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Hot shot
Preferred Cartage (DOT: 659257) is a reputable freight trucking company founded in 1992, operating out of Colorado. With a fleet size of over 50 trucks and an active common authority, they offer a wide range of services including regional and local drivers, hot shot services, and general freight transportation. The company specializes in carrying diverse cargo such as agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, machinery, metal sheets, and refrigerated foods.
Preferred Cartage is especially well-regarded for handling dry bulk commodities and intermodal containers, catering to an array of industries. Their commitment to commercial shipments is underscored by offering health insurance benefits, fuel cards, and maintaining satisfactory safety records. Although they have reported some crash-related incidents, the company’s unsafe driving incidents and vehicle maintenance scores are moderate, indicating a steady focus on safety and reliability.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 2.29
- Driver fitness: 0.04
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.43
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.26
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 65
- Revenue: $9,368,000
- Miles driven: 5,035,338
Associated Corporation
4833 South Front St Unit B295, Castle Rock, CO, 80104- Fleet age: 3 years
Cargo Types
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
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
Associated Corporation (DOT: 1161729) is a premier trucking company in Colorado with an exemplary reputation and comprehensive services. This company excels in transporting diverse cargo such as general freight, intermodal containers, and large machinery. They provide a wide array of specialized trucking options, including reefer, dump trailers, lowboy, hopper bottom, and step deck services, ensuring they can meet various shipping needs.
Associated Corporation supports commercial shipments with advanced logistics offerings such as cross-docking, expedited driving, and managed transportation services. Their commitment to quality is highlighted by a 4.5 BBB rating and a strong focus on safety, demonstrated by a spotless record in hazardous material violations and crash incidents. They also prioritize driver satisfaction with benefits like guaranteed home time, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement plans, making them a reliable choice for business owners.
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 non-hazardous
- Drivers: 1
How Safety Ratings Work in Colorado
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 Colorado Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking for an Colorado 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 Colorado carrier you use can handle your load type, whether it’s palletized goods, machinery, or specialty items.
- Regional and long-haul capabilities: Some Colorado 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 Colorado carriers’ safety ratings to see their record of violations and accidents.
FAQs: Colorado 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 Colorado businesses to handle last-minute shipping.
How is Hot Shot trucking priced compared to other trucking services?
Hot Shot pricing in Colorado 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.
