After reviewing hot shot shipping services in Colorado, based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Apex Transportation, Inc. as the top company.
Hot Shot Shipping Services & Transport 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 a premier trucking company based in Colorado, boasting a fleet of over 500 trucks. They specialize in a vast array of cargo types including fresh produce, refrigerated foods, building materials, metal products, and more. Apex Transportation offers a wealth of services such as refrigerated transport (reefer), flatbed, and step deck, catering not only to basic freight needs but also to more specialized cargo like hazardous materials and oversized loads.
The company places a significant emphasis on safety, maintaining a satisfactory safety rating and comprehensive insurance coverage. Apex Transportation supports business owners with dedicated routes, team driving opportunities, and expedited services, ensuring timely and efficient delivery. They also provide extensive employee benefits, including paid CDL training and health insurance, making them a standout choice for businesses seeking reliable and well-supported shipping solutions.
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
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 an established logistics provider operating out of Colorado. They offer extensive trucking solutions including full truckload, partial truckload, and less-than-truckload services, catering to a variety of industries. Their fleet is equipped for the transportation of intermodal containers, machinery, and large objects. With innovative services like refrigerated (reefer) transportation and specialized driving teams, they ensure prompt and efficient delivery.
Known for their comprehensive support for commercial shipments, Associated Corporation provides specialized services such as cross-docking and managed transportation. They are adept in handling hazardous materials, oversized cargo, and containers, catering to diverse customer needs. Employee welfare is a priority, highlighted by benefits such as health, dental, and life insurance, paid CDL training, and a lease-purchase program for trucks. Their commitment to safety is reflected in their zero crash fatalities and maintained safety standards.
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
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 trucking company based in Colorado, operating since 1992. The company manages a fleet of over 50 trucks and has established a strong presence in the freight and transportation industry. They specialize in carrying a diverse range of cargo including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, and refrigerated foods, ensuring reliable distribution for various commercial needs.
With a focus on interstate operations, Preferred Cartage supports a variety of shipment requirements, providing services for dry bulk commodities and machinery large objects. They employ regional and local drivers, maintaining active operations with a satisfactory safety rating. The company is also equipped to handle intermodal containers and partners with businesses needing general freight transport. Preferred Cartage boasts a high Glassdoor rating, emphasizing both employee satisfaction and an efficient logistical experience for clients.
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
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
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.
Other Types of Transport Options for Your Shipments
Depending on the types of products your business retails or manufactures, you may have several shipping options to choose from.
- Hopper Bottom Shipping Services
- Beverage Shipping Services
- Box Truck Shipping Services
- Drayage Shipping Services
- Dry Bulk Shipping Services
- Dry Van Shipping Services
- Flatbed Shipping Services
- Intermodal Shipping Services
- LTL Shipping Services
- Parcel Delivery Shipping Services
- Pneumatic Shipping Services
- Power-Only Shipping Services
- Reefer Shipping Services
- Tanker Shipping Services
