After reviewing Florida Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Landstar Inway, Inc. as the top company.
Take a closer look at Landstar Inway, Inc. and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Florida that can meet your urgent delivery needs.
Top Hot Shot Trucking Companies in Florida
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 Florida. Every Florida 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 Florida for your commercial shipping needs.
Landstar Inway, Inc.
13410 Sutton Park Drive South, Jacksonville, FL, 32224- Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- Trash
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- 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
- Container
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
Landstar Inway, Inc. (DOT: 216939) is a well-regarded trucking company established in 1982 in Florida. They operate a robust fleet of over 4,000 trucks and 1,400 trailers, specializing in a wide variety of services such as full truckload (FTL), refrigerated transport, and dry van shipments. Notably, they handle diverse cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, chemicals, and general freight.
Landstar Inway offers special support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials transport, oversized loads, and specialized driving services. They provide benefits such as direct deposit, health insurance, and retirement plans, along with incentives like sign-on and referral bonuses. The company has a satisfactory safety rating and guarantees home time, underscoring their commitment to both customer service and employee well-being.
Safety
- Crashes: 198
- Unsafe driving: 1.63
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.48
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 277
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 4231
- Revenue: $63,833,000
- Miles driven: 340,000,000
Ryder Integrated Logistics, Inc.
2333 Ponce De Leon BLVD, Coral Gables, FL, 33134- Fleet age: N/A
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- 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
Ryder Integrated Logistics, Inc. (DOT: 165420) is a well-established trucking company based in Florida, renowned for its comprehensive range of logistics services. Their extensive fleet includes various types of trailers and trucks such as reefer, flatbed, dry van, and more. They handle diverse cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, fresh produce, machinery, metal sheets, and refrigerated foods. They have been in operation since their establishment, displaying a solid presence in the trucking industry.
Ryder Integrated Logistics, Inc. provides specialized support for commercial shipments, featuring services such as cross-docking, drayage, and cross-border logistics. The company emphasizes safety, with programs in place for ongoing training and development, driver safety bonuses, and more. They cater to different driver preferences with regional, local, and dedicated routes, and offer various employment benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Their diverse service offerings make them a versatile choice for businesses looking to ship products reliably.
Safety
- Crashes: 191
- Unsafe driving: 1.0
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.3
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 4200
- Revenue: $2,806,000
- Miles driven: 275,000,000
Ryder Transportation Solutions, LLC
2333 Ponce De Leon BLVD, Coral Gables, FL, 33134- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- Lumber
- Meat
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Refrigerated food
- 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
Ryder Transportation Solutions, LLC (DOT: 299073) offers comprehensive freight services ranging from refrigerated and general freight to hazardous materials and farm supplies. With a robust fleet of 4,471 trucks, they have established themselves as a reliable partner in the trucking industry. Their cargo diversity includes agricultural supplies, beverages, chemicals, metal sheets, and paper products, making them versatile in their shipping capabilities.
Ryder provides several specialized services, including dedicated routes, cross-docking, and intermodal container transport. They support commercial shipments with amenities such as lift gates, step decks, and lowboys. Ryder also offers bonus incentives like sign-on and referral bonuses, competitive salaries, and benefits like health, dental, vision, and life insurance. With an active safety rating since 1959, they are a trusted name for business owners looking to ship their products efficiently and securely.
Safety
- Crashes: 191
- Unsafe driving: 1.25
- Driver fitness: 0.05
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.53
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 19
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 6210
- Miles driven: 361,000,000
Nighthawk Enterprises, Inc.
9701 Nw 89th Ave, Medley, FL, 33178- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
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
Nighthawk Enterprises, Inc. (DOT: 547591) is a relatively new but comprehensive trucking company established in 2023 and operating out of Florida. This company excels in offering a wide array of specialized trucking services including reefer, conestoga, and dump trailers, as well as hazardous material handling and cross-docking. The cargo they handle ranges from beverages and building materials to dry bulk commodities and refrigerated foods, ensuring they can meet diverse shipping needs.
For commercial shipments, Nighthawk Enterprises provides robust support features such as regional, local, and dedicated routes, as well as options for power-only and expedited hauling. The company also offers valuable perks for drivers, including sign-on bonuses, health and life insurance, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling. Their solid commitment to customer satisfaction and safety, highlighted by satisfactory safety ratings and comprehensive driver support, positions them well for business owners seeking reliable and professional trucking services.
Safety
- Crashes: 12
- Unsafe driving: 1.45
- Driver fitness: 1.11
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.94
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.56
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 75
- Revenue: $16,536
- Miles driven: 3,800,000
Emilio Apolinario
8800 Nw 119 Street, Hialeah, FL, 33018- Fleet age: 2 years
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Trash
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
Emilio Apolinario (DOT: 1322398) is an active trucking company in Florida. With a fleet consisting of two trucks and four trailers, they specialize in transporting a variety of cargo, including building materials, construction items, and garbage/refuse. The company has extensive capabilities in both partial and full truckload shipments, reefer, flatbed, and hazardous materials transport, among others. Founded more than 70 years ago, Emilio Apolinario has built a diverse portfolio since its establishment.
Emilio Apolinario offers a range of specialized services to meet their clients’ commercial shipping needs. They provide dedicated routes, expedited and regional driver services, drayage, cross-border services, and less-than-truckload (LTL) options. Their additional support includes safety bonuses, direct deposit, health insurance, retirement plans, pay advances, roadside assistance programs, and ongoing training development programs, representing a commitment to both customer satisfaction and employee welfare.
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: 2
- Miles driven: 7,250
Felix Franqui
4940 Nw 55 Court, Tamarac, FL, 33319- Fleet age: 2 years
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
Felix Franqui (DOT: 1241507) is a versatile and reputable trucking company based in Florida with a robust suite of services. With a high Google rating of 4.5 and excellent Indeed and Glassdoor ratings, the company ensures top-notch service and employee satisfaction. Their fleet includes a variety of vehicles such as reefer, flatbed, tanker, and step deck trailers, capable of handling diverse cargo including US mail, hazardous materials, and oversized shipments.
In addition to offering full truckload and less-than-truckload services, Felix Franqui provides specialized support for commercial shipments like cross-docking, drayage, and intermodal driving. The company also stands out by supporting team and dedicated drivers, offering team driving opportunities, and maintaining comprehensive health and retirement benefits for their employees. Their commitment to safety and timely deliveries makes them a reliable partner for businesses seeking advanced trucking solutions.
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 Florida
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 Florida Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking for an Florida 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 Florida carrier you use can handle your load type, whether it’s palletized goods, machinery, or specialty items.
- Regional and long-haul capabilities: Some Florida 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 Florida carriers’ safety ratings to see their record of violations and accidents.
FAQs: Florida 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 Florida businesses to handle last-minute shipping.
How is Hot Shot trucking priced compared to other trucking services?
Hot Shot pricing in Florida 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.
