After reviewing Illinois Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose JAS Trucking, Inc. as the top company.
Take a closer look at JAS Trucking, Inc. and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Illinois that can meet your urgent delivery needs.
Top Hot Shot Trucking Companies in Illinois
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 Illinois. Every Illinois 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 Illinois for your commercial shipping needs.
JAS Trucking, Inc.
12843 S Pulaski Rd, Alsip, IL, 60803- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Liquids & gases
- 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
JAS Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 582316) is a versatile trucking company based in Illinois. With a satisfactory safety rating and a fleet of 164 vehicles, this carrier handles a variety of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, and paper products. Their services extend to providing reefer, power-only, dump trailer, hot shot, drayage, and container solutions, guaranteeing comprehensive support for diverse shipping needs.
JAS Trucking, Inc. offers excellent benefits aimed at supporting commercial shipments, such as dedicated routes, cross-docking services, and expedited shipments. The company is equipped to manage hazardous materials and provides specialized driver programs, ensuring safe delivery of sensitive cargo. Their commitment to driver and customer satisfaction is evident through amenities like health insurance, paid CDL training, direct deposit, and performance bonuses, making them a reliable choice for business owners seeking dependable shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 2.42
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.9
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 82
- Revenue: $3,067
- Miles driven: 5,655,078
Herrington Transportation, Inc.
430 Prairie St, Paris, IL, 61944- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Produce
- General
- Lumber
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Step deck
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Herrington Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 540627) has been operational since 2002 and maintains a modest fleet size of 59 trucks. Specializing in various types of cargo, they offer services for general freight, agricultural supplies, fresh produce, beverages, building materials, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. With a focus on providing versatile options, they utilize equipment such as reefer, flatbed, step deck, auto carrier, and dry van trailers.
Herrington Transportation also boasts specialized services including hazmat shipments, cross-border transportation, and expedited drivers. Their support for commercial shipments is comprehensive, offering dedicated routes, direct deposit, sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training and development programs. The company ensures drivers’ welfare with health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision coverage, disability insurance, and paid time off. Their safety protocols highlight a satisfactory rating, underscoring their commitment to reliable service.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.49
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.47
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.1
- Controlled substances: 0.07
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 44
- Revenue: $258
- Miles driven: 4,889,496
J A Frate, Inc.
7900 Pyott Rd, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 5 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
J A Frate, Inc. (DOT: 146355) is a reputable trucking company established in 1971 and headquartered in Illinois. With a fleet of over 93 trucks, they specialize in transporting a wide variety of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, large machinery, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, and paper products. Renowned for their versatile service offerings, J A Frate provides dedicated routes, regional and local drivers, hazmat transportation, flatbed services, and dry van solutions. Additionally, their less-than-truckload (LTL) services and refrigerated (reefer) capabilities make them a versatile choice for diverse commercial shipping needs.
J A Frate stands out with special support options such as expedited and specialized drivers, consolidation services, and drayage. They offer comprehensive benefits to their workforce, including health insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan (401k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. The company ensures flexibility with guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and support for team drivers and owner-operators. Their solid safety record and commitment to ongoing driver training underscore their focus on reliability and customer satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.48
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 78
- Revenue: $16,564
- Miles driven: 2,698,900
Packard Transport, LLC
24021 S Municipal Dr, Channahon, IL, 60410- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Hot shot
- Cross-border
- Hazardous materials
Packard Transport, LLC (DOT: 355502) is a reputable freight transportation company established in 1989, based in Illinois. Operating a fleet of 200 trucks and 400 trailers, Packard Transport specializes in hauling diverse cargo including building materials, chemicals, machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and intermodal containers, services which are crucial for various industries. The company provides both interstate and cross-border services, ensuring a wide coverage for their clients.
Packard Transport supports commercial shipments with their hazardous materials transport service, making them a reliable choice for businesses dealing with potentially dangerous goods. They offer team driving and owner-operator opportunities, further enhancing their service efficiency. Employee benefits include health insurance and paid time off, reflecting a commitment to their workforce. With a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing training and development programs, Packard Transport is dedicated to maintaining high service standards for all their commercial clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 15
- Unsafe driving: 1.08
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.5
- Vehicle maintenance: 7.43
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 200
- Revenue: $1,600,000
- Miles driven: 19,100,000
Cardinal Transport, Inc.
7180 E Reed Road, Coal City, IL, 60416- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Lowboy
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Lift-gate
Cardinal Transport, Inc. (DOT: 152518) is a reputable trucking company established in 1975 and based in Illinois. With a fleet of over 200 trucks averaging three years in age, they specialize in transporting a wide variety of cargo including building materials, construction supplies, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. The company supports both general freight and specialized cargo with services such as lowboy trailers, flatbeds, and tankers, accommodating diverse transportation needs for business owners.
Cardinal Transport emphasizes safety and professional driver fitness, boasting a satisfactory safety rating. They offer a variety of benefits to their drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, direct deposit, and a retirement plan. Additionally, they provide various types of compensation like deadhead detention and layover, as well as guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, supporting both regional and over-the-road drivers. Cardinal also ensures readiness for specialized freight transport through ongoing training and development programs.
Safety
- Crashes: 11
- Unsafe driving: 1.47
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.4
- Controlled substances: 0.05
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 204
- Revenue: $17,246
- Miles driven: 10,400,000
Lssd, Inc.
1501 Kamar Drive, Pittsfield, IL, 62363- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Livestock feed
- Liquids & gases
- Livestock
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Hopper bottom
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Drayage
Lssd, Inc. (DOT: 320418) is a reputable freight trucking company operating in Illinois with an active USDOT status. With a modern fleet of 51 trucks, they specialize in intermodal and dry bulk commodities, as well as general freight including beverages, grains, feed, hay, paper products, and various liquids and gases. They also offer services for livestock transportation and tanker hauling. Their comprehensive trucking solutions ensure reliable and efficient product delivery across interstate routes.
Lssd, Inc. stands out by providing a variety of support services tailored for commercial shipments. Notable services include direct deposit, paid CDL training, and guaranteed home time for drivers. They also offer competitive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement plans and safety bonuses to ensure driver well-being and satisfaction. Their commitment to ongoing training and development programs highlights their dedication to safety and professional growth. Their record reflects satisfactory safety performance, making them a dependable choice for business owners.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.97
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.39
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 37
- Revenue: $8,930
- Miles driven: 5,032,528
HOT Shots Delivery Service
7717 N Kildare Ave, Skokie, IL, 60076- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- General
Truck Types
- Hot shot
HOT Shots Delivery Service (DOT: 1035282) is a dedicated trucking company known for its reliability within Illinois and beyond. Providing efficient hot shot services and catering to parcel deliveries, they handle a variety of cargo, including general freight and US mail. With a total fleet size of four vehicles, including two trucks, the company focuses on maintaining a streamlined operation to ensure timely and safe deliveries.
Despite being a relatively small operation with only two drivers, HOT Shots Delivery Service maintains an active status and zero crash incidents, emphasizing their commitment to safety. They offer essential support for commercial shipments, especially for businesses that require swift deliveries of smaller loads, exemplifying their specialty in expedited, parcel, and US mail services.
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: interstate
- Drivers: 2
- Miles driven: 120,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Illinois
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 Illinois Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking for an Illinois 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 Illinois carrier you use can handle your load type, whether it’s palletized goods, machinery, or specialty items.
- Regional and long-haul capabilities: Some Illinois 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 Illinois carriers’ safety ratings to see their record of violations and accidents.
FAQs: Illinois 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 Illinois businesses to handle last-minute shipping.
How is Hot Shot trucking priced compared to other trucking services?
Hot Shot pricing in Illinois 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.
