After reviewing hot shot shipping services in Illinois, based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose JAS Trucking, Inc. as the top company.
Hot Shot Shipping Services & Transport 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 recognized carrier in Illinois with a fleet size of 164 and a satisfactory safety rating. They offer a comprehensive range of services, exceeding in specialized freight transportation, handling a wide variety of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and liquids/gases. Their diverse equipment includes tankers, flatbeds, and lowboys, supporting their capacity to manage specialized and cross-border shipments efficiently.
JAS Trucking provides dedicated routes and guarantees home time for drivers, showcasing strong driver support programs. They offer extensive employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid CDL training. Known for their reliability in commercial shipments, they include services like power-only, cross-docking, and drayage. With an emphasis on safety and driver fulfillment, JAS Trucking is a solid choice for businesses seeking a versatile and dependable shipping partner.
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 operating since 2002 and is based in Illinois. Known for its reliability and versatility, the company runs a fleet of 59 trucks and provides a wide range of services. They specialize in transporting agricultural supplies, fresh produce, building materials, and hazardous materials. Herrington offers refrigerated (reefer) transport and power-only services, catering to a variety of cargo needs, including metal sheets, coils, and rolls.
In addition to general freight services, Herrington Transportation also facilitates cross-docking and consolidation, emphasizing efficiency in commercial shipments. The company supports flatbed and tanker services and is committed to safety with a satisfactory rating. They provide benefits such as a sign-on bonus, health insurance, paid CDL training, and a truck lease purchase program, making them an attractive choice for professional drivers while ensuring secure and reliable logistical solutions for business owners.
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) has been a reliable presence in the Illinois trucking industry since its establishment in 1971. With a total fleet size of 186, J A Frate offers specialized transport services, including dry bulk commodities, hazardous materials, and building materials. The company also provides regional driving opportunities and is well-equipped with refrigerated (“reefer”) and tanker capabilities.
J A Frate is dedicated to serving commercial shipping needs with services like drayage, cross-border transportation, and dedicated routes. Customers can rely on their experienced hazmat and specialized drivers for safe passage of materials. The company emphasizes worker benefits, offering health and life insurance, retirement plans, and flexible scheduling. Safety and professional development are prioritized, ensuring a satisfactory safety rating.
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
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 that has been operating in Illinois since 1975. With a fleet size of over 400 and 204 trucks, they specialize in transporting diverse cargo, including building materials, construction supplies, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Their services include reefer and flatbed transportation, lowboy, and tanker capabilities, providing versatile options for commercial shipments.
Cardinal Transport offers specialized support with amenities such as rider and pet allowances, guaranteed home time for drivers, and comprehensive benefits, including health, vision, dental insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Their focus on safety is underscored by a satisfactory safety rating and an active commitment to driver training and development. With flexible scheduling, regional and local driving opportunities, and a solid track record of handling heavy-haul freight, Cardinal Transport stands out as a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient logistics solutions.
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
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) has been a reliable freight transportation provider since 1989, boasting a fleet of 400 vehicles operating across interstate boundaries. They specialize in hauling a diverse range of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, construction materials, machinery, large objects, and intermodal containers. The company demonstrates a commitment to safety with a satisfactory safety rating, underscored by their meticulous driver fitness and controlled substance records.
Packard Transport offers special provisions for commercial shipments like cross-border transportation and hazardous materials handling, catering to specific business needs with flatbed and dry van services. The team driving opportunities and owner-operator arrangements reflect their operational flexibility. Despite challenges in safety incidents, their extensive mileage and solid operational structure position them as a viable transportation partner for businesses requiring dedicated and comprehensive freight solutions.
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
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 diversified trucking company operating in Illinois, offering an array of transportation services. With a fleet of over 50 trucks, they are equipped to handle various types of freight, including dry bulk commodities, general freight, beverages, and livestock. Their services cater to specialized needs, including box truck operations and tanker transportation, ensuring they can manage liquids and gases with expertise.
For commercial shipments, Lssd, Inc. provides essential support services like health insurance, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling. They maintain a satisfactory safety rating while offering lucrative benefits such as sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement. The company’s robust operations include local, regional, and over-the-road drivers, with coverage spanning interstate routes. Their commitment to employee welfare is underscored by offering comprehensive insurance and compensation packages, making them an attractive choice for product shipping needs.
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 niche trucking company operating as Lurie & Sons Corp in Illinois. Known for its reliable and swift hot shot services, the company primarily focuses on carrying general freight and U.S. mail. With an active interstate operating authority and a small but efficient fleet of two trucks, they excel in delivering time-sensitive and critical shipments, particularly catering to businesses requiring prompt parcel deliveries.
HOT Shots Delivery Service also specializes in handling property shipments, providing essential support for commercial shippers who need their goods delivered quickly and efficiently. They maintain a strong safety profile with zero reported crash injuries or fatalities, demonstrating a commendable emphasis on safety and reliability in transportation.
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
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.
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
