FreightWaves Ratings cuts through the noise of freight technology product reviews to make you a smarter buyer

4 Best Hot Shot Trucking Companies in Indiana

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After reviewing Indiana Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Walt’s Drive-A-Way Service, LLC as the top company.

Take a closer look at Walt’s Drive-A-Way Service, LLC and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Indiana that can meet your urgent delivery needs.

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 Indiana. Every Indiana 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 Indiana for your commercial shipping needs.

Walt’s Drive-A-Way Service, LLC

4600 Hitch Peters Rd, Evansville, IN, 47711
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Oversized
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Consolidation
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Walt’s Drive-A-Way Service, LLC (DOT: 70728) offers a broad range of services since its establishment. With a fleet of 116 trucks and a total of 232 trailers, the company specializes in handling cargo like beverages, building materials, paper products, and intermodal containers. Their service portfolio includes hazardous materials, flatbed, step deck, tanker, and dry van transportation, indicating strong versatility in cargo handling.

Walt’s Drive-A-Way Service stands out with their dedicated routes, expedited, and local driving options, ensuring timely and reliable deliveries for business owners. They also provide specialized support for commercial shipments such as managed transportation, cross-docking, and drop trailer services. Additional benefits like guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, health insurance, and flexible scheduling reinforce their commitment to driver welfare and service quality. Business owners seeking a reliable and comprehensive trucking solution will find Walt’s Drive-A-Way Service to be a noteworthy option.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 8
  • Unsafe driving: 1.88
  • Driver fitness: 0.16
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.02
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 100
  • Revenue: $48,611
  • Miles driven: 5,595,535

First Class Services, Inc.

2331 Buchanan Road, Evansville, IN, 47720
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 2019
  • Insurance: $5,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Chemicals
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Liquids & gases
  • Metal materials

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Conestoga
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

First Class Services, Inc. (DOT: 451913) is a reliable trucking company based in Indiana with a satisfactory safety rating. They manage a fleet of 123 trucks and offer specialized services including hazardous materials, container transport, and flatbed operations. Additionally, First Class Services supports a variety of cargo types such as chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, liquids/gases, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls, making them a versatile choice for diverse shipping needs.

Specializing in dedicated routes and providing guaranteed home time for drivers, the company also features extensive support for commercial shipment such as hot shot services and cross-border logistics. Employee benefits include health, life, and vision insurance, direct deposit, paid CDL training, ongoing training programs, and a 401(k) retirement plan, ensuring a well-supported and motivated workforce.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 9
  • Unsafe driving: 2.31
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.43
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 81
  • Revenue: $973
  • Miles driven: 7,477,093

Reilley Trucking, Inc.

7020 Ardmore Ave, Fort Wayne, IN, 46809
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: Not stated
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • Trash
  • General
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Dump trailer
  • Hot shot
  • Consolidation
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

Reilley Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 548038) is an Indiana-based freight trucking company renowned for its comprehensive services. With a fleet of over 114 trucks and 228 trailers, the company specializes in transporting building materials, construction supplies, garbage/refuse, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and large machinery. Established with a strong focus on delivering quality service, Reilley Trucking supports various transportation needs, including flatbed, lowboy, and dry van shipping, ensuring flexibility and reliability for its clients.

Reilley Trucking excels in commercial shipment support, offering specialized services such as hazardous materials handling, expedited driving, and cross-docking. They provide valuable benefits to their clients and drivers, including employee stock ownership, health insurance, paid time off, guaranteed home time, and flexible scheduling. Their commitment to exceptional service also extends to offering dedicated routes and team driver services, making them a top choice for businesses looking to efficiently ship their products.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 8
  • Unsafe driving: 1.34
  • Driver fitness: 0.13
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.17
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.8
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 99
  • Revenue: $9,680
  • Miles driven: 6,325,731

Klink Trucking, Inc.

3320 W 800 S, Ashley, IN, 46705
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Coal coke
  • Construction equipment
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • Farm supplies
  • Trash
  • Liquids & gases
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials

Truck Types

  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Hot shot
  • Cross-border

Klink Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 176279) is a notable trucking company based in Indiana. They manage a fleet of 169 trucks, with a significant portion dedicated to flatbeds and specialized drivers, and handle a variety of cargo including agricultural supplies, building materials, and dry bulk commodities. Established with a strong industry presence, Klink Trucking boasts a Glassdoor rating of 4.4 and an Indeed rating of 3.1, reflecting their positive reputation among employees.

Klink Trucking offers numerous services tailored for business owners, such as regional driving opportunities, dedicated routes, and cross-border shipping. They provide important support features including health insurance, retirement plans, and per diem payments. Additionally, they cater to the specialized needs of commercial shippers by transporting large machinery, liquids, gases, and hazardous materials, emphasizing their comprehensive capabilities.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 10
  • Unsafe driving: 0.68
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.06
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.88
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 93
  • Revenue: $8,241,000
  • Miles driven: 6,816,090

How Safety Ratings Work in Indiana

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 Indiana Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments

Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking for an Indiana 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 Indiana carrier you use can handle your load type, whether it’s palletized goods, machinery, or specialty items.
  • Regional and long-haul capabilities: Some Indiana 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 Indiana carriers’ safety ratings to see their record of violations and accidents.

FAQs: Indiana 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 Indiana businesses to handle last-minute shipping.

How is Hot Shot trucking priced compared to other trucking services?

Hot Shot pricing in Indiana 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.


Mike Marshall