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3 Best Hot Shot Trucking Companies in Kansas

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After reviewing Kansas Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Santa Fe as the top company.

Take a closer look at Santa Fe and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Kansas that can meet your urgent delivery needs.

Top Hot Shot Trucking Companies in Kansas

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 Kansas. Every Kansas 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 Kansas for your commercial shipping needs.

Santa Fe

9125 Rosehill Rd, Lenexa, KS, 66215
  • Fleet size: 20 to 49
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Chemicals
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Liquids & gases
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Vehicles

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Conestoga
  • Container
  • Hopper bottom
  • Lowboy
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Dump trailer
  • Hot shot
  • Lift-gate
  • Hazardous materials

Santa Fe (DOT: 99313) is a reputable trucking company that has been operating in Kansas since 1963. The company boasts a sizeable fleet of 52 trucks and provides various specialized services, including hazardous materials transportation, dry van shipping, and refrigerated freight. They also have equipment such as reefer trailers and drop trailers, capable of handling diverse cargo such as chemicals, intermodal containers, and large machinery.

Santa Fe offers extensive support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, driveaway/towaway services, and motor vehicle transport. Their team of highly-skilled drivers is trained to manage varied shipments, ensuring reliable and efficient delivery. Additionally, they provide attractive benefits for businesses such as sign-on bonuses, direct deposit options, and driver referral bonuses, alongside comprehensive health insurance packages that include dental and vision coverage.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 0.56
  • Driver fitness: 0.24
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.01
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.76
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 1

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 47
  • Revenue: $8,276
  • Miles driven: 2,065,023

Keim T S, Inc.

1249 N 9th St, Sabetha, KS, 66534
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Insurance: $750,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • General
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Power only
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Cross-border

Keim T S, Inc. (DOT: 72683) is a well-established trucking company based in Kansas, operating since 1955. They maintain a fleet of 206 trucks, specializing in carrying a wide range of cargo including building materials, general freight, machinery and large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber. Their services include power-only hauls, hot shot deliveries, oversized load transports, and dry van shipments to ensure versatile transportation solutions for various business needs.

Keim T S, Inc. offers dedicated routes and regional driver assignments, perfect for consistent and reliable shipping options. They also provide health insurance, roadside assistance programs, and fuel cards to support their professional driving team. With an active interstate operation status and a satisfactory safety rating, Keim T S, Inc. is dedicated to providing secure and efficient logistic solutions for commercial shipments, while also supporting flexible and specialized transportation requirements such as cross-border services.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 15
  • Unsafe driving: 2.33
  • Driver fitness: 0.01
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.75
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 224
  • Revenue: $41,423
  • Miles driven: 22,200,000

Mies & Sons Trucking, LLC

19620 W 85th North, Colwich, KS, 67030
  • Fleet size: 50+
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Meat
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Power only
  • Hot shot
  • Hazardous materials

Mies & Sons Trucking, LLC (DOT: 618032) is a well-regarded trucking company based in Kansas, with a substantial fleet of 135 trucks and 270 total fleet units. They offer specialized services such as power-only transportation, hazardous materials handling, and hot shot deliveries. Known for transporting a diverse range of cargo, their expertise includes agricultural supplies, beverages, fresh produce, grain feed hay, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods, ensuring comprehensive freight solutions for various industries.

Mies & Sons Trucking, LLC provides exceptional support for commercial shipments, with dedicated routes, direct deposit for drivers, and a guaranteed home time policy to promote driver satisfaction. Additional benefits include sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, life insurance, and flexible scheduling, all contributing to a driver-friendly work environment. With a satisfactory safety rating and ongoing commitments to quality service, Mies & Sons Trucking stands out as a reliable partner for business owners seeking top-tier freight transportation services.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 10
  • Unsafe driving: 1.02
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.23
  • Controlled substances: 0.03
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 107
  • Revenue: $9,847
  • Miles driven: 11,700,000

How Safety Ratings Work in Kansas

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 Kansas Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments

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

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

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

Hot Shot pricing in Kansas 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