After reviewing hot shot shipping services in Kentucky, based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. as the top company.
Hot Shot Shipping Services & Transport in Kentucky
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 Kentucky. Every Kentucky 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 Kentucky for your commercial shipping needs.
Jeff Robards Construction, Inc.
4435 N Preston Highway, Shepherdsville, KY, 40165- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
Cargo Types
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
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
Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. (DOT: 712634) is a versatile trucking company offering comprehensive transportation services across interstate operations. Established with a total fleet size of 46 and 23 trucks, they specialize in diverse cargo, including agricultural supplies, construction materials, dry bulk commodities, machinery, and metals. Their fleet capabilities are enhanced with flatbeds, tankers, dump trailers, and specialized equipment for oversized loads, making them adaptable to various shipping needs.
Jeff Robards Construction also emphasizes safety and employee benefits, offering programs such as ongoing training, health screenings, and insurance packages, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. They support commercial shipments with dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and services like cross-docking and intermodal transport. With a focus on driver welfare, they provide sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, and flexible scheduling options, appealing to drivers and businesses seeking reliable logistics partners. Despite having a single reported crash injury, their safety parameters indicate a strong emphasis on safety.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.3
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 57
- Miles driven: 126,000
CRS One Source
2803 Tamarack Rd, Owensboro, KY, 42302- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- Meat
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Hot shot
- Cross-border
CRS One Source (DOT: 346622) is a seasoned trucking company established in 1948 and based in Kentucky. They specialize in refrigerated transportation, offering services for full truckloads with a focus on fresh produce, meat, and paper products. The company operates interstate, ensuring reliable cross-border deliveries with their modern fleet, featuring high-quality dry vans and sprinter vans.
CRS One Source is committed to supporting commercial shipments by providing specialized drivers, dedicated routes, and power-only services. The company also offers valuable driver incentives, including sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health insurance and a retirement plan. Although they have reported a few crash incidents, their safety rating remains satisfactory, reflecting their adherence to safety standards. Their managed transportation and flexible scheduling make them a viable choice for business owners seeking efficient trucking solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.73
- Driver fitness: 0.56
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.63
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 42
- Revenue: $101,461,000
- Miles driven: 1,200,000
Tram Construction, Inc.
9279 E Ky 8, Garrison, KY, 41141- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Hopper bottom
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Pneumatic
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Drayage
- Hazardous materials
Tram Construction, Inc. (DOT: 354116) has been an active player in the trucking industry since 1982, operating from Kentucky. Specializing in handling building materials and large machinery, the company offers flatbed and lowboy transport services, making it ideal for businesses with oversized cargo needs. They also provide specialized drivers and support for transporting hazardous materials safely. With a fleet size of 32, including tankers and dump trailers, they are well-equipped to handle a variety of industrial and construction materials.
Tram Construction is committed to safety, boasting a “Satisfactory” safety rating, and invests in ongoing training and development programs for its drivers. Business owners can benefit from team driving services and flexible scheduling for more efficient logistics solutions. The company offers competitive amenities for its employees, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Tram Construction, Inc. is a reliable choice for businesses requiring specialized freight transportation services.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 1.56
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.8
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.5
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 11
- Revenue: $3,921
- Miles driven: 277,684
Thompson Transportation Services, Inc.
3909 N Hwy 11, Sharpsburg, KY, 40374- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Livestock
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Container
- Power only
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Thompson Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 336898) is a reputable trucking company located in Kentucky, with a satisfactory safety rating and fleet maintained at an average age of 3 years. They manage a diverse array of shipments and are equipped to handle motor vehicles, metal sheets, coils, rolls, logs, poles, beams, lumber, farm supplies, grain, feed, hay, livestock, machinery, and paper products. Their range of services includes dry van, dump trailer, and intermodal transportation, providing versatile options to suit varied shipping needs.
Thompson Transportation emphasizes robust support for commercial shipments, offering specialized drivers, flexible scheduling, and the convenience of lift gate services. They also provide numerous driver benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, fostering a supportive work environment. With a strong focus on client satisfaction and extensive experience in managed transportation, they are a preferred choice for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.9
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.28
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 15
- Revenue: $2,784
- Miles driven: 856,000
L R Daniels Transportation, Inc.
12030 Paul Coffey BLVD, Ashland, KY, 41102- Fleet size: 20 to 49
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Trash
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Box truck
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Hot shot
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
L R Daniels Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 208452) is a versatile trucking company that has been active for over four decades, specializing in general freight transportation across an interstate network. Known for handling a variety of cargo such as machinery, metals, and garbage/refuse, they provide critical services like hazardous materials transportation and refrigerated (“reefer”) units, allowing them to cater to a diverse range of shipping needs.
L R Daniels supports commercial shipments through dedicated routes and cross-docking services, ensuring efficient logistics management. With a mid-sized fleet and an emphasis on safety and direct deposit for payments, they offer appealing employee benefits including health, dental, and life insurance, alongside a 401(k) plan. Their reliable reputation is reinforced by satisfactory safety ratings and a proactive approach to driver fitness, making them a favorable choice for businesses seeking consistent and secure freight solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 2.8
- Driver fitness: 0.19
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.83
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 23
- Revenue: $47,402
- Miles driven: 1,000,700
Chad Howton Trucking, LLC
1428 Hopkinsville St, Princeton, KY, 42445- Fleet size: 50+
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Farm supplies
- General
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Hot shot
Chad Howton Trucking, LLC (DOT: 531539) is a Kentucky-based freight carrier established in 1997. With a fleet of over 50 vehicles, the company specializes in handling dry van shipments and general freight. Their cargo repertoire includes agricultural products, building materials, and machinery, positioning them as a versatile choice for businesses needing to transport a wide variety of goods.
The trucking company is well-suited for interstate operations, boasting a solid safety record with a satisfactory safety rating. Chad Howton Trucking, LLC provides essential services such as handling commodities dry bulk and managing oversized loads, ensuring reliability in delivering goods to various destinations. With 22 drivers on board and a focus on property shipment, the company caters to the diverse needs of its clientele, offering dependable and efficient solutions for businesses looking to streamline their logistics.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 1.01
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.39
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 22
- Revenue: $5,126
- Miles driven: 1,370,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Kentucky
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 Kentucky Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking for an Kentucky 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 Kentucky carrier you use can handle your load type, whether it’s palletized goods, machinery, or specialty items.
- Regional and long-haul capabilities: Some Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky businesses to handle last-minute shipping.
How is Hot Shot trucking priced compared to other trucking services?
Hot Shot pricing in Kentucky 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
