After reviewing Kentucky Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose C.W. Services,, Inc.. as the top company.
Take a closer look at C.W. Services,, Inc.. and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Kentucky that can meet your urgent delivery needs.
Top Hot Shot Trucking Companies 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.
C.W. Services,, Inc..
1512 North Big Run Road, Ashland, KY, 41102- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Machinery & large objects
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
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
C.W. Services, Inc. (DOT: 622062) is a well-regarded trucking company that has been operating in Kentucky since 1985. Their fleet, which includes various specialized vehicles such as flatbeds, dump trailers, tankers, and lowboys, offers tailored shipping solutions. Notably, they excel in hauling construction materials, building materials, and hazardous materials with a strong focus on ensuring safety and compliance.
C.W. Services, Inc. provides remarkable support for commercial shipments, including powers-only services, dedicated routes, cross-docking, and intermodal transportation. With attractive benefits such as paid CDL training, employee stock ownership, and flexible scheduling, they ensure driver satisfaction and reliability. Business owners can also benefit from their service options like expedited, less-than-truckload, and oversized cargo handling, making them a versatile choice for diverse shipping needs. The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating and offers a wide range of benefits for drivers, ensuring high-quality service for its clients.
Safety
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.58
- Driver fitness: 2.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 1.05
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 31
- Revenue: $671
- Miles driven: 153,580
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 freight services in Kentucky and beyond. Established with a fleet size of 46 vehicles, the company efficiently handles a diverse range of cargo including agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, grain, feed, hay, metal sheets, coils, rolls, motor vehicles, and more. They are equipped with specialized trucks such as flatbeds, reefer units, and containers to meet various shipping needs.
In addition to their standard services, Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. provides significant support for commercial shipments, including dedicated routes, hazmat and cross-border transport, expedited and hotshot services, and intermodal drayage. They also offer notable benefits for their drivers such as paid CDL training, life insurance, direct deposit, gym memberships, and a truck lease purchase program. With a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, they remain a reliable choice for businesses seeking efficient freight solutions.
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) was established in 1948 and operates a fleet of 61 trucks with a focus on interstate operations. They offer specialized services including refrigerated transport (reefer), dry bulk commodities, and regional as well as dedicated routes. Some key types of cargo they handle include beverages, chemicals, fresh produce, meat, and paper products. Their commitment to commercial and dedicated shipments is evident through their offerings of flexible scheduling, safety bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and truck lease purchase programs.
CRS One Source provides additional support for commercial shipments with driver referral bonuses, guaranteed home time, health insurance, vision coverage, direct deposit, roadside assistance programs, and a robust retirement plan (401k). They also cater to the specific needs of their logistic segments by offering specialized driver positions and ensuring a satisfactory safety rating. This combination of services and support marks CRS One Source as a reliable partner for business owners looking to ship their products efficiently and safely.
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
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) operates as an active interstate carrier with a satisfactory safety rating and has been serving the Kentucky region with a fleet of 14 trucks and 28 trailers. The company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, grain, hay, farm supplies, livestock, machinery, and metal sheets. They also offer services such as reefer, dump trailer, hot shot, and box truck transportation, making them versatile in handling various shipping requirements.
They provide essential support for commercial shipments with extensive benefits like health, vision, dental insurance, and retirement plans. With features such as direct deposit, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and new driver bonuses, they attract a qualified workforce ensuring reliable service. Additionally, their investment in ongoing training and development programs, expedited drivers, and specialized drivers underscores their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
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
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) is a reputable trucking company established in 1982, operating out of Kentucky. Specializing in a variety of cargo such as building materials, construction items, machinery, and oversized loads, they ensure efficient transportation with a fleet size ranging between 11 to 25 trucks. Their services include flatbed, hopper bottom, lowboy, dump trailer, and tanker operations, accommodating the diverse needs of their clients.
Tram Construction provides specialized drivers for hazardous materials and team driver services, emphasizing safety with a satisfactory rating and zero violations in hazardous materials. Business owners will find value in their expedited services, gym memberships, health and dental insurance, vision coverage, and flexible scheduling. Additionally, employee incentives like safety and driver referral bonuses, as well as guaranteed layover, deadhead, and detention compensation, make this company a well-rounded choice for comprehensive commercial shipment support.
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
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 reputable freight trucking company operating out of Kentucky. Specializing in a variety of services, they handle cargo including general freight, machinery large objects, garbage/refuse, and metal sheets or coils. Their fleet consists of 25 power units and 50 total fleet size with dedicated routes, making them a reliable choice for commercial shipping needs.
L R Daniels offers specialized support for commercial shipments with services like hazardous materials transport and cross-docking. They have regional drivers and OTR drivers, guaranteeing home time and flexible scheduling options. With a range of benefits such as health, dental, vision coverage, and sign-on bonuses, L R Daniels ensures the satisfaction and dedication of their workforce while maintaining a favorable safety rating.
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 reputable trucking company established in 1997 with a robust presence in Kentucky. Operating a fleet of 27 trucks and specializing in diverse cargo, they handle agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, grain, hay, logs, lumber, machinery, and metal sheets. These offerings make them a versatile choice for various commercial shipping needs.
Chad Howton Trucking, LLC provides specialized services such as hot shot trucking and general freight transportation, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries. They have a satisfactory safety rating and boast a total of 22 drivers, highlighting their commitment to safe and reliable service. Business owners can trust Chad Howton Trucking, LLC for their comprehensive shipping solutions tailored to meet diverse logistical demands.
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: Kentucky 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 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.
