After reviewing Minnesota Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. as the top company.
Take a closer look at Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Minnesota that can meet your urgent delivery needs.
Top Hot Shot Trucking Companies in Minnesota
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 Minnesota. Every Minnesota 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 Minnesota for your commercial shipping needs.
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc.
5739 Old Hwy 61, Duluth, MN, 55810- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- General
- Livestock feed
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Container
- Step deck
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Kivi Bros Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 593718) is a well-rounded trucking company serving Minnesota and beyond with a commendable history and commitment to quality service. They operate an impressive fleet with over 50 trucks and specialize in transporting a variety of cargo including building materials, coal/coke, construction materials, grain feed hay, machinery, large objects, metal sheets and coils, motor vehicles, and paper products. Their team driving opportunities, expedited drivers, and flatbed services ensure efficient and timely deliveries.
Kivi Bros Trucking offers significant commercial shipment support, including hazardous materials transport, dedicated routes, cross-border operations, and dry van services. Notable perks for their staff include sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, safety and performance bonuses, health and life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, per diem payments, and flexible scheduling. Their commitment to driver satisfaction extends further with specialized driver training programs and road assistance, reflecting their driver-first approach.
Safety
- Crashes: 29
- Unsafe driving: 1.78
- Driver fitness: 0.12
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.21
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.72
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 290
- Revenue: $16,434
- Miles driven: 26,900,000
Lakehead Trucking, Inc.
6035 Lavaque Road, Duluth, MN, 55803- Fleet size: 50+
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Coal coke
- Construction equipment
- Dry bulk commodities
- Livestock feed
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Container
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Consolidation
- Drayage
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Lakehead Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 116256) is a reputable trucking company in Minnesota, founded in 1950. Known for their diverse service offerings, they specialize in handling various types of cargo, including building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction items, grain feed hay, logs, machinery, and metals. The company utilizes a fleet of over 50 trucks and provides both local and regional transportation services.
Lakehead Trucking, Inc. offers several specialized supports for commercial shipments, such as hazmat, reefer, flatbed, and cross-border services. Additionally, the company provides services like tankers, dump trailers, lowboys, and box trucks, ensuring they can handle a wide range of freight needs. With a strong emphasis on employee benefits, they offer health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, direct deposit, and driver referral bonuses, making them a reliable choice for businesses looking to ship products efficiently and safely.
Safety
- Crashes: 3
- Unsafe driving: 0.64
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
- Vehicle maintenance: 11.84
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 33
- Revenue: $36,490
- Miles driven: 1,034,120
Admiral Merchants
215 South 11th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55403- Fleet size: 50-99 Corp Only
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- Farm supplies
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Vehicles
- Oilfield equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Step deck
- Power only
- Hot shot
Admiral Merchants (DOT: 124813) is a reputable trucking company that has been in operation since 1929 in Minnesota. With a fleet size of over 1,400 total vehicles, including 450 trucks and 575 trailers, Admiral Merchants is well-equipped to handle a wide array of cargo such as general freight, agricultural supplies, building materials, construction equipment, intermodal containers, and oilfield equipment. The company is noted for its flexible shipping solutions, featuring services such as flatbed and dry van transportation, as well as specialized drivers for oversized machinery and hazardous materials.
Beyond standard freight services, Admiral Merchants offers additional commercial support like dedicated routes, power-only services, hot shot deliveries, and health insurance for drivers. They also provide owner-operator opportunities, making them a versatile choice for business owners looking to ship products efficiently across state lines. The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating and is highly rated by employees on Indeed and Glassdoor, reflecting their commitment to both safety and employee satisfaction.
Safety
- Crashes: 28
- Unsafe driving: 1.63
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.2
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.18
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 475
- Revenue: $15,121,000
- Miles driven: 33,400,000
How Safety Ratings Work in Minnesota
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 Minnesota Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking for an Minnesota 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 Minnesota carrier you use can handle your load type, whether it’s palletized goods, machinery, or specialty items.
- Regional and long-haul capabilities: Some Minnesota 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 Minnesota carriers’ safety ratings to see their record of violations and accidents.
FAQs: Minnesota 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 Minnesota businesses to handle last-minute shipping.
How is Hot Shot trucking priced compared to other trucking services?
Hot Shot pricing in Minnesota 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.
