After reviewing hot shot shipping services in Ohio, based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Rush Expediting, Inc. as the top company.
Hot Shot Shipping Services & Transport in Ohio
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 Ohio. Every Ohio 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 Ohio for your commercial shipping needs.
Rush Expediting, Inc.
2619 Needmore Road, Dayton, OH, 45414- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Reefer
- Hot shot
Rush Expediting, Inc. (DOT: 1143070) is a reputable Ohio-based trucking company, operational since 1981. Specializing in transportation and logistics, they are well-known for offering full truckload (FTL) and less than truckload (LTL) services, particularly catering to clients with intermodal container shipments, building materials, chemicals, general freight, and paper products. Their emphasis on reefer services ensures the precise handling of temperature-sensitive goods.
An experienced fleet of 125 trucks and 250 power units highlight their capacity for efficient and reliable deliveries across state lines, supported by approximately 117 drivers. Rush Expediting, Inc. maintains a strong safety record with no reported crash injuries or fatalities and a commitment to minimal unsafe driving practices. They provide health insurance and paid time off benefits, accentuating their dedication to employee welfare and service excellence.
Safety
- Crashes: 2
- Unsafe driving: 0.2
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.33
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 117
- Revenue: $3,184,000
- Miles driven: 7,803,579
Horizon Freight System, Inc.
8777 Rockside Road, Cleveland, OH, 44125- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $4,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Refrigerated food
- Paper products
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
Horizon Freight System, Inc. (DOT: 237360) is a reputable trucking company in Ohio renowned for its wide array of services and commitment to safety. Operating with a fleet of 276 trucks and a total power unit count matching their number of drivers, they specialize in transporting various types of cargo. Their cargo includes beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods.
Horizon Freight System stands out for offering specialized support tailored to commercial shipments, such as hazardous materials handling, cross-docking, and refrigerated services. Their drivers benefit from numerous perks, including health, vision, and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a 401k retirement plan. Flexible scheduling, dedicated routes, and specialized driver opportunities reflect their dedication to driver satisfaction and high service standards. Despite having reported crash injuries and fatalities, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating, showing a commitment to ongoing safety improvements.
Safety
- Crashes: 21
- Unsafe driving: 1.32
- Driver fitness: 0.02
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.02
- Vehicle maintenance: 5.86
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 4
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 276
- Revenue: $1,107,000
- Miles driven: 12,100,000
Miller Transfer
3833 State Route 183, Rootstown, OH, 44272- Fleet age: 2 years
- Insurance: $1,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Oilfield equipment
- Utility tools, parts & equipment
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Conestoga
- Step deck
- Lowboy
- Oversized
- Power only
- Tanker
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Lift-gate
- Cross-border
- Alcohol-insured
- Cross-docking
- Hazardous materials
Miller Transfer (DOT: 120707) stands out in the Ohio trucking sector, boasting a robust operation with a focus on specialty transportation since their establishment. With a fleet size of 206 and 102 drivers, they offer a wide array of services including general freight, intermodal containers, and building materials. Their commitment to specialized cargo entails handling oversized loads, oilfield equipment, and heavy machinery, facilitated by equipment such as flatbeds and lowboy trailers.
Known for accepting hazardous materials, Miller Transfer provides significant support through team driving services and guaranteed home time. Notable for their dedicated routes and owner-operator opportunities, the company prioritizes driver welfare with benefits like health and life insurance, sign-on bonuses, and paid CDL training. Despite having reported crash incidents, they maintain a satisfactory safety rating, underlining their dedication to safety in both interstate and cross-border operations.
Safety
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.52
- Driver fitness: 0.06
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 102
- Miles driven: 4,519,978
Ohio Transport Corporation
5593 Hamilton Middletown Road, Middletown, OH, 45044- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 3 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Construction equipment
- General
- Lumber
- Machinery & large objects
- Metal materials
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Box truck
- Sprinter van
- Hot shot
- Last-mile delivery
- Cross-border
- Drayage
Ohio Transport Corporation (DOT: 384170) is an established trucking company in the transportation industry with a solid reputation since 1988. They operate with a fleet size of 134 trucks, specializing primarily in general freight and large machinery, and carry specialized cargo like beverages, building materials, and paper products. Their services extend across interstate operations, offering exclusive hot-shot and drayage services as well as flatbed trucking.
Ohio Transport Corporation supports commercial shipments with capabilities like box truck and dry van transportation and cross-border operations. The company is committed to driver welfare, with benefits including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and referral bonuses. Safety is a priority, as reflected in their satisfactory safety rating and training for intermodal and ltl drivers. With flexible scheduling and a sign-on bonus, they appeal to both seasoned drivers and new recruits in the industry.
Safety
- Crashes: 9
- Unsafe driving: 2.62
- Driver fitness: 0.16
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.84
- Vehicle maintenance: 8.87
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 114
- Revenue: $1,641,000
- Miles driven: 5,270,992
Forward Complete
6700 Port Road, Groveport, OH, 43125- Fleet size: 1 to 10
- Insurance: $5,000,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Chemicals
- Dry bulk commodities
- General
- Intermodal containers
- Refrigerated food
Truck Types
- Dry van
- Flatbed
- Auto carrier
- Container
- Oversized
- Power only
- Sprinter van
- Tanker
- Dump trailer
- Hot shot
Forward Complete (DOT: 589251) is a reputable trucking company known for its versatile transportation services. With a total fleet size of 416 and operating 208 trucks, Forward Complete handles a wide range of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and refrigerated foods. The company’s offerings include power-only, dump trailer, hot shot, tanker, flatbed, auto carrier, and sprinter van services, ensuring that they can accommodate various shipping needs efficiently.
Forward Complete provides special support for commercial shipments with options like container handling and oversized transport. Their focus on safety is evidenced by a satisfactory safety rating and minimal crash injuries. Additionally, their drivers enjoy special access to rest stops and lounges. With a general driver salary range of $60,000 to $70,000, Forward Complete signifies a competitive and rewarding workplace, suitable for business owners looking for reliable and comprehensive shipping solutions.
Safety
- Crashes: 13
- Unsafe driving: 0.24
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.45
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 257
- Revenue: $1,942
- Miles driven: 34,700,000
M & M American, Inc.
7300 Industrial Row Drive, Mason, OH, 45040- Fleet size: 11 to 25
- Fleet age: 4 years
- Insurance: $750,000
- Safety rating: Satisfactory
Cargo Types
- Beverages
- Building materials
- Dry bulk commodities
- Produce
- General
- Machinery & large objects
- Paper products
Truck Types
- Flatbed
- Container
- Power only
- Hot shot
M & M American, Inc. (DOT: 961135) is a distinguished trucking company founded in 1996, operating primarily across interstate routes. With a fleet size consisting of 105 trucks, the company focuses on handling diverse cargo types such as beverages, fresh produce, building materials, general freight, and machinery large objects. M & M American is known for their attention to safety, as evidenced by their satisfactory safety rating.
The company is equipped with power-only and container services, supporting commercial shipments and ensuring flexibility in logistics. Additionally, they offer a sign-on bonus for employees and paid time off, demonstrating a commitment to workforce satisfaction. M & M American also prioritizes efficient handling of bulk commodities and ensures timely delivery through their dedicated use of flatbed trucks, making them an optimal choice for businesses seeking reliable shipment of substantial cargo loads. Their driving team is composed of skilled OTR drivers, further enhancing their reputation for dependable service.
Safety
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 2.75
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.29
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.99
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
More Info
- Routes: interstate
- Drivers: 95
- Revenue: $2,616
- Miles driven: 6,343,749
How Safety Ratings Work in Ohio
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 Ohio Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments
Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking for an Ohio 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 Ohio carrier you use can handle your load type, whether it’s palletized goods, machinery, or specialty items.
- Regional and long-haul capabilities: Some Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio businesses to handle last-minute shipping.
How is Hot Shot trucking priced compared to other trucking services?
Hot Shot pricing in Ohio 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
