After reviewing Ohio Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Rush Expediting, Inc. as the top company.
Take a closer look at Rush Expediting, Inc. and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Ohio that can meet your urgent delivery needs.
Top Hot Shot Trucking Companies 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 reliable trucking company established in 1981 and based in Ohio. They focus on offering various trucking services, particularly excelling in full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation. The company’s fleet includes 125 trucks and specializes in handling a wide range of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, paper products, and intermodal containers, ensuring versatile freight solutions for different business needs.
Rush Expediting, Inc. stands out by providing specialized support for expedited shipments, making them a go-to choice for urgent delivery requirements. Additionally, the company offers hot shot services, catering to immediate and smaller loads. The company maintains a commendable safety record with low crash and injury rates. Business owners can also benefit from employee perks such as health insurance and paid time off, reflecting the company’s commitment to its workforce.
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 and diverse trucking company based in Ohio. Operating with a modern fleet of 276 trucks and 552 trailers, they specialize in intermodal transportation and handle a wide variety of cargo. This includes beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, machinery, metal sheets, paper products, and refrigerated foods. They offer numerous specialized services such as reefer, conestoga, dry bulk, dump trailer, hopper bottom, lowboy, step deck, flatbed, and tanker transportation.
Horizon Freight System provides essential support for commercial shipments with services like cross-border transport, drayage, and consolidated shipment options. They ensure logistics efficiency through power-only, cross-docking, and managed transportation solutions. Plus, they prioritize driver welfare with programs like health insurance, paid CDL training, and paid time off. They also offer enticing perks such as sign-on bonuses, direct deposit, gym memberships, and a truck lease-purchase program, underscoring their commitment to both service excellence and driver satisfaction.
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) specializes in specialty transportation and has been actively servicing clients with trustworthy freight solutions. The company handles a wide range of cargo, including building materials, machinery, logs, metal sheets, intermodal containers, and oilfield equipment. Notably, they offer niche services such as conestoga, lowboy, and step deck transportation, accommodating oversized and unique freight requirements.
Miller Transfer provides extensive support for commercial shipments with services like cross-docking and managed transportation. They excel in hazardous material handling and driveaway/towaway operations. Trucking personnel benefit from various incentives, including sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, safety bonuses, and driver referral bonuses. The safety rating is satisfactory, reflecting a commitment to secure and reliable service. Business owners can expect flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time, ensuring a balanced approach to logistics management.
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) has been a key player in Ohio’s transportation industry since 1988. The company operates a fleet of 134 power units and specializes in handling diverse cargo types including beverages, building materials, construction equipment, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. With a notable Indeed rating of 4.5 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.5, it is evident their services are well-regarded in the industry.
In addition to robust general freight services, Ohio Transport Corporation offers dedicated support for commercial shipments, including hazardous materials, flatbed, dry van, and box truck services. They also cater to cross-border transportation needs and provide perks like rider or pet allowances, direct deposit, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, health insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. This company stands out for its comprehensive driver support programs and competitive benefits, ensuring reliability and efficiency for all commercial shipping requirements.
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 distinguished trucking company based in Ohio. Known for its robust reputation and diverse fleet, the company specializes in handling various types of cargo, including refrigerated foods, general freight, and chemicals. Forward Complete operates a fleet of over 200 trucks and offers specialized services such as flatbed, dry van, sprinter van, and containerized freight transportation.
With a focus on both safety and efficiency, the company ensures satisfactory safety ratings and boasts modern equipment suitable for various freight needs. In addition to hazardous materials transportation, Forward Complete also provides power-only services, dump trailer, and hot shot deliveries. Their commitment to customer support includes special access to rest stops and lounges for drivers, catering to commercial shipments with a reliable and flexible approach.
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 reputable trucking company based in Ohio, established in 1996. With a fleet size of 105 total trucks and 210 total fleet size, they specialize in a variety of cargo, including beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, machinery large objects, paper products, and US mail. They also offer particular services like power-only, flatbed, hot shot, container transportation, and a strong focus on full truckload services.
M & M American, Inc. supports its workforce with notable benefits such as sign-on bonuses, paid time off, and dental insurance. The company also allows rider or pet accompaniment, ensuring comfort for long-haul drivers. Safety is emphasized with a satisfactory safety rating and roadside assistance programs. Business owners can depend on M & M American, Inc. for efficient, diverse, and reliable commercial shipment services.
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: Ohio 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 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.
