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4 Best Hot Shot Trucking Companies in Rhode Island

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After reviewing Rhode Island Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose KEY Corporation as the top company.

Take a closer look at KEY Corporation and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Rhode Island that can meet your urgent delivery needs.

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 Rhode Island. Every Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island for your commercial shipping needs.

KEY Corporation

170 Fiore Industrial Dr, Wakefield, RI, 2879
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 4 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment
  • General
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Utility tools, parts & equipment

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Pneumatic
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • B-train semi
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Alcohol-insured
  • Drayage
  • Cross-docking
  • Hazardous materials

KEY Corporation (DOT: 2891299) offers a range of specialized trucking services tailored to meet diverse commercial needs. Established several years ago, this Rhode Island-based carrier provides excellent options for transporting hazardous materials, reefer goods, and general freight. Their fleet size ranges from 1 to 10 trucks, which are relatively young, maintained at an average age of 4 years.

KE Corporation supports an array of cargo types including building materials, construction equipment, large machinery, and utility goods. The company’s commitment to service quality is highlighted by their additional support for hot-shot deliveries, drayage, cross-border shipments, drop trailer services, and managed transportation solutions. Business owners can also benefit from various employee bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans, and guaranteed home time for drivers. Their reliability is further underscored by zero crash injuries and fatalities within recent reports.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 1.61
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 2.5
  • Vehicle maintenance: 6.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 11
  • Revenue: $2,738
  • Miles driven: 15,911

UNI Trans Transportation, LLC

16 Countryside Drive, Johnston, RI, 2919
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Construction equipment

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Auto carrier
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

UNI Trans Transportation, LLC (DOT: 1009270) offers comprehensive transport solutions to business owners looking for reliable and efficient shipping services. Established with a satisfactory safety rating, UNI Trans specializes in building materials and construction-related cargo, utilizing a fleet that includes step deck trailers, lowboy trailers, and tankers to meet diverse shipping needs.

UNI Trans provides special support for commercial shipments with dedicated and regional driver services, guaranteed home time, and expedited, flatbed, and reefer driving opportunities. They offer team driver services, owner-operator options, and cross-border capabilities to facilitate long-haul shipments. Additional perks for clients include direct deposit, a truck lease-purchase program, extensive health benefits, and pay advances, ensuring a robust partnership for businesses seeking top-tier trucking solutions.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 2.23
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.09
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.88
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 13
  • Miles driven: 681,722

Coop Enterprises, Inc.

54 Skunk Hill Road, Hope Valley, RI, 2832
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Trash
  • General
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Power only
  • Sprinter van
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Cross-border
  • Hazardous materials

Coop Enterprises, Inc. (DOT: 661182) is an active carrier based in Rhode Island, offering robust services since its establishment. With a fleet size of 14 vehicles, the company specializes in carrying a variety of cargo, including general freight, garbage/refuse, logs, poles, beams, and lumber, as well as machinery and large objects. Coop Enterprises stands out for its comprehensive services, offering power-only, container transport, flatbed driving, and managing transportation services which are critical for commercial shipments.

Coop Enterprises emphasizes employee benefits and safety, featuring health and dental insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and rider or pet allowance. For those seeking specialized logistics needs, the company supports regional drivers, dedicated and OTR (over-the-road) routes, hot shot services, and expedited and hazardous materials driving. Their commitment to ongoing training and development, flexible scheduling, and robust roadside assistance programs ensures reliable and top-notch service for business owners shipping their products.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 5
  • Revenue: $308
  • Miles driven: 148,343

Willy’s Precision Towing

100 South St, Johnston, RI, 2919
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • General
  • Vehicles

Truck Types

  • Oversized
  • Tanker
  • Dump trailer
  • Hot shot
  • Hazardous materials

Willy’s Precision Towing (DOT: 1228632) is a reputable trucking company established in 1991 in Rhode Island. They offer a variety of services including motor vehicle transport, general freight, and hazardous materials handling. The company operates a modest fleet of 6 trucks and 12 trailers, specializing in both interstate and oversized shipments, demonstrating their capability to handle complex logistical challenges.

The company employs 7 drivers, ensuring a personal touch and care for each shipment. Notable services include expedited driving and specialized hauling for hot shot and dump trailer cargo, with an emphasis on safety as indicated by their zero crash injuries. Willy’s Precision Towing is known for efficient, reliable transportation, supported by their active status and maintained compliance with the Department of Transportation regulations.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.35
  • Driver fitness: 0.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 14.57
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 7
  • Revenue: $514
  • Miles driven: 423,253

How Safety Ratings Work in Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments

Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking for an Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island carrier you use can handle your load type, whether it’s palletized goods, machinery, or specialty items.
  • Regional and long-haul capabilities: Some Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island carriers’ safety ratings to see their record of violations and accidents.

FAQs: Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island businesses to handle last-minute shipping.

How is Hot Shot trucking priced compared to other trucking services?

Hot Shot pricing in Rhode Island 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.


Mike Marshall