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3 Best Hot Shot Trucking Companies in South Carolina

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After reviewing South Carolina Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Total Transportation Services as the top company.

Take a closer look at Total Transportation Services and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in South Carolina 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 South Carolina. Every South Carolina 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 South Carolina for your commercial shipping needs.

Total Transportation Services

7225 Cross County Road, Charleston, SC, 29418
  • Fleet size: 1 to 10
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • Construction equipment
  • Farm supplies
  • Produce
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Refrigerated food
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Reefer
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Step deck
  • Lowboy
  • Oversized
  • Power only
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Consolidation
  • Cross-docking

Total Transportation Services (DOT: 1345451) is a seasoned trucking company based in South Carolina, operational since 1989. This company boasts a diverse fleet of vehicles including box trucks, flatbeds, and tankers specifically suited for a range of cargo such as agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, and machinery. With a fleet size of 1 to 10 trucks and 54 drivers, Total Transportation Services has a notable presence in the transport of intermodal containers and refrigerated foods, offering comprehensive services for complex shipping needs.

Total Transportation Services provides specialized support for commercial shipments, highlighted by dedicated routes, cross-docking, and expedited services. They also have a strong focus on driver wellbeing, offering health, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a robust retirement plan and paid time off. With a satisfactory safety rating and a suite of driver incentives such as sign-on bonuses and guaranteed home time, Total Transportation Services stands out as a reliable partner for business owners looking to ship their products securely and efficiently.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 2
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.12
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 54
  • Revenue: $1,057
  • Miles driven: 276,249

Dedicated Transportation Solutions

100 Augusta Arbor Way, Greenville, SC, 29605
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Dry bulk commodities
  • General
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Dry van
  • Flatbed
  • Box truck
  • Container
  • Power only
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Lift-gate
  • Drayage
  • Hazardous materials

Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DOT: 1219712) is a reputed trucking company based in South Carolina, boasting a fleet of 147 trucks and offering various specialized trucking services. Established with a focus on versatility, they handle a range of cargo including building materials, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and paper products. Key services such as team driving, dedicated routes, and power-only transportation cater to diverse shipping needs.

The company stands out for its support for commercial shipments, offering hazardous materials handling, dry bulk commodity transportation, and intermodal services. Drivers benefit from sign-on bonuses, health and dental insurance, paid CDL training, and various compensation packages. With additional amenities like guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and special access rest stops, Dedicated Transportation Solutions ensures a balanced and rewarding environment for its drivers.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 12
  • Unsafe driving: 2.34
  • Driver fitness: 0.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.68
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.9
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 165
  • Miles driven: 11,900,000

Transport Solutions, LLC

111 Standard Whse Rd, Lugoff, SC, 29078
  • Fleet age: 4 years
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • Beverages
  • Building materials
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Paper products

Truck Types

  • Reefer
  • Tanker
  • Hot shot
  • Last-mile delivery
  • Cross-border
  • Hazardous materials

Transport Solutions, LLC (DOT: 941366) is a notable trucking company in South Carolina specializing in general freight, with a robust capability to transport beverages, building materials, intermodal containers, and paper products. Their modern fleet includes 36 trucks, ensuring a reliable and versatile service for business owners seeking efficient transportation solutions. Established with a strong reputation, the company excels in providing dedicated routes, hot shot services, and tanker deliveries, indicative of their adaptability in handling diverse cargo types.

Transport Solutions stands out with its commercial shipment support, including services such as hazmat driving, truck lease purchase programs, and expedited shipment options. They also offer comprehensive employee benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement plans and tuition reimbursement. The company ensures continuous improvement with guaranteed home time for drivers, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training and development programs, positioning them as a top choice for businesses looking for dependable and well-supported transportation partners.

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Safety

  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 3.24
  • Driver fitness: 0.24
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.15
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.4
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 36
  • Revenue: $318
  • Miles driven: 2,400,000

How Safety Ratings Work in South Carolina

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 South Carolina Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments

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

FAQs: South Carolina 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 South Carolina businesses to handle last-minute shipping.

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

Hot Shot pricing in South Carolina 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