FreightWaves Ratings cuts through the noise of freight technology product reviews to make you a smarter buyer

3 Best Hot Shot Trucking Companies in Tennessee

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

After reviewing Tennessee Hot Shot trucking providers based on key factors like cost, reliability, and customer reviews, we chose Hittman Transport Services, Inc. as the top company.

Take a closer look at Hittman Transport Services, Inc. and our other top picks to find a Hot Shot company in Tennessee 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 Tennessee. Every Tennessee 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 Tennessee for your commercial shipping needs.

Hittman Transport Services, Inc.

1560 Bear Creek Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830
  • Fleet age: 2 years
  • Insurance: $10,000,000
  • Safety rating: Satisfactory

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • Chemicals
  • General
  • Intermodal containers
  • Liquids & gases
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Paper products

Truck Types

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

Hittman Transport Services, Inc. (DOT: 157942) is a notable trucking company based in Tennessee, highly regarded for its comprehensive range of trucking services. Their fleet consists of 86 trucks and 420 trailers. Specializing in hazardous materials, general freight, and intermodal containers, they are equipped to handle various types of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, machinery, metals, paper products, and oversized items.

Hittman Transport offers specialized support for commercial shipments with services such as cross-docking, dedicated routes, and guaranteed home time for drivers. They provide essential driver benefits like health, vision, life, and dental insurance, and programs for truck maintenance and roadside assistance. Moreover, they maintain a focus on safety and reliability, evidenced by their satisfactory safety rating and commitment to ongoing training and development programs for their drivers.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 1.49
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.71
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 89
  • Revenue: $605,000
  • Miles driven: 7,652,967

NEW Waverly Transportation

1610 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203
  • Fleet size: 100+ Corp Only
  • Fleet age: 3 years
  • Insurance: $1,000,000

Cargo Types

  • Building materials
  • General
  • Livestock feed
  • Liquids & gases
  • Lumber
  • Machinery & large objects
  • Metal materials
  • Oilfield equipment

Truck Types

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

NEW Waverly Transportation (DOT: 146001) is a well-regarded trucking company established in 1972, based in Tennessee. With a fleet size of over 250 trucks and 125 drivers, the company specializes in carrying building materials, machinery, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, as well as hazardous materials. NEW Waverly Transportation offers a wide range of services including full truckload, dry van, and hot shot services. They also have dedicated routes and cross-border capabilities, reinforcing their reputation for reliability and comprehensive logistical support.

In addition to their extensive service portfolio, NEW Waverly Transportation provides specialized support for commercial shipments, such as power-only services, lift gate capabilities, and drayage. They prioritize driver welfare with benefits like health insurance, paid CDL training, gym memberships, and flexible scheduling. The company emphasizes safety with programs for ongoing training and development, and offers various compensations such as per diem payments and guaranteed home time, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking for a dependable and driver-friendly trucking partner.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 9
  • Unsafe driving: 1.96
  • Driver fitness: 0.13
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.46
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.49
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 125
  • Revenue: $14,015,000
  • Miles driven: 8,255,285

HOT Shot Delivery Service

830 Fesslers Pkwy Suite 109, Nashville, TN, 37210
  • Insurance: $750,000

Cargo Types

  • General

Truck Types

  • Hot shot

HOT Shot Delivery Service (DOT: 676723) is a versatile trucking company based in Tennessee. Specializing in Hot Shot services, they are equipped to carry general freight and household goods, ensuring diverse transport capabilities. The company operates 12 trucks and employs a total of 12 drivers, highlighting their capacity to handle a range of shipping needs.

HOT Shot Delivery Service caters particularly well to business owners looking for reliable transport for general cargo and household items. Although they have limited additional services such as dry bulk commodities or hazardous materials transport, their focus on hot shot deliveries makes them an excellent choice for urgent and smaller-scale shipments. They maintain a fair safety record with minimal unsafe driving incidences, reinforcing their commitment to safe and timely deliveries.

Get Quote

Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.39
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 7.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0

More Info

  • Routes: interstate
  • Drivers: 12
  • Revenue: $3,819,000
  • Miles driven: 700,000

How Safety Ratings Work in Tennessee

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 Tennessee Hot Shot Trucking Company for Your Shipments

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

FAQs: Tennessee 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 Tennessee businesses to handle last-minute shipping.

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

Hot Shot pricing in Tennessee 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