Difference between Hot Shot Insurance vs Expediter Insurance
You may have heard the terms Hot Shot and Expediting used interchangeably in Commercial Trucking Insurance.
- Hot Shots are generally 1 ton Dually Pickup Trucks with Gooseneck Flatbed Trailers
- Expediters can be Cargo Vans, Sprinters, Straight Trucks or Tractor Trailers
Commercial Trucking Insurance requirements depend on the combination weight of the truck plus the commodities being hauled.
While these two types of trucking are similar, there is a difference between Hot Shot Insurance vs Expediter Insurance.
Read on to see what is similar and what is different about Hot Shots vs Expediters.
[Related Story – How to Become an Owner Operator with no Experience]
How are Hotshots and Expediters alike?
- Both are time-sensitive Commercial Trucking For Hire operations.
- Both typically cover distances of 300 miles to Unlimited Radius.
- With the long distances, a lot of Hot Shots and Expediters don’t make it back home the same day—some are even out on the road for weeks at a time.
- Most Hot Shot and Expediter drivers are Owner Operators, meaning they own their vehicles and work as Independent Contractors.
- If you’re planning to haul freight across state lines, FMCSA requires both Hot Shots and Expediters to have a DOT operating authority.
FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration responsible for regulating commercial motor vehicles.
Hot Shot Commercial Trucking
A Hot Shot driver typically uses a 1-ton Dually Pickup Truck with at least a 9,000 lb rear axle.
These Dually’s are equipped with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch in the bed, which connects to different types of trailers depending on the commodities being hauled.
Once you add it all up between the Dually weight plus the cargo or freight weight, the GVW exceeds 10,001 lbs.
Many Hot Shots specialize in hauling cars or “toys” like motorcycles, boats, golf carts, RVs, or trailers.
You’ll often see them using a 3- to 4-car wedge trailer to transport multiple cars or enclosed trailers to keep them better protected.
Some Hot Shots deliver RVs across state lines by simply towing the units behind their truck.
Flatbed trailers are another common setup, perfect for hauling machinery, farm equipment, or oversized items like HVAC units.
Hot Shot trucking is all about flexibility, and there’s no shortage of interesting loads to move.
Check out more at Hot Shot Insurance.
Expediter Commercial Trucking
An Expediter can operate with a cargo van, sprinter, step van, straight truck or tractor trailer.
Commercial Cargo for an Expediter can be anything time sensitive like auto parts, machinery, widgets and equipment for production lines.
Expediters can even handle time sensitive freight that is also temperature-sensitive, like plants or food.
Some cargo vans now come with Reefers, so with the right Reefer Breakdown Coverage you can expand your commodity base beyond general freight.
Learn more about Commercial Van Insurance for Cargo Vans and Sprinters.
Difference between Hot Shot Insurance vs Expediting Insurance
If you’re hauling freight across state lines, both Hot Shots and Expediters need their own DOT authority—unless you’re leased on as an Owner Operator for another Motor Carrier.
For most Hot Shots and Expediters, the FMCSA has specific requirements for Commercial Auto Liability coverage.
Here’s the breakdown:
- If you’re driving a 1 Ton Dually Pick Up Truck with a Trailer, you’ll need at least $750,000 in Commercial Auto Liability.
- For lighter vehicles like Commercial Vans under 10,001 GVW, the minimum coverage is $300,000.
- If you’re working with bigger units, like a Box Truck or Straight Truck, you’ll need a $750,000 minimum coverage to get your DOT authority.
More on Box Truck & Straight Truck Insurance.
Understanding these FMCSA Insurance Requirements can help you stay compliant and ensure you’re protected on the road!
[Related story – What is the Definition of a Commercial Vehicle]
Hot Shot Insurance vs Expediter Insurance Industry Standards are Different
So the FMCSA says big trucks and Hot Shots need $750,000 in Commercial Auto Liability and Commercial Vans under 10K GVW need $300,000.
But industry standards for Commercial Auto Liability limits are higher than FMCSA’s minimums.
In the commercial trucking industry, the standard minimum for Commercial Auto Liability is typically set at $1,000,000.
This higher standard also applies to Hotshots and Expediters, no matter the unit type.
So Yes, you can get your USDOT number with the FMCSA’s lower requirements, and Yes, some customers might not ask for $1,000,000…
….but it’s always a good idea to check with your agent and see how much $1,000,000 in Commercial Auto Liability would run you.
Because at some point, a broker or shipper is likely to request that higher limit regardless of whether the actual customer is requiring it.
A great truck insurance broker can help you navigate all the tricky details and get the best deal on insurance for your new startup DOT.
Want to dive deeper into FMCSA requirements?
Check out this article on Commercial Truck Insurance Requirement MCS90.
Difference between Hot Shot Cargo Insurance vs Expediting Cargo Insurance
FMCSA does not require proof of a Commercial Cargo Insurance to establish a DOT operating authority for Hot Shots or Expediters.
Just like the industry standards mentioned above, market forces play a big role in how much Motor Truck Cargo coverage you’ll need to bid on loads.
To secure freight contracts, Hot Shot Commercial Cargo Insurance typically starts at $100,000, but most people go with the more common $150,000 limit.
For higher-end cargo, many Hot Shots bump it up to $250,000.
Other general Commercial Cargo Insurance info at Motor Truck Cargo Insurance.
Expediting Commercial Cargo Insurance is different than Hot Shot due to Commodity Limitations
A Hot Shot with a 1 Ton Dually and a flatbed trailer definitely has more space than a Cargo Van—no surprises there.
So when it comes to Expediting Cargo Insurance, the limits can vary a lot depending on the type of freight you’re hauling.
Coverage amounts can start as low as $25,000 and go all the way up to $250,000, but the most common customer and broker request is $100,000.
Curious about what Commercial Cargo Insurance covers (and what it doesn’t)?
Check out this quick read: What does Motor Truck Cargo Cover?
How much should your Hot Shot Insurance or Expediting Insurance cost?
With Hot Shot or Expediting Insurance, there’s really no “one-size-fits-all.”
There are just too many factors involved—like insurance credit, age, driving history, commodities, radius and what state you’re in.
That’s why it’s smart to work with a professional Truck Insurance Broker.
She can whip up a proposal for you in a few minutes and throw in some solid suggestions along the way.
You don’t want to mess up coming right out the gate!
Want to hear what other new startups have to say?
See why so many Hot Shots and Expediters trust us to help them get started—check out our CIS 5 Star Google Reviews!
Who’s Got the Best Hot Shot Insurance and Expediter Insurance?
Right now it’s all about GEICO!
For a long time, Progressive was the top choice for both new and experienced Hot Shots and Expediters.
But now, the big news is GEICO jumping into the mix—and they’re making waves.
We’re excited to team up with GEICO to give you more options.
The premiums are fantastic, so be sure to run some numbers before you make any decisions.
Whether you are a newbie Owner Operator or a seasoned small Motor Carrier, GEICO is giving Progressive a run for their money.
Here’s more on GEICO’s Commercial Truck Insurance program.
At CIS, we’ll get you quotes from both GEICO and Progressive at the same time.
Let’s find the best deal for you!
Scroll down to start your customized CIS/GEICO online quote or just give us a call CIS (330) 864-1511.
We are CIS, and We Make Your Hot Shot and Expediting Insurance Easy!
How Do Hot Shots and Expediters Find Freight?
Let’s face it—no amount of insurance savings will make up for not having freight to haul.
That’s why it’s so important to figure out your load sources before setting up your DOT authority or buying insurance.
Sure, having existing customers is a huge plus, but most new businesses start out relying on solid load boards to keep things moving.
If you’re running a Hot Shot, Cargo Van, Sprinter or Straight Truck, we recommend checking out MyVirtualFleet.com.
Why? Because they don’t just offer a standard load board—they go the extra mile (pun intended).
Here’s what they give you to help you land more freight:
- After the bids, they share the results with you so you can see what’s really happening behind the scenes.
- They teach you how to master line-item bidding—or sharpen your skills if you already know the basics.
- They even help you learn how to develop your own direct customers, so you’re not completely dependent on bid boards.
Whether you’re just starting out or already established, My Virtual Fleet has your back!
