Questions
& Answers

Hotshot delivery is an expedited ground transportation service for time-sensitive, less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments. Unlike standard freight services—which consolidate multiple loads to fill trailers and operate on fixed schedules—hotshot trucking dedicates a single vehicle (e.g., a medium-duty truck with a flatbed or gooseneck trailer) to transport one customer's cargo directly, bypassing warehouse transfers or delays. This model prioritizes speed and exclusivity, with drivers often en route within hours of booking. Key distinctions include: Equipment using lighter trucks (1-ton pickups) instead of semi-trailers, enabling access to remote sites and urban areas; Speed with sub-4 hour delivery capabilities and emergency services outside business hours, with transit times averaging 50% faster than expedited freight; and Cost Efficiency by avoiding trailer-pooling overhead, hotshot often costs less per kilometer for urgent LTL shipments.

HotShot Lethbridge specializes in Alberta's unique industrial landscape, with drivers certified in H2S safety protocols for oilfield deliveries and extensive knowledge of rural access routes. Our fleet includes specialized equipment for temperature-sensitive cargo and oversized loads up to 26,000 lbs. We maintain emergency dispatch services with GPS tracking and offer guaranteed response times: 30 minutes for quotes during business hours and sub-90-minute deployment for emergencies.

We operate during business hours with emergency services available outside regular hours throughout Alberta, with extended coverage in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Primary service zones include Lethbridge and Southern Alberta covering industrial parks, agricultural regions, and U.S. border crossings, plus the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor serving oil/gas sites, manufacturing hubs, and construction zones. Delivery windows range from same-day (for distances under 400 km) to next-day (cross-province). Real-time weather and road bans may impact ETAs, but GPS tracking ensures transparency.

For emergency situations, we guarantee immediate response through our emergency dispatch hotline. Our process includes: calling our emergency line, providing cargo details, receiving a binding quote within 15 minutes, and having a driver dispatched immediately—typically en route within 1 hour. Same-day guarantees apply for bookings made before 12 PM MT, with GPS-tracked progress updates throughout the delivery.

Pricing follows a base rate plus per-kilometer structure, tailored to cargo weight and vehicle type. Our rates include: Mini-Van/SUV at $25 base + $1.95/km for up to 200 lbs; Cargo Van at $30 base + $2.05/km for up to 400 lbs; 1-Ton Cube Van at $50 base + $2.75/km for up to 800 lbs; and 3/5-Ton Cube Van at $100 base + $3.75/km for up to 1,000 lbs. Additional fees apply for waiting/loading time ($55-$75/hour), dangerous goods ($25 + $0.20/km), and after-hours or cross-border deliveries ($100 permit fee). We accept cash, e-Transfer, PayPal, and Cash App. Credit cards are not supported due to chargeback risks.

We maintain complete pricing transparency with no hidden fees. All potential additional charges are clearly outlined upfront, including after-hours surcharges (20% premium), hazardous materials handling ($25 fee), waiting time charges, and fuel surcharges during extreme price fluctuations. Weather-related delays or route changes due to road closures do not incur additional charges. You'll receive a detailed quote before confirming any delivery.

We transport urgent, non-palletized LTL shipments including construction materials like steel beams, piping, and machinery; oil and gas equipment such as drill parts, valves, and sensors; agricultural supplies including livestock feed and fertilizer; and general cargo like documents, medical supplies, and retail goods. Weight limits adhere to Alberta's axle regulations with a maximum capacity of 26,000 lbs including trailer weight. Over-dimensional cargo requires permits for loads exceeding 4.15m height or 2.6m width.

Yes, we are certified to transport hazardous materials and dangerous goods with properly trained and certified drivers. Our hazmat services include a $25 base fee plus $0.20 per kilometer surcharge. All drivers hold current dangerous goods certifications and follow strict safety protocols for handling, securing, and transporting hazardous materials in compliance with Transport Canada regulations.

All shipments are covered under a comprehensive commercial auto policy with $2 million liability coverage and cargo insurance up to $100,000 per load. Coverage includes physical damage from accidents, theft, and vandalism; cargo loss or damage from weather and handling incidents; and driver non-trucking liability for off-duty incidents. Certificates of insurance are available upon request, and Alberta's mandatory frost law compliance reduces road-damage liabilities.

Safety is our top priority with all drivers certified in H2S safety protocols for oilfield work and holding current dangerous goods certifications. Our vehicles undergo regular maintenance inspections, and we use AI-powered dash cameras to monitor driver behavior. We maintain strict compliance with Alberta's frost laws and weight restrictions, and our GPS tracking system provides real-time monitoring for route optimization and emergency response.

We provide real-time GPS tracking for all shipments with live location sharing via email and SMS links. Our system includes route optimization to avoid traffic and road bans, automated ETA alerts that update for any delays, and direct communication with drivers through encrypted in-app messaging or dispatch relay. Digital proof of delivery with signature and timestamp is provided upon completion.

If delays occur due to weather, road conditions, or unforeseen circumstances, you'll receive immediate notifications with updated ETAs. Our dispatch team proactively reroutes drivers around road bans and traffic issues. For weather-related delays during Alberta's winter months, we provide heated trailers for temperature-sensitive cargo and maintain continuous monitoring for sudden blizzard advisories. No additional charges apply for weather-related delays or route changes.

We provide specialized oil and gas logistics including rapid delivery of critical equipment to remote drilling sites, emergency pipeline valve and sensor transport, and fracking fluid additive deliveries directly to active rigs. Our drivers are certified in H2S safety protocols and hazardous material handling, reducing equipment idle time by an average of 68%. We maintain dedicated routes to Fort McMurray and other major energy hubs with average emergency response times of 3.5 hours.

For construction projects, we offer just-in-time material delivery for steel beams, concrete forms, and specialized tools with our flatbeds accommodating oversized loads up to 48 feet. Manufacturing support includes CNC machine parts, production-line modules, and temperature-controlled components delivered to minimize inventory costs while ensuring operations never miss a beat. We use geofencing alerts for construction site arrivals and dock scheduling to minimize manufacturing line stoppages.

Our agricultural services include delivery of veterinary supplies, seed stock, and harvesting components during critical farming seasons. We transport combine harvesters and irrigation system parts using our 30-foot goosenecks, with seasonal priority scheduling during harvest time. Our drivers have extensive knowledge of rural access routes and understand the time-sensitive nature of agricultural operations, especially during planting and harvest seasons.