Ever heard of the term “hot load?” No, it’s not a loaded hot dog, but that sounds delicious. A “hot load” involves hauling smaller, time-sensitive loads within a specific timeframe.
No matter how dangerous it may be or what the time constraints are for delivery, many truckers fall victim to the charms of the devilish “hot load” because hey – who doesn’t want more money? Well, have you ever heard the phrase "more money, more problems?” This is one of those situations.
So, if you’ve ever heard a dispatcher tell you this is a “hot load,” you may be entitled to compensation from court ordered trusts that have been set aside for – HOLD UP! I’m just kidding. But, seriously you have been the victim of their devious scheme to get you to do what they want. Don’t you hate that? This hot potato of a load is too hot for you not to move and so you do. This load is also so hot that you must get it there - yesterday!
Call Marty McFly and the Doc and fire up the DeLorean, because it’s time to move this “hot load” and fast.
Well, let’s say you move it, and while you were so focused on getting through the rush hour traffic and racing at a break-neck pace that you started operating your truck unsafely - GASP! Now you’re stuck with speeding violations, maybe you even got pulled over and had to have a delightful little conversation with a DOT officer! Was it worth it? Probably not. Can you think of anything worse? Oh, just wait – there’s more (evil laugh echoes).
Imagine going through all that to show up with the load on time and have the shipper tell you that he was expecting it to be delivered the following afternoon. But hey- risking life and limb while challenging all posted speed limits to deliver loads on time is what life is all about, isn’t it? No, no, never- it totally isn’t!
Don’t be fooled by brokers and shippers, their tricks like the “hot load,” are what is best for their pockets, not yours. Safety violations and fines can add up and that’s nothing compared to the cost of your medical bills if you get into an accident. Not to mention your truck’s doctor visits (i.e. the repair shop), yeah those ain’t cheap! So, I guess it’s safe to say the money may not always be worth the trouble, especially if the delivery time constraints are pushing you into the danger zone, Maverick- or are you Iceman? Anyway, if any of this sounds like you, and you’re tired of pulling pop and stops just to keep a “hot load” out of your crosshairs, then talk to our friends at Drive Logistics. They can help you get better rates for the same loads that you already move.