Are you interested in subleasing big truck services and are not sure if you understand hot shot trucking? The term is commonly used in fields like oil and gas drilling and refers to subleasing a truck for jobs A.K.A. hotshot trucking. If you want to learn more about this style of doing business and how it can improve your next emergency situation, keep reading. If you need a quote, want to rent a hot shot truck or have more questions, give MEC Services a call.
What is a hotshot truck for oil and gas drilling?
In short, a hot shot truck will be anything from a pickup truck all the way up to, but excluding, an 18-wheeler. This subleased vehicle also includes a driver that has all the proper certifications to meet your project inspection goals. The reason it is called a hotshot vehicle is due to the fact that they are prompt when there is a crisis, and saving time is inevitably saving money in the oil drilling industry.
Why hotshot trucks save money
When an oil rig is not working because it needs repair, the downtime can cost a drilling company significantly. To say the oil industry depends on hotshot vehicles is an understatement. Not only do hotshot vehicles and drivers have the speed the industry needs to get repairs done as quickly as possible for deliveries to be on-time, but they also fit insurance or taxation requirements due to the fact they are independent and not employees.
How hotshot companies operate
When a rig is down, there may be parts at other drilling areas that need to be transported to the breakdown area as quickly as possible. They can also pick up the part from the oilfield parts warehouse or the drilling company property. Generally speaking, the parts that are usually moved by hotshots are drill collars, rotor blades, directional drilling mud motors, pipes, mud pump parts and drill lines.
High-end services associated with hotshot companies
There are several unique features that you will see on hotshot trucks that differ from semi-tractor trailer trucks or 18-wheeler trucks. For example, most hotshot companies have trucks with extra fuel tanks on the sides in case the job locations are far from civilization. Most hotshot companies also have a series of specific vehicles. For instance, they will employ a one-ton or dual axle smaller truck that runs on diesel to provide a great deal of pulling power and starting torque. They will also typically have one flat-bed truck to access rigs with close quarters and a low turn ratio. All hotshot companies with full-service will also have a large number of trailers that can carry ratings for up to 30,000 pounds and lengths of up to 40’.
Choose professional, certified hotshot drivers
Having the right truck is only part of the equation and the other way to make each of your projects add up is with a certified driver. When a trailer is being hauled by a hot shot truck of any size, having a driver with a CDL is important. In Texas, hot shot drivers must have a TXDOT registered document. Long-distance hotshot driving or transporting situations may require the FMCSA or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (formerly the ICC) to travel over state lines. In the field, hotshot drivers should show up at the rig with safety glasses, steel toed boots, and an ANSI approved hard hat.