Hot Shot Trucking

You might find a cheaper trailer on the market, but you won’t find one that will run as hard and as long.

Hot shot hauling demands a trailer that can balance strength, capacity, and weight efficiency without slowing down your operation. Buckeye Trailers builds hotshot trailers for professional haulers who need dependable equipment for frequent trips, commercial freight, equipment, and other time-sensitive loads. Our lineup includes 40-foot gooseneck hotshot trailers designed around the needs of today’s independent operators and commercial haulers, giving you a purpose-built platform for putting your truck to work.

Get a Quick Quote

Call Now

Text Now

Get a Quick Quote

Get Financing

PRODUCT LINEUP

Our Hot Shot Trucking

Browse our full lineup of Hot Shot Trucking. Each model is engineered with our signature truss frame, extreme-duty suspension, and HD Dexter axles — built to perform trip after trip.

Aluminum Gooseneck Flatbed

For those hauling oversized loads, the Aluminum Gooseneck Flatbed delivers the stability and capacity needed for heavy machinery transport. The gooseneck design improves weight distribution and maneuverability compared to bumper-pull trailers, making it a preferred choice for equipment dealers and construction crews. Long aluminum ramps rated for serious weight simplify loading skid steers, excavators, and other heavy equipment, while the aluminum finish keeps maintenance low over the long haul.

Empty Weight: 5,700 lbs
GVWR: 12,000 – 17,500 lbs (Optional Higher GVWR with Axle Upgrades)
Payload: 7,000 – 11,800 lbs
Deck Length: 40′ | Deck Width: 102″
Deck Height: 35″
Axles: Tandem 8K Heavy-Duty Lippert Axle
Coupler: 2 5/16″ Ball
Suspension: Heavy-Duty Slipper Spring with 48″ Axle Spread
Ramps: 10′ Aluminum Ramps Rated for 10,000 lb
Finish: Aluminum
Warranty: 2-Year Structural Frame

View Aluminum Gooseneck Flatbed

Max Light 40′ Gooseneck Flatbed

Designed for hotshot haulers who want to stay under CDL requirements, the Max Light 40′ Gooseneck Flatbed NON/CDL Hotshot maximizes usable payload while keeping the trailer itself light. Aluminum ramps simplify loading, making this an efficient choice for owner-operators running non-CDL routes who need dependable capacity without added licensing hurdles.

Empty Weight: 6,500 lbs
GVWR: 12,000 – 17,500 lbs
Payload: 7,000 – 11,700 lbs
Deck Length: 40′ | Deck Width: 96″ (When Ordered with 10K SS It Comes 102″ Wide)
Axles: Tandem 8K Heavy-Duty Lippert Axle
Coupler: 2″ x 5/16″ Ball
Suspension: Heavy-Duty Slipper Spring with 48″ Axle Spread
Ramps: 10′ Aluminum Ramps Rated for 10,000 lbs
Finish: Automotive-Grade Epoxy Primer with Two Top Coats of Industrial Urethane
Warranty: 2-Year Structural Frame

View MAX Light 40' Gooseneck Flatbed

WHY Hot Shot Trucking?

Why Haulers Choose Hot Shot Trucking

Hot shot hauling demands a trailer that can balance strength, capacity, and weight efficiency without slowing down your operation. Buckeye Trailers builds hotshot trailers for professional haulers who need dependable equipment for frequent trips, commercial freight, equipment, and other time-sensitive loads. Our lineup includes 40-foot gooseneck hotshot trailers designed around the needs of today’s independent operators and commercial haulers, giving you a purpose-built platform for putting your truck to work.

The right hotshot trailer can help you make the most of your available payload while giving you the deck length and stability needed for demanding freight transportation. Buckeye’s Max Light and aluminum gooseneck hotshot trailers combine lightweight construction with heavy-duty engineering to give haulers practical options for commercial hauling. With Non-CDL options available, these trailers can be an excellent fit for operators who want to build an efficient hot shot trucking operation around a compatible truck and properly configured load. Always verify your specific truck, trailer, and loaded combination against applicable weight and licensing requirements.

WHY BUCKEYE

Why Haulers Choose Buckeye Trailers

A lot of trailer manufacturers will tell you they build a quality product. Here’s what actually sets Buckeye apart.

01 Built for Hot Shot Trucking

Buckeye’s hotshot trailers are designed specifically for the demands of commercial hauling. The Max Light 40′ Gooseneck Flatbed is positioned as a Non-CDL gooseneck freight trailer with a 16,000-pound GVWR, giving professional operators a purpose-built option for hot shot freight hauling.

02 Lightweight Design

In hot shot hauling, trailer weight matters. A lighter trailer can give you more flexibility with available payload while helping you make efficient use of your truck and trailer combination. Buckeye’s Max Light and aluminum gooseneck options are designed with weight efficiency in mind, giving professional haulers alternatives to heavier traditional trailer construction.

03 40-Foot Gooseneck Platform

A 40-foot gooseneck trailer gives hot shot operators substantial deck space without stepping into the size of a full-length commercial semi-trailer. The gooseneck connection also creates a stable towing configuration well suited for commercial freight and other demanding loads.

04 Non-CDL Options

Buckeye offers Non-CDL trailer configurations designed for operators who want to build a hot shot hauling operation around a compatible pickup and trailer combination. The Max Light 40′ Gooseneck Flatbed is listed as a 16,000 GVWR Non-CDL trailer.

Important: CDL requirements depend on the complete combination of vehicle, trailer, GVWR/GCWR, actual loaded weight, and applicable regulations. Always confirm your specific setup before operating commercially.

05 Aluminum Options for Weight Efficiency

For haulers focused on reducing empty trailer weight, an aluminum gooseneck hotshot trailer can provide an attractive alternative to traditional steel construction. Aluminum construction can help reduce trailer weight while providing a durable platform for commercial freight hauling, making it a practical choice for operators who prioritize payload efficiency.

06 American-Made Craftsmanship

Buckeye Trailers is built around American manufacturing and a commitment to durable hauling equipment. From lightweight Max Light gooseneck freight trailers to aluminum hotshot configurations, Buckeye focuses on building trailers that professional operators can put to work day after day.

WHO WE BUILD

Built for Professional Haulers

Our wedge car trailers are purpose-built for people who haul vehicles for a living.

Built for Professional Haulers

Hot shot hauling isn’t just about owning a truck and trailer—it’s about having equipment capable of supporting a business. Buckeye builds hotshot trailers for independent operators, freight haulers, contractors, and commercial professionals who depend on their equipment to keep loads moving.

Independent Hot Shot Haulers

Build your hauling business around equipment designed for frequent commercial use. Buckeye’s 40-foot gooseneck hotshot trailers give independent operators a purpose-built platform for moving freight and taking on demanding loads.

Freight & Cargo Haulers

When customers need freight moved quickly, you need a trailer that is ready for the job. Buckeye’s gooseneck freight trailers provide the open deck space and hauling versatility needed for commercial freight transportation.

Contractors & Equipment Operators

Hotshot hauling isn’t limited to traditional freight. Contractors and equipment operators can use a capable gooseneck flatbed to transport materials, machinery, tools, and jobsite equipment between locations.

Small Fleet Owners

As your hauling operation grows, your equipment needs to grow with it. Buckeye hotshot trailers give small fleet operators lightweight and heavy-duty options that can be matched to different trucks, drivers, and hauling requirements.

Owner-Operators Focused on Efficiency

When you’re responsible for your own truck, trailer, fuel, maintenance, and loads, efficiency matters. Buckeye’s lightweight hotshot trailer options are designed for operators who want to make the most of their available payload while maintaining a durable commercial hauling platform.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Shot Trucking

Q: What truck do I need for hot shot trucking?

Hot shot truckers commonly use Class 3, Class 4, or Class 5 trucks. Examples include the Ford F-350/F-450/F-550, Chevrolet Silverado 3500/4500/5500, and GMC Sierra 3500/4500/5500. The right truck depends on your trailer, cargo, GVWR, and intended operation.

Q: Do I need a CDL for hot shot trucking?

It depends on the combined GVWR of your truck and trailer. A CDL is generally required when the combination exceeds 26,000 pounds GVWR. Non-CDL configurations may be possible when the combination stays below the applicable threshold, but other federal and state requirements can still apply.

Q: What type of trailer is best for hot shot trucking?

The best trailer depends on what you haul and how you operate. Common options include gooseneck, bumper pull, tilt-deck, lowboy, and dovetail trailers. Gooseneck trailers are popular because of their stability and maneuverability, while tilt-deck trailers can make loading wheeled or heavy equipment easier.

Q: What are the advantages of a lightweight hot shot trailer?

A lighter trailer can leave more available payload capacity while still providing the durability needed for commercial hauling. For example, Buckeye’s Max Light 40′ Gooseneck Flatbed weighs approximately 6,500 pounds and is available with a standard 16,000-pound GVWR or an optional 20,000-pound GVWR.

Q: What can I haul with a hot shot trailer?

Hot shot trailers can be used for a wide variety of smaller, expedited freight loads. Depending on your trailer and equipment, applications can include equipment, freight, vehicles, and other time-sensitive cargo.

Q: Do non-CDL hot shot drivers need an ELD?

A non-CDL operation may still be subject to federal HOS and ELD requirements unless a specific exemption applies. Your operation should be evaluated based on the applicable FMCSA rules and exemptions.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

What Our Customers Are Saying

Hands down the best trailer manufacturer in the business. From the build quality to customer service, I feel Buckeye trailers are the best in the market!

BUCKEYE TRAILERS!!! Can not say enough good things about this company!! From the sales team making sure your build is exactly what you need, to the fabricators that build an outstanding product that performs even better!! Will definitely be buying another trailer from them!!

Very happy with the trailer I purchased. I was able to talk with the owner of Buckeye. He was very informative and was able to accommodate everything that I needed for my trailer. I will definitely return for another trailer from this company. Also, the quality is excellent.

Ready to Put a Hot Shot Trucking to Work?

Whether you’re buying your first Air Ride Trailer or adding to an existing fleet, our team is ready to help you find the right fit. Browse our Ultra Max lineup, get a quick quote online, or call and talk to a trailer specialist directly.