In A Hurry For A Product? Try Hot Shot Trucking.

January 11, 2023

As supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic continue to ease, businesses are picking up production. That means the need for adequate and timely shipping and delivery of products is in high demand. For many jobs, lighter-than-truckload (LTL) shipments are an efficient way of getting goods to their final destination.


LTL truckers generally will have two or more individual loads on one large truck, using a hub-and-spoke method to relay products across the state or around the country. However, as the demand for better supply line efficiency has grown, so has the demand for more and faster shipping options.


Today, many companies are willing to pay a slight premium for a more customized solution. ‘Hot Shot Trucking’ – using smaller vehicles (pick-up trucks, SUVs or Sprinter vans, for example) to take a vital shipment directly to the buyer – has become a larger part of the LTL industry.


Hot Shot Truckers are usually owner-operators who bid for jobs in an online portal. While it is an efficient way for those needing transport for products and those able to provide that transport to find each other, there are some key factors that need to be determined before finalizing a job.


Pre-Planning the Route

Proper planning of the route is a crucial step. Operators need to check for road closures, bad weather and chronic traffic disruptions along their proposed route. If it looks like there might be a problem, they should determine alternate routes ahead of the trip to make sure the delivery gets to its destination in the necessary timeframe.


Proper Vehicle Maintenance

Since even a minor breakdown can cause problems with a scheduled delivery, it greatly benefits every hot shot trucking operator to take excellent and consistent care of their vehicles.


A Fair and Accurate Shipping Estimate

Every company needs the ability to accurately plan budgets and timelines, so securing an on-target, in-writing estimate for your hot shot delivery is important. Hot shot trucking jobs are usually quoted as a flat rate, depending on factors like the size of the load, what type of vehicle will be necessary to carry it, and the mileage required to get from the original to the planned destination.


While standard LTL shipping is still usually a more economic way of moving product, hot shot trucking operators are a great option for delivering products in a customized-to-you timeframe.


Need Industrial Hoses or Hydraulic Fitting Solutions Fast?

In addition to our timely and trusted standard delivery methods, Action Supply -- a leader in providing the highest quality industrial hoses and hydraulic fitting solutions – offers hot shot trucking to get key products to our customers quickly and safely. All of our products are designed with dependable, industrial-strength materials and are crafted to withstand the most rigorous industrial conditions. 

 

In this industry, the need for the right product at the right time is often essential to larger projects moving forward. We have a well-developed hot shot trucking service that meets all the criteria discussed above. You can rely on Action Supply to get you the right product – fast! Contact us today for a quote.

October 22, 2025
In the world of industrial supply, especially when it comes to hydraulic hoses and fittings, what truly sets a provider apart isn’t just product stock. It’s relationships . At Action Supply, we’ve built our business over four decades on more than inventory: we’ve built it on reliability, responsiveness, and customers trusting us as their go-to partner. The Local Partner Advantage Faster turnaround : Local on-site hose assemblies, quick access to inventory, and the ability to respond when downtime is unacceptable. We work hard to complete your projects with higher quality and fast turn around times. Better communication : You’re dealing with a team that knows your region, your industry, and your challenges—not a generic call center. Inventory you can count on : When your partner manages stock on-site or nearby, you’re less likely to face costly delays. Action Supply offers inventory management services to keep critical parts ready when you need them. Service & Support That Make the Difference Here’s how we add value for our customers year-round: Custom Hose Assemblies On-Site : We don’t just stock hoses; we build them to spec, on-site, matching exact lengths, fittings, and ratings so there’s no guess-work or field fabrication headaches. Consultation & Technical Guidance : Hydraulic systems are complex. We help customers select the right hose, fitting, and coupling for factors like pressure, fluid compatibility, abrasion, and environment. Speed When It Counts : Downtime kills productivity. Having a local partner means faster pick-up, faster delivery, and in many cases, faster problem resolution because we’re already on-site or nearby. Proactive Inventory Planning : From planned maintenance to emergency response, we partner with customers to anticipate needs rather than just react. A true partnership means fewer surprises. A Long-Term View: Why Trust Matters Relationships are built on consistency over time. At Action Supply, our “we’ve worked hard for over 40 years” mindset means we place value on being there for our customers today…and five, ten, twenty years down the road. That long-term presence gives customers the confidence to count on us for standard supply, for emergency replacement, and for growth scale-up. When you know your supply partner will show up, send the right part, understand your system, and back it with service, you’re not just buying hoses or fittings. You’re buying peace of mind. How to Make the Most of Your Supply Partner Here are a few actions to ensure your local supply relationship delivers maximum value: Treat them as part of your team : Share your upcoming projects, shutdown schedules, and maintenance plans with your supply partner. Engage early : Instead of reaching out only when a hose fails, loop in your supply partner during planning or design phases. Keep open communication : Share what matters to you (lead time, budget constraints, delivery windows) and let them tailor service accordingly. Leverage their expertise : Ask questions about alternatives, better materials, and long-term cost savings.  In industrial operations, margins are tight, downtime is costly, and every component matters. At Action Supply, we believe relationships matter because when you win, we win. And when you’re up against the clock, facing tough specs, or dealing with complex hydraulic systems, you’ll appreciate having a partner who’s local, dedicated, and backed by decades of experience.
September 17, 2025
When uptime, safety, and fluid integrity matter, choosing the correct fitting is the difference between a reliable system and unexpected downtime. The right fitting ensures a leak-free seal, matches pressure and fluid compatibility, and simplifies serviceability in the field. Action Supply builds and manages custom hose assemblies daily and can help match fittings to your exact application. Material Selection: Match the Environment Material choice impacts corrosion resistance, strength, and cost. Stainless steel (316 where marine exposure or salt spray is present) offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength for structural or submerged fittings. Brass is economical and machinable, and performs well in many freshwater or general industrial applications, but can corrode faster in saline environments. Choose material based on fluid chemistry, temperature, and exposure to salt or corrosives. A Practical Checklist for Choosing Fittings Identify the media: hydraulic oil, freshwater, saltwater, chemical — materials and sealing change accordingly. Confirm pressure & temperature ratings: match fittings and hose to the system’s max working and burst pressures. Match thread type and size: NPT ≠ BSP — use thread gauges or manufacturer tables if unsure. Choose sealing method: metal-to-metal (37° JIC/AN), ORFS face-seal, or thread-seal (NPT + tape/compound). Account for serviceability: will techs need to disconnect often? Choose fittings that tolerate repeated assembly. Plan for corrosion: in marine or corrosive environments choose 316 stainless, bronze, or specially coated parts. Document and label: record part numbers, thread specs, and orientation to remove guesswork on replacements. Installation & Testing Tips Use the correct torque spec for the fitting type; overtightening can damage seals or distort threads. For ORFS, always replace O-rings during reassembly and inspect sealing surfaces for nicks. For pipe threads (NPT), use appropriate thread sealant or PTFE tape and apply properly (direction, number of wraps). Pressure-test new assemblies at the manufacturer-recommended proof pressure before returning equipment to service. When to Call the Experts at Action Supply If your job is complex (mixed standards on site, high-pressure hydraulic systems, or marine installations), bring the assembly to the shop or have Action Supply’s on-site team build and verify the assembly. We offer on-site hose assemblies, inventory management, and industry-grade fittings (including Eaton/Weatherhead hoses and couplings) so you get the right part and verified performance the first time. Call (281) 315-3841 or use our contact form to request on-site assembly or inventory support.
August 11, 2025
Avoid costly downtime this peak season. Learn 5 key warning signs your hydraulic hoses need replacing to keep your equipment safe and productive.