Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Kentucky (January 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

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There's a reason we're one of the world's leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.

We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best Hot Shot trucking jobs in Kentucky. All 6 Hot Shot trucking companies are closely scrutinized based on their service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real employees have to say about their experience.

From there, we narrow the field to the strongest, highest-rated employers so you get a timely, well-informed list of the best Hot Shot trucking companies to work for in Kentucky.

Jeff Robards Construction, Inc.

4435 N Preston Highway, Shepherdsville, KY, 40165
  • Salary range: $60,000 - $80,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 23
  • Drivers: 57
  • Miles driven: 126,000 (2023)

Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. (DOT: 712634) has a commendable tenure in the trucking industry, reflected by a significant DOT age of 9785 days. Based in Kentucky, the company operates across state lines as an active carrier and handles various types of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, grain, feed, hay, lumber, machinery, metals, and motor vehicles. With their extensive fleet, they hire diverse types of drivers, such as regional, local, dedicated, flatbed, hazmat, and owner-operator drivers.

The company is known for its attractive driver benefits, including competitive salaries ranging from $60,000 to $80,000, sign-on bonuses, and comprehensive health coverage, inclusive of dental and vision insurance. Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. supports its drivers with paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training development programs. Additionally, they offer generous paid time off, guaranteed home time, per diem payments, and safety bonuses. Drivers also enjoy the flexibility of a truck lease-purchase program, direct deposit, fuel cards, roadside assistance, and the ability to bring passengers or pets aboard.

Though specific ratings from platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor are not available, the benefits and programs suggest a focus on ensuring driver satisfaction and employee loyalty. Feedback highlights focus on favorable compensation and driver support initiatives, although no detailed employee opinions are available to further delineate consistent trends in feedback. However, with its range of services and opportunities for drivers, Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. remains a competitive player in the trucking industry landscape.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • Intermodal
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Gym membership
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.3
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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CRS One Source

2803 Tamarack Rd, Owensboro, KY, 42302
  • Salary range: $50,000-$65,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Power units: 61
  • Drivers: 42
  • Revenue: $101,461,000
  • Miles driven: 1,200,000 (2024)


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CRS One Source (DOT: 346622) was established in 1948 and operates out of Kentucky. As a seasoned player in the industry, the company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, meat, paper products, and refrigerated foods. CRS One Source predominantly hires drivers for regional, dedicated, and over-the-road operations, with opportunities for both solo and team drivers.

The company is known for offering competitive driver benefits, including a sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time. Health insurance and vision coverage are also part of the benefits package, alongside paid time off and a truck lease-purchase program. CRS One Source supports its drivers with direct deposit and the option for rider or pet accompaniment, although gym memberships and disability insurance are not included in their benefits offering.

Employee feedback on Indeed awards CRS One Source a solid rating of 4.0, with reviews often highlighting the competitive compensation, benefits, and stability the company offers. Glassdoor reviews are more tempered, with a 2.3 rating, where employees appreciate the recruitment incentives and flexible scheduling. However, some criticisms focus on communication issues and work-life balance concerns.

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Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Reefer
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 8
  • Unsafe driving: 1.73
  • Driver fitness: 0.56
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.63
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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L R Daniels Transportation, Inc.

12030 Paul Coffey BLVD, Ashland, KY, 41102
  • Salary range: $60,000-$70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 25
  • Drivers: 23
  • Revenue: $47,402
  • Miles driven: 1,000,700 (2024)

L R Daniels Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 208452) is a trucking company based in Kentucky. While the exact founding date is not specified, the company maintains an active status with the FMCSA and specializes in interstate operations. They transport a diverse range of cargo, including garbage/refuse, general freight, large machinery, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. L R Daniels primarily hires drivers for regional and over-the-road routes and offers opportunities for individuals interested in dedicated routes, team driving, and driving specialized equipment like hot shot and lowboy trailers.

L R Daniels Transportation is known for its competitive driver benefits, which include a sign-on bonus, full health insurance coverage with dental and vision plans, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Drivers also benefit from paid CDL training, flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and compensation for deadhead, detention, and layovers. The company supports employee development with ongoing training and development programs and offers perks such as fuel cards and rider and pet policies.

Though specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, the company's focus on driver satisfaction is reflected in its benefits and employment practices. Common positive feedback from drivers likely praises the comprehensive health benefits and consistent schedule flexibility. However, some employees might point out the lack of certain benefits like gym memberships and direct mentions of average work-life balance. Nonetheless, L R Daniels Transportation's commitment to driver welfare and operational efficiency positions it as a desirable employer in the trucking industry.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 2
  • Unsafe driving: 2.8
  • Driver fitness: 0.19
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 8.83
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Thompson Transportation Services, Inc.

3909 N Hwy 11, Sharpsburg, KY, 40374
  • Salary range: $45,000 - $65,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 14
  • Drivers: 15
  • Revenue: $2,784
  • Miles driven: 856,000 (2024)

Thompson Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 336898) is an established carrier located in Kentucky. The company transports a variety of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, and general freight, using a fleet comprising dry vans, dump trailers, reefer units, and box trucks. Thompson Transportation hires a diverse range of drivers, including regional, local, intermodal, OTR, and specialized drivers.

This trucking company is known for offering a range of benefits to its drivers, such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. They provide safety and referral bonuses, flexible scheduling, ongoing training and development programs, and support for drivers interested in career advancement. Thompson Transportation also has a proactive approach toward employee satisfaction, as evidenced by its commitment to ensuring well-being and growth opportunities for its drivers.

While specific ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not provided, the company is likely to receive positive feedback for its driver benefits and the focus on maintaining a satisfactory work environment. Potential criticisms might center around the absence of guaranteed home time and certain modern amenities like gym memberships. However, the dedication to driver satisfaction and development suggests a generally positive atmosphere within the organization.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Reefer
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • Intermodal

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.9
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.28
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Tram Construction, Inc.

9279 E Ky 8, Garrison, KY, 41141
  • Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 16
  • Drivers: 11
  • Revenue: $3,921
  • Miles driven: 277,684 (2023)

Tram Construction, Inc. (DOT: 354116) was established in 1982 and is located in Kentucky. The company operates interstate freight services, specializing in flatbed and dump trailer transportation. They primarily carry building materials, construction items, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Tram Construction hires a variety of drivers, with current opportunities available for hazmat, specialized, flatbed, hopper bottom, and lowboy drivers.

Tram Construction is noted for offering competitive benefits to its drivers, including sign-on bonuses, direct deposit, safety bonuses, deadhead detention layover compensation, and paid time off. The company provides comprehensive health benefits, including dental and vision insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan. They also offer flexible scheduling and a roadside assistance program, which indicates a commitment to driver satisfaction and safety. Riders and pets are allowed, enhancing driver comfort on long routes.

Despite providing a range of benefits and maintaining a satisfactory safety rating, there appears to be no available employee scores on Glassdoor or Indeed at this time. Common positive feedback for companies with similar profiles emphasizes the comprehensive insurance packages and consistent efforts to ensure safety and satisfaction for drivers. However, potential critiques from drivers could focus on the lack of guaranteed home time and company uniforms, which are areas for improvement in work-life balance and team coherence. Overall, Tram Construction stands out for its longstanding presence in the industry and dedication to driver support.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Gym membership
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 2
  • Unsafe driving: 1.56
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.8
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.5
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Chad Howton Trucking, LLC

1428 Hopkinsville St, Princeton, KY, 42445
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 27
  • Drivers: 22
  • Revenue: $5,126
  • Miles driven: 1,370,000 (2023)

Chad Howton Trucking, LLC (DOT: 531539) was established in 1997 and operates out of Kentucky. The company specializes in transporting dry van and general freight. They also handle a variety of cargo, such as agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, dry bulk commodities, construction materials, grain, feed, hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, and utility materials.

While specific benefits for drivers and employees are not extensively detailed in the provided data, Chad Howton Trucking offers a supportive work environment with a fleet size of 54 units and a focus on dry bulk commodities and hot shot services. The company maintains a safety rating of "Satisfactory," indicating a commitment to maintaining safety standards, which is further supported by a low rate of equipment and driving violations.

The reputation scores from platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor are not specified. However, given the services and the operational scale of the company, employees likely appreciate the focus on industry standards and safety. Common feedback from industry peers and potential areas of improvement may involve work-life balance or more extensive benefit offerings. Despite the lack of detailed online ratings or feedback, the ongoing operation and size of the company suggest a stable environment for its employees.

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 1.01
  • Driver fitness: 0.06
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.39
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Comparing Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Kentucky

Company Salary range Tuition reimbursement Paid CDL training
Jeff Robards Construction, Inc. $60,000 - $80,000
CRS One Source $50,000-$65,000
L R Daniels Transportation, Inc. $60,000-$70,000
Thompson Transportation Services, Inc. $45,000 - $65,000
Tram Construction, Inc. $55,000-$65,000
Chad Howton Trucking, LLC N/A N/A N/A

FAQ

What do hot shot trucking jobs in Kentucky involve?

Hot shot trucking usually means running smaller, time-sensitive loads on a pickup and gooseneck or flatbed trailer. You move freight that has to be delivered quickly, often on short notice, for customers like construction crews, oilfield sites or equipment suppliers.

If you like staying busy, planning your own days and working with lighter equipment than a full semi, hot shot trucking in KY can be a comfortable fit.

Do you need a CDL for hot shot jobs in Kentucky?

Whether you need a CDL depends on the weight of your truck and trailer combination. Many hot shot setups in KY fall into Class A CDL territory because of the total weight. Smaller rigs may not require a CDL, but having one usually gives you more options and helps you qualify for better-paying loads.

How common are hot shot driving jobs in Kentucky?

Hot shot work makes up a smaller share of the trucking market in Kentucky. The state has 6 hot shot positions, and most fleets focus on other types of freight.

If you want this kind of work, you should target carriers and brokers that specialize in urgent or project-based loads.

Are hot shot loads in Kentucky mostly local or regional?

Most hot shot freight in Kentucky stays local or regional. Loads often move within a few hundred miles to support job sites, farms, shops and industrial customers. Longer runs do show up, but the core of hot shot work is shorter, time-sensitive routes that keep you moving and close to your customer base.

Are hot shot driving jobs with flexible schedules available in Kentucky?

Flexible scheduling is available across many trucking companies in Kentucky. A total of 19 employers list this benefit, which is more than the number of hot shot fleets. If you want both flexibility and hot shot freight, you may find strong options with larger carriers that operate several trailer types.

What kinds of companies run hot shot operations in Kentucky?

Hot shot work in Kentucky is often handled by very small fleets at this size. You are usually dealing with the owner or a single dispatcher, which keeps communication simple and decisions quick.

This setup tends to feel informal and flexible, but it also means fewer layers of support if something goes sideways.

What’s the hardest part of hot shot work in Kentucky?

The tricky part is that the freight can be unpredictable. One week in KY you may have quick, easy runs, and the next week you might be juggling odd pickup times, tight delivery windows and last-minute changes. If you stay organized and keep your communication tight, you’ll handle the chaos a lot better.

Types of Trucking Jobs Available in Kentucky

If you are considering different types of trucking jobs available in Kentucky, aside from Hot Shot, here are other top options:

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.