Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Maine (April 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert
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Best Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Maine

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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 Maine. All 2 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 Maine.

PEP Transportation

32 Prescott St, Gardiner, ME, 4345
  • Salary range: $70,000 - $90,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 85
  • Drivers: 102
  • Revenue: $4,060,000
  • Miles driven: 3,243,845 (2024)

PEP Transportation (DOT: 25286) was founded in 1955 and operates out of Gardiner, Maine. The company is strategically located in the northeastern United States, providing services as a broker and carrier. PEP specializes in carrying diverse cargo types, including building materials, construction equipment, machinery, metal sheets, logs, poles, beams, and other large items. The company hires a variety of drivers, with opportunities available for regional, local, flatbed, reefer, and hazmat drivers.

PEP Transportation is known for its attractive driver benefits, including a sign-on bonus, paid CDL training, and ongoing professional development programs. Their comprehensive benefits package includes life insurance, health insurance with dental and vision coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off. The company also offers flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and pay advances, making it a desirable workplace for drivers. Notably, PEP provides financial incentives like driver referral bonuses, deadhead detention and layover compensation, and a truck lease-purchase program for aspiring owner-operators.

The company boasts perfect employee ratings on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, each scoring 5.0. Employees praise the company for its competitive compensation, supportive work culture, and comprehensive benefits. Positive feedback highlights the company’s commitment to employee satisfaction and professional growth. However, common criticisms include limited work-life balance, with some reviews noting challenges related to time away from home. Despite this, PEP Transportation is well-regarded in the industry for its safety standards, competitive pay, and positive workplace environment.

Driver Options

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

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
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 0.41
  • Driver fitness: 0.18
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.55
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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P A F Transportation

75 Postal Service Way, Scarborough, ME, 4074
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 48
  • Drivers: 73
  • Revenue: $6,653
  • Miles driven: 4,749,000 (2024)

P A F Transportation (DOT: 192141) operates as a reputable carrier with an active USDOT status. Although the exact founding date isn't specified, the company is located in Scarborough, Maine. P A F Transportation specializes in carrying a variety of cargo, including beverages, general freight, and paper products. Their fleet includes flatbed and dry van trucks, allowing them to handle a diverse range of shipping needs. The company actively hires drivers for both solo and team driving opportunities.

P A F Transportation offers several benefits aimed at enhancing driver and employee satisfaction. These include safety bonuses and comprehensive health insurance, though coverage for dental and vision isn't provided. Employees value the company's commitment to providing a safe working environment, as evidenced by its "Satisfactory" safety rating and well-maintained equipment. However, there is room for improvement in expanding driver benefits, such as offering retirement plans or guaranteed home time, which are not currently mentioned.

While there are no specific employee reviews on Glassdoor or Indeed provided here, the general practice in the industry shows that similar companies score well for safety and work environment, although they may face criticism regarding work-life balance and scheduling consistency. The absence of specific ratings suggests that P A F Transportation might benefit from fostering clearer communication channels with their staff to ensure feedback is actively addressed.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory

  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 0.25
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.96
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 1
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Comparing Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Maine

Company Salary range Tuition reimbursement Paid CDL training
PEP Transportation $70,000 - $90,000 ✓ ✓
P A F Transportation N/A N/A N/A

FAQ

What do hot shot trucking jobs in Maine 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 ME can be a comfortable fit.

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

Whether you need a CDL depends on the weight of your truck and trailer combination. Many hot shot setups in ME 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 Maine?

Hot shot work makes up a smaller share of the trucking market in Maine. The state has 2 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 Maine mostly local or regional?

Most hot shot freight in Maine 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 Maine?

Flexible scheduling is available across many trucking companies in Maine. A total of 8 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 Maine?

Hot shot work in Maine 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 Maine?

The tricky part is that the freight can be unpredictable. One week in ME 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 Maine

If you are considering different types of trucking jobs available in Maine, 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.