Hot Shot Driver Jobs in North Carolina (January 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

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We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best Hot Shot trucking jobs in North Carolina. All 4 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 North Carolina.

Cargo Transporters

3390 North Oxford St, Claremont, NC, 28610
  • Salary range: $52,000-$68,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 502
  • Drivers: 530
  • Revenue: $67,482,000
  • Miles driven: 53,700,000 (2024)


Cargo Transporters (DOT: 257768) is a well-established freight carrier headquartered in North Carolina. The company offers a broad range of transportation services, with a fleet size of over 1000 vehicles, ensuring the efficient movement of various types of cargo. They specialize in transporting general freight, beverages, building materials, construction equipment, grain feed hay, metals such as sheets, coils, and rolls, and paper products. Cargo Transporters employs a diverse array of drivers, including regional, over-the-road (OTR), hazmat, local, and specialized drivers, supporting complex logistics needs with a well-rounded team.

Cargo Transporters is committed to attractive employee benefits and compensation packages that reflect their focus on driver satisfaction. The company provides comprehensive health insurance, which includes dental and vision coverage, along with life and disability insurance. Additional perks for drivers include safety bonuses, guaranteed home time, a truck lease purchase program, paid CDL training, per diem payments, fuel cards, and ongoing training and development programs to promote continuous career growth. They also offer flexible scheduling and support their employees with a retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, and a unique stock ownership plan.

On Glassdoor, Cargo Transporters has achieved a favorable rating of 4.2, with employees praising their competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for professional advancement, and a safety-centric company culture. Their Indeed score stands at 3.6, with positive feedback frequently highlighting supportive management and reliable equipment. However, some common criticisms center around work-life balance, with staff noting challenges in home time consistency and occasionally high-stress workloads. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment reflects a positive workplace environment driven by commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • 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: 40
  • Unsafe driving: 0.91
  • Driver fitness: 0.02
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.03
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.4
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc.

1365 Harlold Andrews Road, Siler City, NC, 27344
  • Salary range: $45,000-$70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 26
  • Drivers: 15
  • Revenue: $6,532
  • Miles driven: 890,000 (2024)

Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 146452) operates out of North Carolina and has been active since its establishment several decades ago. The company is involved in the transportation industry as a carrier, primarily handling a variety of cargo including beverages, building materials, construction products, fresh produce, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, meat, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Darrell Andrews Trucking employs a diverse range of drivers, with opportunities for flatbed, team, and local drivers. The company also offers positions for specialized drivers and dedicated routes, ensuring that they meet a wide array of transportation needs.

The company is notable for offering competitive benefits to drivers, including a sign-on bonus, health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and a retirement plan with 401(k) options. Their commitment to employees is further underscored by providing paid CDL training, tuition reimbursement, per diem payments, and deadhead detention and layover compensation. Darrell Andrews Trucking also supports its drivers with guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, safety bonuses, and ongoing training and development programs. In addition, they have a policy allowing riders or pets, which can be a significant perk for many long-haul drivers.

While specific ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, Darrell Andrews Trucking appears committed to fostering a positive work environment through its comprehensive range of employee benefits and support programs. However, with any large company, common feedback may include areas for improvement such as enhancing work-life balance and streamlining route assignments. Overall, the company's focus on driver satisfaction and safety reflects positively on its reputation within the trucking industry.

Driver Options

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

Benefits

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

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.15
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Mcgee Corporation

12100 Stallings Commerce Drive, Matthews, NC, 28105
  • Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 25
  • Drivers: 16
  • Revenue: $9,861
  • Miles driven: 1,020,000 (2024)
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Mcgee Corporation (DOT: 338731) was founded in 1961 and is based in North Carolina. The company is actively involved in transporting a variety of cargo such as agricultural and farm supplies, building materials, construction materials, general freight, lumber, machinery, metal products, motor vehicles, paper products, and utility items. They primarily hire drivers for dry vans, flatbeds, tankers, dump trailers, and hot shots. Additionally, Mcgee Corporation offers opportunities for team drivers, owner-operators, regional, OTR (over-the-road), local, and dedicated route drivers.

Mcgee Corporation provides a notable benefits package to its drivers, including health, dental, and vision insurance, per diem payments, paid time off, and a retirement plan. Safety bonuses are a standard part of their compensation, as well as direct deposit for salaries. They encourage work-life balance with guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling options. Drivers are motivated by significant sign-on bonuses, and those interested in team driving receive additional support. Although they don't offer paid CDL training, they do have a new driver program to help less experienced drivers quickly gain industry knowledge.

While Mcgee Corporation doesn't have a formal rating on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed, anecdotal employee feedback reveals a generally positive view of compensation and the comprehensive benefits offered. A common positive aspect mentioned is the emphasis on home time and flexible scheduling, which supports a healthier work-life balance. However, some employees express concerns about the need for additional ongoing training and development opportunities to further support career advancement and skill enhancement.

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Driver Options

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

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 5.21
  • Driver fitness: 0.5
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.52
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.33
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Puryear Trucking, Inc.

2101 Baldree Rd South, Wilson, NC, 27893
  • Salary range: $50,000-$80,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Power units: 43
  • Drivers: 40
  • Revenue: $588
  • Miles driven: 3,500,000 (2024)

Puryear Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 896050) is located in North Carolina and stands as a seasoned player in the trucking industry with a lineage of experience. Though the founding year is not provided, they operate a robust fleet of 43 trucks and 86 trailers to transport a diverse range of cargo, including Building Materials, Construction materials, Garbage/Refuse, General Freight, Intermodal Containers, and Liquids/Gases. Specializing in power-only transport and dump trailers, they support interstate operations and actively seek drivers for various roles, including regional and local drivers. Puryear Trucking, Inc. offers opportunities in team driving services and accommodates over-the-road (OTR) hauling.

Puryear puts a strong emphasis on driver benefits, reflecting their commitment to staff well-being. They offer health insurance with dental, vision, and life coverage, alongside paid time off (PTO) and direct deposit. Additionally, drivers benefit from a 401(k) retirement plan, signifying the company's dedication to long-term career support. Their paid CDL training program makes them an attractive employer for new drivers looking to become industry professionals.

Although Puryear's Indeed and Glassdoor ratings are currently not available, they maintain a reputation for providing a stable employment environment. While specific employee reviews are not included, the company is recognized for competitive compensation ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 and a comprehensive benefits package. The general sentiment underscores Puryear's focus on safety, as evidenced by the company's active status with the USDOT and focus on hazardous materials transport with a strong safety record.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Paid CDL training
  • Rider & pet allowances

Safety

  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 0.41
  • Driver fitness: 0.06
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.58
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2
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Comparing Hot Shot Driver Jobs in North Carolina

Company Salary range Tuition reimbursement Paid CDL training
Cargo Transporters $52,000-$68,000
Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. $45,000-$70,000
Mcgee Corporation $50,000-$70,000
Puryear Trucking, Inc. $50,000-$80,000 N/A

FAQ

What do hot shot trucking jobs in North Carolina 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 NC can be a comfortable fit.

Do you need a CDL for hot shot jobs in North Carolina?

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

Hot shot work makes up a smaller share of the trucking market in North Carolina. The state has 4 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 North Carolina mostly local or regional?

Most hot shot freight in North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

Flexible scheduling is available across many trucking companies in North Carolina. A total of 17 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 North Carolina?

Hot shot work in North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

The tricky part is that the freight can be unpredictable. One week in NC 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 North Carolina

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