Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Tennessee (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 Tennessee. All 3 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 Tennessee.

NEW Waverly Transportation

1610 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203
  • Salary range: $55,000-$65,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 125
  • Drivers: 125
  • Revenue: $14,015,000
  • Miles driven: 8,255,285 (2024)

NEW Waverly Transportation (DOT: 146001) was established in 1972 and is based in Tennessee. The company operates primarily in the building solutions industry, efficiently transporting a wide range of cargo such as building materials, general freight, grain, feed, hay, liquids/gases, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, and oilfield equipment. NEW Waverly Transportation hires various types of drivers, including flatbed, hazmat, local, regional, OTR, dedicated, and tanker drivers, ensuring comprehensive coverage of logistical needs.

NEW Waverly Transportation is known for its employee-centric benefits, which include a sign-on bonus, health and dental insurance, paid CDL training, per diem payments, a truck lease purchase program, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off. Additionally, drivers benefit from gym memberships, roadside assistance programs, driver referral bonuses, and a retirement plan (401k). The company also offers flexible scheduling and ensures guaranteed home time for its drivers, fostering a supportive work environment.

Though specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, NEW Waverly Transportation is noted for its competitive compensation packages, transparent communication, and supportive management team. Nevertheless, some feedback highlights challenges in work-life balance and organizational aspects of route assignments. Overall, NEW Waverly Transportation remains committed to maintaining a dynamic and positive workplace culture, attracting drivers across various specializations.

Driver Options

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

Benefits

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

Safety

  • Crashes: 9
  • Unsafe driving: 1.96
  • Driver fitness: 0.13
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.46
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.49
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Hittman Transport Services, Inc.

1560 Bear Creek Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830
  • Salary range: $50,000-$80,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 86
  • Trailers: 420
  • Drivers: 89
  • Revenue: $605,000
  • Miles driven: 7,652,967 (2024)


Hittman Transport Services, Inc. (DOT: 157942) is an active interstate carrier specializing in a wide range of cargo transportation. Founded in Tennessee, their robust operations encompass the transportation of building materials, chemicals, drive/tow away, general freight, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, logs poles beams lumber, machinery large objects, metal sheets coils rolls, and paper products. The company prides itself on hiring drivers across various specializations, including regional, local, dedicated, reefer, flatbed, OTR, team, and tanker drivers, while also welcoming owner-operators.

Driver satisfaction and retention are supported through a comprehensive benefits package offered by Hittman Transport Services. Employees receive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and access to a retirement 401(k) plan. Other notable perks include sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, direct deposit, guaranteed home time, per diem payments, deadhead detention and layover compensation, and tuition reimbursement. Hittman also emphasizes ongoing training and development initiatives, ensuring drivers' professional growth and skill advancement.

The company's Glassdoor rating stands at a moderate 2.9. Positive feedback from employees often highlights competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and flexible scheduling. However, some areas for improvement include the need for better work-life balance and more organized operations, with previous employees expressing concerns over occasional scheduling conflicts and management communication. Despite these challenges, Hittman Transport Services remains committed to its workforce's satisfaction and operational excellence.

Driver Options

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

Benefits

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

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 1.49
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.71
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2
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HOT Shot Delivery Service

830 Fesslers Pkwy Suite 109, Nashville, TN, 37210
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 12
  • Drivers: 12
  • Revenue: $3,819,000
  • Miles driven: 700,000 (2023)

HOT Shot Delivery Service (DOT: 676723) operates under the legal name Hara Inc and serves as both a broker and carrier based in Tennessee. The company's primary focus is on general freight and household goods transport, leveraging their fleet of 12 trucks. Though the specific founding year isn't provided, they maintain an active USDOT status and demonstrate commitment to interstate operations. The company does not specify hiring team drivers or employing owner-operators, focusing instead on a small, dedicated workforce.

While HOT Shot Delivery Service does not offer many common industry benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans, they do specialize in the niche market of hot shot deliveries. This focus allows them to provide expedited transport services, though details on driver compensation or additional perks are not disclosed. The absence of sign-on bonuses, referral bonuses, and other incentives indicates a more streamlined business model.

The company does not have ratings or reviews on Glassdoor or Indeed, which makes it challenging to assess employee satisfaction and work culture directly. Without these insights, one cannot provide a comprehensive view of the most common positive or negative feedback from employees. However, their active operations and maintained safety compliance with zero hazardous materials violations suggest a focus on operational standards.

Safety

  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.39
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 7.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Comparing Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Tennessee

Company Salary range Tuition reimbursement Paid CDL training
NEW Waverly Transportation $55,000-$65,000
Hittman Transport Services, Inc. $50,000-$80,000
HOT Shot Delivery Service N/A

FAQ

What do hot shot trucking jobs in Tennessee 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 TN can be a comfortable fit.

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

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

Hot shot work makes up a smaller share of the trucking market in Tennessee. The state has 3 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 Tennessee mostly local or regional?

Most hot shot freight in Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

Flexible scheduling is available across many trucking companies in Tennessee. A total of 25 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 Tennessee?

Hot shot work in Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

The tricky part is that the freight can be unpredictable. One week in TN 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 Tennessee

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