definitions: Hotshot vs. Expedite

[transnomics]

I am interested in opinions on the definitions (for apparent lack of industry standard definitions) on "expedited" and "hotshot", particularly the differences between them.

I know many use the terms interchangeably, and that "expedite" is a term that can be broader to include multiple legs/modes of a move, and that each carrier may define their own services, but what is the common interpretation of hotshot vs. expedited for a motor carrier? Are both the same thing from the perspective of motor carriers?

Perhaps there is already a good thread on this somewhere that I missed, I would be happy to be pointed to it.

[Baack]

Great question
Our resident expedite expert (RickG) should be able to answer this

[RickG]

Expedite was sometimes referred to as hotshot. Currently expedite refers to vans , straight trucks and T/T's delivering time sensitive freight . There are no set lanes . The trucks are on standby for immediate response . However , with the state of the economy expedite carriers are accepting regular LTL shipments to keep their trucks busy .
True hotshot is like flatbed expedite , mostly one ton or medium duty trucks pulling trailers and hauling time sensitive loads . There are many O/O's with rigs like this running freight that pays lower rates and is not hotshot by the true definition .

[FriedTater]

HotShot is the original name for what is now called LTL/Expedite
Some where along the same time line straight trucks started being called Bob-Tails . . . .

[jtrnr1951]

Hot Shot used to be-standing around Texas Iron Works, waiting for the drill part to be manufactured, then throwing it on the bed of the truck or trailer- and driving straight out to the well. NON-STOP !!!!
Made good money in the 1970's running them 454 chevys !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[transnomics]

OK, so far we have the definition for Hotshot:

1. Current name for flatbed expedite

2. Old name for LTL/Expedite, or expedite.

Is this the consensus? Can hotshot be used as a synonym for expedite (in your opinion)?

[FriedTater]

Absolutely

http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/expedite

OK, so far we have the definition for Hotshot:

1. Current name for flatbed expedite

2. Old name for LTL/Expedite, or expedite.

Is this the consensus? Can hotshot be used as a synonym for expedite (in your opinion)?

[transnomics]

Thanks, FriedTater. Although while I don't disagree with your point, as the two are often used interchangeably, I don't think the analysis is as simple as the similarity in dictionary definitions. In fact, the thesaurus does NOT specifically correlate "hotshot" and "expedite" as synonyms. If one were to go by common layman's terminology, one might also confuse apparently similar terms such as "express", "time-definite", and "priority" in the mix. The real question is what does the industry commonly understand the terms to mean?

Unfortunately, unless it were to be defined by someone like the government (perhaps as part of applying some piece of legislation) or a body like the ATA, there is no authoritative standard. I'm not suggesting it needs to be, or should be, but there does seem to be ambiguity over many terms used in the industry. Generally accepted industry usage must, therefore, be the standard of interpretation.

[phroziac]

f the ata!!

[BIG RIGGER]

I've done oilfield hotshots in cars anything from people to paperwork to office supplies it's always ASAP.