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Study Explores True Cost to Vehicles From Damaged Roads and Highways

We find ourselves frequently writing about the importance of investment in transportation infrastructure and the economic impact of congestion and highway issues nationwide. A new study actually analyzes the true cost to an average driver due to damaged road surfaces. As you'll see if you were to convert those figures to a commercial vehicle the real costs are significantly greater.

It's worth noting that the study looks only at the impact of poor roads in terms of wear and tear on a vehicle, which is to say nothing about the huge added costs incurred due to delays and congestion when moving hot shot freight or other commercial goods, machinery, supplies or equipment.

The study itself was conducted by research organization TRIP who are funded by the transportation industry. The report shows that for the average car driver in the United States (who drives approximately 13,500 miles per year) the added operational and maintenance costs for a car equate to approximately $516 annually. These costs were specifically due to the punishment a vehicle suffers as a result of deteriorating road surfaces. Such road conditions lead to damaged tires, suspension systems and reduced gas mileage in general terms for all drivers.

Naturally the operating costs for a semi truck, straight truck, cargo van or any other commerical vehicle are higher than for a passenger car. When you compound the more expensive repairs and replacement parts with the added mileage these vehicles complete each year the figures become astronomical.

Many long haul freight vehicles travel in excess of 100,000 miles per year and even delivery cans and more regional short haul vehicles will clock over 45,000 miles annually.

Consider that these totals are between four and seven times higher than a car and the $516 figure per year quoted above suddenly becomes something nearer to $3,000. Add to that more expensive repair and replacement parts and the average wear and tear costs for a commercial vehicle probably approach $5,000 per year. According to the truckersreport.com repairs and maintenance costs for a commercial truck will average $12,000-$15,000 per year plus tires. These figures help to illustrate just how much of those costs are due to the current condition of our roads and reiterate the importance of appropriate maintenance and funding.

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Industries We Serve

Modern day hot shot trucking provides the speed and exclusivity you need to meet the most demanding and time-sensitive shipping requirements. We use every resource, avenue, and channel available to ship your freight by ground or air. Designed specifically to address supply and distribution problems that arise without warning, hotshot trucking tactics involve coordinating a network of carriers in a variety of locations. By calling on the vehicles closest to your supply or distribution points, hotshot brokers can fill any sudden gaps in your supply network almost as soon as they happen. This minimizes the disruption to your business and allows you to quickly return to ordinary operations, weathering the storm without skipping a beat.

Automotive

The automotive supply chain already has significant challenges. Don’t let malfunctioning equipment stop the production line. Step on the gas with HotShotTrucking.com’s suite of services that will get you back in the fast lane. With HotShotTrucking.com, companies are devising shipping strategies to swiftly deliver critical parts and equipment — whether it's ground expedite service with sprinter vans, box trucks and 53-foot tractor trailers or air freight and air cargo.

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Aviation & Aerospace

Every moment a commercial airliner sits on the ground, it costs an airline money. Expedited freight services by HotShotTrucking.com can get you back in the air with prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America. We are equipped with the expertise to navigate the complexities of shipping jet engines and other types of loads, and our network of hot shot drivers has extensive experience transporting aviation assets.

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Construction

One shipping delay can snowball and cause delays throughout your entire project. You need an experienced 3PL provider who understands the construction industry and has the logistical reach to deliver your freight on time, anywhere. That 3PL partner is HotShotTrucking.com. Whether in the air or on the ground via truck and trailer, we can connect companies to expedited freight services for the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America.

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Mining & Metals

From cranes to chemicals to excavators to conveyor belts, HotShotTrucking.com has the experience and industry know-how required for shipping sensitive, oversized, and hazardous equipment. Third-party hot shot trucking and logistics providers such as HotShotTrucking.com specialize in devising and implementing innovative shipping solutions, ensuring mines can swiftly return to operation. We’ll pick up your shipment, deliver it to the airport and receive it at the other end – providing hand-carried service as necessary or required.

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Manufacturing

Every moment a manufacturing facility or factory sits idle costs a company money because of the high costs involved. With many manufacturers building to only just-in-time production rates, any disruption threatens parts and vehicle inventories. This is where the speed and expertise of freight services from HotShotTrucking.com can make a difference throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain. We do all the logistical legwork to find the optimal solution for your job, whether it's an exclusive air charter or expedited ground shipping.

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Telecommunications

From servers to cell towers, information, voice, and data must flow to keep businesses, production, and the public online and connected. When equipment goes dark, depend on HotShotTrucking.com to get your systems flashing green again. This is where the speed and experience of trucking and freight services from HotShotTrucking.com can help. Our hot shot truck network excels at the prompt delivery of parts and equipment throughout North America.

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Oil & Gas

The oil and gas industry faces challenging conditions in offshore and onshore oil rigs, often in remote locations with limited infrastructure. Don’t let oil pumps or pipelines sit idle waiting for equipment. By having the right plans, parts, people, and logistics partner like HotShotTrucking.com, you can effectively mitigate plant or pump downtime, unscheduled disruptions, and equipment failures.

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