01
Setup-aware load sourcing
Search for hot shot opportunities using your truck and trailer details, current location, preferred lanes, and available schedule.
EQUIPMENT DISPATCH / HOT SHOT
Hot shot dispatch built around load fit and timing.
Hot shot opportunities move quickly, but the decision still needs context. Merlin helps compare the stated freight details with your pickup and trailer setup, the time and miles to pickup, the delivery schedule, and the market after delivery before you approve a load.
Your authority. Your choice. No forced dispatch.
HOT SHOT LOAD STRATEGY
Make speed useful, not rushed.
A fast pickup can be a poor move when the freight does not fit, the deadhead consumes the available window, or the destination leaves no practical next option. Hot shot planning starts by connecting equipment fit, timing, total movement, and the reload market.
- 01
Check the stated load fit
Compare the available freight weight and dimensions with the carrier-provided truck and trailer details, including the relevant capacity and loading information.
- 02
Count the complete move
Consider the miles to pickup, pickup and delivery timing, loaded route, and known handling details when discussing the rate and the operational fit.
- 03
Read the destination early
Look at where and when the load finishes so the next opportunity, repositioning need, and preferred direction can inform the decision before booking.
CONNECTED DISPATCH SUPPORT
Hot shot support that keeps the whole move visible.
Merlin connects the search, broker conversation, and weekly route around the setup you operate. The aim is to bring you a clear opportunity with enough context to make your own booking decision.
02
Rate negotiation
Discuss the offered rate with the broker while accounting for pickup miles, timing, destination, and the requirements stated for the load.
03
Broker communication
Clarify the available weight, dimensions, pickup and delivery appointments, loading details, and other information relevant to the move.
04
Paperwork support
Help keep dispatch documents and load information organized through the document-sharing process agreed during onboarding.
05
Deadhead and route review
Evaluate the positioning required before pickup and how the full route fits the time available for the trip.
06
Destination and reload planning
Consider the delivery market and next practical move before the current opportunity becomes an isolated booking.
LOAD APPROVAL / CARRIER CONTROL
Your setup. Your load decision.
Merlin can source opportunities, clarify the available load details, discuss the rate, and explain how a move may affect the next market. You determine whether the freight fits your equipment and operation. Every load requires carrier approval, and there is no forced dispatch.
- Review the stated weight, dimensions, timing, and loading details.
- Compare the rate with deadhead and the complete route.
- Approve or decline the opportunity before booking.
DISPATCH, EXPLAINED
Hot shot dispatch questions.
Need to discuss your setup directly? Call the dispatch team at (816) 750-3988.
Q / 01What information helps determine whether a hot shot load fits?
The carrier-provided truck and trailer setup, available capacity, and the stated freight weight, dimensions, loading details, and schedule all help frame the decision. The carrier remains responsible for confirming that the load can be handled safely and legally.
Q / 02Does Merlin consider deadhead for hot shot loads?
Yes. Miles and time to pickup are considered with the loaded route, rate, delivery timing, and destination before an opportunity is presented for approval.
Q / 03Can Merlin communicate with the broker about load details?
Yes. Merlin can discuss the available freight details, appointments, rate, and other dispatch information with the broker, then bring the opportunity to you for a decision.
Q / 04How does reload planning work for hot shot operations?
Merlin considers when and where the current load delivers, possible repositioning, your preferred lanes, and the next practical market when planning beyond the current move.
Q / 05Do I have to accept a hot shot load Merlin finds?
No. You approve every load before it is booked. Merlin does not use forced dispatch.
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Put a smarter plan behind the next load.
Tell us about your equipment, preferred lanes, and operating priorities. We’ll start with a conversation about how you want to run.
Plan Your Next Hot Shot LoadText (816) 750-3988