Newspaper clipping of ETI Trucking's Founders in 1977

What is Hot Shot Trucking?

In the Beginning…

In 1977, Jim Lucey and Rick Sauers were working in the Purchasing Department at Ingersoll-Rand Turbo Division in Phillipsburg, NJ. They were responsible for constructing million-dollar machines to pump crude oil through 24’’ pipe assemblies for pipelines in Alaska, Russia, and Mexico. These projects required tight deadlines, with severe penalties of up to $100,000 for delays. Logistics planning high level and ensuring timely delivery of materials became absolutely critical.

The standard two-day LTL (Less Than Truckload) delivery was often insufficient for the urgent needs of final assembly and testing. Recognizing the inefficiency and potential production halts caused by waiting for these deliveries, Jim and Rick saw an opportunity to address a critical gap in the industry.

 

ETI Trucking Early Days Startup

A Start-Up is Born

Jim and Rick crafted a business plan, seeking a $15,000 loan to lease three vehicles and start operations. Despite rejections from three regional banks and the Small Business Association, they received a 15-year loan from a family member. Remarkably, they paid off the loan and turned a profit within only a few years. This journey from start-up to a successful business with 22,000 square feet of warehouse space represents the soul of entrepreneurship before it became a trendy social media hashtag.

 

Hot Shot Trucking ETI in Allentown Pennsyvania

Hot Shot Trucking ETI in Allentown, PA

ETI: Exclusive Transportation for Industry

ETI (Exclusive Transportation for Industry) was established to provide immediate dispatch and implementation of exclusive-use vehicles with drivers for same-day delivery. The fleet initially included three Econoline vans with a cargo capacity of 2,000 pounds. The “hot shot” concept quickly gained traction among local industries in the Lehigh Valley prompting rapid fleet expansion which now included straight trucks and eventually tractor trailers for loads up to 50,000 pounds. Serving JFK, PHL, and EWR airports and piers, ETI created an “on-demand” emergency service that many businesses didn’t even realize they needed. A new company tagline was born which explained our service perfectly:

“When you find out today, you needed it yesterday, and can’t wait until tomorrow.”

Despite economic crises, gas shortages, recessions, and a global pandemic, ETI endured and was considered an essential service so they could continue operations when much of the world was shut down.

 

Hot Shot Trucking by ETI Company 

Logistics Planning High Level

Today, our fleet consists of 65 vehicles, supported by an office and staff of close to 100 employees. We primarily operate throughout the Northeast region of the United States, serving a diverse range of customers. From manufactured machine products to critical pharmaceutical transportation, and from frozen food packing to the delivery of life-saving tools. We literally handle it all, offering comprehensive logistics planning high level to optimize your supply chain.

 

Logistics Planning High Level ETI Trucking

Reliable Couriers

Our reliable couriers ensure that your urgent deliveries are handled with care and precision, meeting critical deadlines and maintaining the flow of your operations.

Cold Chain

Our cold chain logistics services maintain the integrity of temperature-sensitive products, ensuring they arrive in optimal condition.

Exclusive Same-Day Shipping

For those times when tomorrow is too late, our exclusive same-day shipping service guarantees your urgent items reach their destination without delay.

Next-Day Shipping LTL

Our next-day shipping LTL service provides an affordable solution for less-than-truckload deliveries, ensuring your goods arrive promptly and securely.

Medical Courier

Our specialized medical courier services cater to the healthcare industry, delivering crucial medical supplies, specimens, and equipment with the utmost care.

 

Additional Services offered by ETI

Additional Services by ETI

ETI offers a range of additional services to meet diverse transportation and logistics needs, ensuring efficiency, safety, and reliability for various industries:

  • Lab Logistics Couriers: Dedicated services for the transportation of lab specimens and equipment.
  • Airline Pallet / Ocean Container Breakdown: Efficient handling and breakdown of large shipments.
  • Cross Dock Transfers: Streamlined transfer services to keep your supply chain moving smoothly.
  • Hazmat: Safe and compliant transportation of hazardous materials.
  • Lift Gate Service: Facilitating the loading and unloading of heavy items.
  • Refrigerated Food Packing: Ensuring your perishable goods are packed and transported under optimal conditions.
  • White Glove Service: Premium handling and delivery services for delicate and high-value items.
  • Warehousing – Short or Long Term: Flexible storage solutions to meet your business needs.
  • Pick and Pack Service: Efficient order fulfillment services.
  • Regional Distribution: Comprehensive distribution services to reach your regional markets effectively.

ETI continues to grow and evolve, providing critical transportation solutions that keep businesses running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to find out more about how we are the preferred carrier for companies throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Toll-Free:  866-SHIP-ETI