Harvest hotshots: getting parts to the field

Every September the phone pattern changes. Fewer pallets, more calls that start with "the combine is down". A hotshot for a farm part is a simple job made complicated by the clock, and there are three things that make the difference.

Have the part number and the dealer ready

The fastest hotshots are the ones where the part is already pulled and paid for by the time we call the dealer. Give us the dealer name, the part or order number and a contact there. If the dealer is in the U.S., also give us the value and a broker if you have one; a part under the informal-entry threshold can usually be cleared on the spot.

Tell us where the machine actually is

A legal land description or a pin from your phone beats "north of Radville". The driver will call when they are ten minutes out so someone can meet the van at the approach.

Call as early as you can

A van leaving Regina at three in the afternoon is in Minot by six, back across at North Portal by eight and in the yard before dark. The same call at seven at night still gets done, but it is a midnight delivery. The moment you know a part is needed, phone dispatch, even if the dealer has not confirmed yet. We will start moving.

What it costs

Hotshots are quoted per trip. You will get the number on the phone before the van leaves, and it does not change unless the job does.