If you own or operate a box truck business, you already know that the biggest challenge isn’t driving—it’s keeping your truck loaded. Maintaining a profitable business can be difficult especially if you don’t know where to find loads.
Whether you’re running a single truck or managing a small fleet, the key to success lies in knowing where and how to find consistent freight. This is what One Freight Broker is here to discuss. Let’s dive in.
What is a Box Truck and Why They’re in Demand
First things first, we need to define what a box truck is. Sometimes called a straight truck or cube van, a box truck is a medium-duty vehicle with an enclosed cargo area. Common sizes range from 10 to 26 feet, and they’re used for all kinds of freight, including furniture, electronics, local retail deliveries, moving jobs, etc.
Box trucks are ideal because they’re big enough to haul serious loads but also small enough to maneuver in cities and suburbs. That makes them ideal for “last-mile” freight, which is the final stretch of delivery that connects warehouses to stores and customers. This is also why box trucks remain in steady demand even as freight markets fluctuate.
The only problem is that competition is fierce. If you want to stay profitable, you’ll need to master the art of finding (and keeping) good loads.
Step 1: Know Your Niche and Service Area
Before you start hunting for loads, you need to take a step back and define your business. Not every box truck operation is the same, and your niche will influence which freight opportunities are best suited to you. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to focus on local routes (same-day deliveries, retail runs, moving services)?
- Am I equipped for regional freight (100–400 miles)?
- Can I handle specialty freight like medical equipment, high-value electronics, or event logistics?
- Do I want to work primarily with brokers, direct shippers, or contract work?
Once you define your service area and niche, you’ll be able to focus on the right markets instead of chasing every load that pops up online.
Step 2: Start with Load Boards
Load boards are the easiest way to start finding box truck freight, especially if you’re new to the game. These are online marketplaces specifically designed to connect carriers with brokers, as well as shippers who need loads moved quickly.
Here are some of the most popular load boards for box truck operators:
- DAT Load Board – The industry leader. Offers filters for “box truck” and “straight truck” freight.
- Truckstop.com – Great for beginners. Transparent rates and easy search tools.
- 123Loadboard – Affordable and beginner-friendly with mobile app tracking.
- DirectFreight – A simple, no-frills board that lists smaller, local loads.
- Amazon Relay – Amazon’s network for owner-operators and box truck carriers.
- Convoy, Uber Freight, and C.H. Robinson Navisphere – Digital broker platforms offering loads directly through apps.
Tips for Using Load Boards Effectively
Since you are competing with other carriers, finding consistent loads using the same load boards can be tricky. To use these platforms effectively, you need to have a strategy in place. The right approach could make a big difference in your efficiency and profitability. Follow these tips to get better results from load boards:
Set Clear Filters
Don’t waste time scrolling through hundreds of listings that may or may not be relevant to your business. Instead, use filters to specify your truck type, preferred lanes, weight capacity, and minimum rate per mile. This narrows your options to the most practical loads, saving you time and fuel while helping you plan your routes.
Check Load Details Carefully
Before accepting a load, make sure to review every detail: pickup and delivery times, distance, load weight, and any special requirements. Many new drivers lose money by overlooking these small details, and yet they tend to add up. Double-checking load info ensures that you’re fully prepared and able to avoid costly surprises.
Look for Repeat Brokers
Long-term success in the freight industry is all about building relationships with reliable brokers. When you find brokers who post consistent, well-paying loads and communicate clearly, add them to your preferred list. This is one of the smartest moves you can make as a carrier. Repeat business builds trust, which often leads to better rates and even first dibs on premium loads.
While load boards are competitive, they’re an excellent training ground. Once you build relationships and credibility, you can start getting better-paying loads off-platform.
Step 3: Build Relationships with Freight Brokers
Aside from load boards, one of the most reliable sources for consistent loads for box truck owners are freight brokers. Working with a few trustworthy brokers can give you steady work, better rates, and early access to available shipments. Oftentimes, they would even provide work opportunities that are not yet available in load boards. That’s because they already have established connections with shippers who trust them to match their loads with reliable carriers.
Reach out to a few freight brokers and communicate professionally, being transparent about your capacity and schedule. Once you get a load, make sure you deliver on your commitments.
Over time, as you prove to be a dependable transportation service provider, brokers will be more likely to prioritize you for high-paying runs. Treat each broker as a business partner, not just a middleman—that mindset builds long-term success.
Step 4: Look for Dedicated and Contract Work
While spot loads can help fill gaps, dedicated and contract work offers stability. Many shippers prefer to work with reliable carriers who can handle regular routes or specific delivery windows. Look for local manufacturers, distributors, or retail chains that need recurring freight moved.
Reaching out directly or bidding for contracts through load boards can lead to ongoing partnerships. Once you secure a dedicated lane, it simplifies scheduling, cash flow, and overall planning, allowing you to focus more on efficiency and less on chasing loads.
Step 5: Tap into Local Opportunities
Don’t overlook your own backyard when finding loads. Local deliveries for small businesses, construction sites, or retail outlets can offer shorter routes with less wear on your truck.
Join local business networks, community Facebook groups, and regional logistics associations to find opportunities others might miss. Many companies prefer nearby carriers who can respond quickly or handle last-minute requests. Building a local presence even helps you gain referrals and repeat clients who value reliability and fast turnaround times.
Work with One Freight Broker
In the box truck world, success isn’t about luck—it’s about discipline, relationships, and business sense. Finding loads consistently is a challenge owner-operators need to overcome in order to survive in this industry. It isn’t a one-time obstacle either, but an ongoing process.
The best operators stay adaptable, network constantly, and use every available tool to keep their trucks moving. If you’re in need of reliable freight transportation services, choose One Freight Broker.
One Freight Broker has become the go-to choice for shippers everywhere, thanks to their inclusive approach that reduces their dependence on intermediaries. We pass on high-volume discounts to our shipping partners by allowing them to build direct, beneficial, and enduring connections with dependable trucking allies. In fact, since our founding in 2013, we have significantly reduced shipping costs for clients, amounting to tens of millions in savings.
Aside from this unique strategy, this freight brokerage is also known for a wide service range that covers everything from LTL to FTL, domestic to international, and even expedited shipping options. We also offer competitive pricing and data-driven solutions. Our user-friendly online platform and TMS streamline the shipping process, from obtaining quotes to tracking shipments in real-time, offering transparency and efficiency.
Contact us at 800.716.7608 for expert guidance and to ensure your shipments reach their destination safely and on time.
Contact Us Today
Ready to simplify your shipping experience? Contact One Freight Broker to discover how our expertise can benefit your business, ensuring your cargo is in safe hands every step of the way.
For more information on how we can assist your business, visit our website at 1fr8.broker.
