One of the biggest questions for people in the trucking or freight industry is: how do I find good loads to haul?
This is even trickier when you’re only starting out in this fast-paced and highly competitive industry. For owner-operators, small fleets, and drivers alike, finding loads consistently is a challenge they need to rise up to on a regular basis. Your ability to find paying freight is what ultimately keeps your wheels (and income) moving.
Here, One Freight Broker covers the different methods truckers and freight brokers use to not only find loads but also to thrive in the transportation industry.
How Truckers Can Find Loads to Haul
Even though it’s not always easy to break through, every successful trucker or broker had to start somewhere. At the end of the day, finding loads to haul isn’t just about driving—it’s about building a business. So if you want to avoid getting lost in the noise, you need to diversify your sources of loads and use various strategies to keep your wheels turning.
Work with Freight Brokers
Although some truckers struggle with an over-reliance on freight brokers, you still need to work with them especially if you are just starting out. Freight brokers, also known as logistics brokers or transportation brokers, act as the middlemen between shippers and carriers.
These professionals connect companies with loads that need to be moved and the carriers who have the capacity to move them. Freight brokers simplify the process of finding loads, especially for newer drivers who might not yet have direct connections with shippers.
Aside from being matchmakers, they also handle the logistics and paperwork. They are all about cost-effectiveness and efficiency. So even though they take a cut of the rate, the benefits of working with them are undeniable. With their industry knowledge, extensive networks, and access to a wide variety of loads across different regions, they can help truckers keep their schedules full.
Use Load Boards
Another reliable way to find loads to haul, especially for newer carriers, is to use load boards.
Load boards are online platforms where shippers and brokers post available freight, allowing truckers to browse and choose what best fits their schedule and equipment. These platforms give drivers access to thousands of loads across the country. This means they have the flexibility to pick and choose based on routes, rates, and deadlines.
For truckers willing to stay active, load boards are a great way to fill gaps between long-term contracts or supplement their usual routes. Using them alongside other methods can ensure fewer deadhead miles and overall improved efficiency on the road.
Build Direct Relationships with Shippers
As your business and reputation grows, you should be able to establish direct contracts with shippers. It’s something worth working towards, as it is one of the most profitable strategies for truckers.
By cutting out the middleman, drivers get to keep more of the freight rate for themselves while enjoying consistent work from repeat business. Shippers also value dependable carriers who deliver on time and maintain professionalism, so proving yourself can lead to long-term partnerships that are mutually beneficial.
Work with Dispatch Services
Like freight brokers, dispatch services handle much of the administrative side of finding and booking loads, allowing truckers to focus on driving.
A good dispatcher negotiates rates, manages paperwork, and plans routes, saving drivers valuable time and reducing stress. This is particularly helpful for owner-operators who don’t have the time and energy to handle both driving and the business side of trucking.
Dispatch services also take a percentage of earnings, but the trade-off is often worth it for the efficiency and support they provide. With their help, newer truckers can get access to higher-quality loads that might be harder to find independently.
Stay on Top of Market Trends
The trucking industry is heavily influenced by supply and demand, fuel costs, seasonal patterns, and economic shifts. Truckers who stay informed about these trends can position themselves more strategically when choosing loads. This will help you find freight more reliably. For example, knowing when produce season starts in certain states allows drivers to target those high-demand routes at the right time.
Monitoring freight rate reports, market analyses, and industry news can help truckers make smarter decisions and maximize their income. In an industry where margins can be tight, knowledge is power.
Work with One Freight Broker
Finding loads to haul is both an art and a science. While you will likely start with brokers, dispatchers, and load boards, you should work on your direct relationships to establish growth and stability. As you work in this industry, you will learn which lanes you prefer, which shippers treat you well, and which strategies keep your truck moving profitably.
The key is to never rely on just one when trying to find truck loads or freight loads. It is essential for companies in the trucking business to combine multiple strategies, stay adaptable, and always keep an eye on the market.
If you need reliable freight transportation services, One Freight Broker is the go-to choice for shippers everywhere. We are known for our wide service range, exceptional customer service, and inclusive approach that allows shipping partners of all sizes to build direct, beneficial, and enduring connections with dependable trucking allies.
With our unique strategy, we pass on high-volume discounts to our clients, reducing their dependence on intermediaries in the process. Since our founding in 2013, we have significantly reduced shipping costs for our clients, amounting to tens of millions in savings, and have enhanced the profitability of asset fleets by using this approach.
One Freight Broker can cover everything you need from LTL to FTL, domestic to international, and even expedited shipping options.
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.
