Starting out as a new trucking authority is exciting, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. You’ve got your MC number, insurance, and DOT compliance lined up. The authority is active. But now it’s time for the real challenge: finding loads that pay well and building credibility within the industry.
For those who are in this stage, you’re not alone. It is actually a common struggle for new authorities to secure consistent freight because shippers and brokers want to see experience, stability, and reliability before trusting you with their loads.
The good news is that you can start building relationships and landing profitable freight from day one—all you need is the right strategy. Here, One Freight Broker will walk you through the process of navigating this process and how to get started in the trucking world.
How to Find Loads as a New Authority
With these issues in mind, we can now talk about how to find loads as a new authority anyway.
The first year may be the hardest, but many carriers give up too soon. Those who stick with it find that, over time, the phone starts ringing with opportunities, not the other way around. Remember that every carrier started from zero. The key is knowing where to look for freight and how to leverage your position as a motivated carrier ready to prove yourself.
Step 1: Leverage Load Boards
For new authorities, load boards are usually the first stop for freight. These online platforms are marketplaces where freight brokers, shippers, and carriers connect to move loads. Here, you can connect with brokers and shippers who post available loads in real time.
If you are just getting started in the trucking business, these load boards can be essential tools to find freight, get your trucks moving, and most importantly, start developing connections.
Popular Load Boards to Start With
- DAT Load Board – The largest and most trusted in the industry. DAT offers thousands of daily loads, broker credit scores, and lane rate averages.
- Truckstop.com – Another major player with real-time postings and negotiation tools.
- 123Loadboard – Affordable and user-friendly, great for new carriers.
- Free boards like Craigslist, Nextload, and Trucker Path – Not as robust but can help in a pinch.
However, with so many listings and competitors, success depends on knowing how to use these platforms strategically instead of just grabbing the first available load. Here are some tips to help you get started on using load boards efficiently:
Filter Smartly
Filtering is the key if you don’t want to get overwhelmed with the hundreds or even thousands of listings that you’ll find in a load board. Use search tools to narrow down by lane, equipment type, weight, and rate preferences to save time and find loads that actually fit your business. This helps you avoid wasting hours scrolling through irrelevant freight and instead focus on loads that maximize profitability and reduce deadhead miles.
Check Broker Credit and Reviews
One of the most important things new trucking companies should remember is that not every load posted is worth taking—especially if the broker doesn’t have a solid track record. Chasing every load is not a good idea in the long run as they may keep you from focusing on those that are actually profitable.
Pay attention to credit scores, payment histories, and carrier reviews—these are often featured in load boards, and you should use these to your advantage. Checking a broker’s reputation can save you from late payments, disputes, or even fraudulent postings. This will give you peace of mind that you’ll actually get paid for your work.
Step 2: Work with Freight Brokers
Freight brokers can be a lifeline for new authority carriers since their job is to act as the middleman between carriers and shippers. If you are trying to find consistent loads, building relationships with brokers can give you access to a steady flow of work opportunities as you establish your credibility.
Many brokers specialize in certain lanes or freight types, so finding the right ones can help you stay consistent and avoid long periods without work. This also eliminates the hassle of negotiating contracts directly with multiple shippers because brokers can do it for you.
Freight brokers do take a cut of the rate, but the tradeoff is worthwhile. Cold calling freight brokers, introducing yourself, and then talking about your strengths as a carrier can help you secure some loads. Just make sure you deliver good (and consistent) results to secure repeat business.
Take every load as an opportunity to earn their trust—this may lead to more lucrative opportunities in the long run. Think of brokers as not just a steppingstone, but as a long-term business partner if you nurture the relationship properly.
Step 3: Cold Calling and Direct Shippers
Cold calling shippers is a more proactive, but often underutilized, method for finding loads. While it takes more effort upfront, reaching out directly to businesses that need freight hauled—whether it’s manufacturers, wholesalers, or distributors—can lead to better-paying, long-term contracts.
Cutting out the middleman lets you keep more of the rate for yourself. However, it may be easier said than done. This requires some persistence and a professional approach because many shippers already have established carrier relationships. That said, new authorities who are confident and straightforward can often break through by targeting smaller shippers that aren’t locked into big contracts.
To set yourself apart from the competition, One Freight Broker recommends positioning yourself as a reliable problem-solver who can offer flexible scheduling, good communication, and safe handling of freight.
Once you secure a direct relationship with a shipper, the payoff is significant. Aside from getting better rates, you also gain stability and repeat business that can help your trucking company grow. Over time, these direct relationships can become the backbone of your authority’s success, reducing your dependence on brokers.
Step 4: Use a Dispatch Service
Securing those connections with shippers and brokers can be easier said than done, so aside from relying on load boards, you may also try using dispatch services.
They search load boards, negotiate rates, and keep your schedule full, freeing you up to focus on driving and operations. While dispatchers take a fee, many new authorities find the support worth the cost, especially in their first year.
Dispatch services can be a game-changer for new authorities, giving you more time to learn the ropes of finding and booking loads. They can even save you from costly rookie mistakes.
A dispatcher can guide you toward profitable lanes, teach you negotiation tactics, and ensure you’re not undercutting yourself when taking loads. New authorities may even get access to networks and broker relationships that might otherwise take months or years to establish.
Step 5: Networking and Word of Mouth
Most of the time, the best loads come from who you know within the industry. Therefore, attending trucking events, joining industry forums, and connecting with other drivers can open doors to opportunities you won’t find on apps or boards.
In the trucking industry, your reputation often travels faster than your trucks. Word of mouth is especially powerful: if other carriers, brokers, or shippers know you as reliable and professional, they’re more likely to recommend you or pass along opportunities.
Remember that consistency is the key to building a reputation that attracts loads. Show up on time, deliver loads safely, and communicate openly with customers and partners. Over time, your dependability will become your strongest marketing tool. New authorities that earn a reputation for being trustworthy often find that loads start coming to them.
Your ultimate goal should be transitioning away from dependency on load boards and brokers toward direct shipper contracts and dedicated lanes. That’s where the real profit and stability are.
Work with One Freight Broker
There’s no denying that starting out as a new trucking authority is a grind for carriers and owner operators. However, it’s also the start of a journey toward independence and financial freedom. Staying professional, persistent, and open to learning will help you and your new authority gain traction. Don’t be discouraged if your first few weeks are slow.
For those who would like to work with a reliable freight transportation service provider, One Freight Broker is the go-to choice for shippers everywhere.
Our unique approach helps our shipping partners build direct, beneficial, and enduring connections with dependable trucking allies. We use this inclusive strategy to pass on high-volume discounts to our clients while reducing their dependence on intermediaries.
One Freight Broker covers everything from LTL to FTL, domestic to international, and even expedited shipping options. Additionally, we have built a good reputation in the industry based on our exceptional customer service, technology-driven solutions, and wide service range.
When you partner with One Freight Broker, you gain access to a vast network of carriers, competitive rates, and a team of experts dedicated to optimizing your shipping process. Whether you’re shipping domestically or require assistance with more complex logistics, we’re here to ensure your freight reaches its destination efficiently and cost-effectively.
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.
