The 10 Best Ways to Find (and book) Truckloads on the Internet

A carrier’s job can be quite fulfilling, but only when it’s easy to obtain truckloads. Truck loads that fit into your timetable and travel in your preferred lanes, not just any truck loads.

The good news is that there are methods and resources for locating lucrative jobs that keep you operating and growing. Utilize these ten recommendations to obtain the ideal loads for your particular activity.

1. Decide who you want to work with

The basis of any business is knowing what characteristics your ideal consumer possesses. Although it may be tempting to accept any job that pays, being too vague can result in money being missed. Consider the following when searching for your ideal client:

• Reputation. Working with trustworthy brokers usually results in a more consistent payout. Working with clients who might not yet have a solid reputation has several advantages. Perhaps the salary is higher, or you want to establish a long-term connection in case it results in a higher volume or more practical lanes. Make sure you are aware of the hazards before choosing this course. The general rule of thumb is to keep an eye out for brokers who are ethical and have connections to the kinds of clients you want.
• Location. Concentrate on the region and roads that are most practical for you, your equipment, and your way of life. Perhaps you’d like to spend more time with your loved ones. Perhaps you wish to avoid springtime harsh weather in the Plains states or winter blizzards. Maybe you don’t want to travel across Texas for ten hours. Whatever your preferences, once you’ve planned them out, look for cargoes that can be transported through your ideal lanes or that are in convenient locations.
• Pricing. Of course, the ideal situation would be to locate brokers with loads that are reasonably priced and include choices for quick payment and flexible terms of payment. Consider the task in its entirety rather than just the figures, though. Does that well-paying job have any unspoken headaches? Perhaps some lower-paying jobs are in excellent lanes, or the conditions along the route are ideal. Take a broader view when it comes to price.

2. Use a load board

The best tool you can have for your business is a good load board. But take note: you generally get what you pay for when it comes to loading boards. Even though the “free” load board was offered, you might still have to pay for access to it. Numerous free boards exclude crucial details like prices or even lanes. These message boards may also be more prone to fraud. Scammers can assume the identity of a broker, book a load that requires upfront payment, and then pocket the money.

To find a reputable, high-quality load board, look for:

• Flexibility. Flexibility in this situation translates to a broader pool of lanes and cargo. It also refers to access. You want a load board that is simple to use from a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or home computer. Additionally, it becomes sensitive to look for load boards with cross-platform compatible software.
• Options. You have specific needs as a carrier. You can carry a particular range of loads, and you have preferred geographical regions. The best load boards provide a wealth of data, including rates, heat maps (for planning), origin and destination, and broker ratings, to aid in decision-making.
• Volume. Purchasing a load board is a cost-effective investment. You may easily find suitable loads from brokers and shippers using it. Make sure a load board offers the kinds of freight you may haul before registering with it.

3. Work with a freight broker

Freight brokers might be your best friend when it comes to snatching the best loads and locating the most practical lanes for your needs when used in conjunction with a load board. In particular, if you’re just starting out in the industry, freight brokers are great sources of employment because they connect shippers and truckers. The best thing is that freight brokers handle the majority of the grunt work for you, including negotiating shipping rates and managing some administrative responsibilities. An intelligent long-term investment that can deliver you dependable, high-quality work is establishing a partnership with a trustworthy freight broker.

If you’re thinking about partnering with a freight broker, be sure to understand the costs. Good brokers should be upfront about commission fees and transportation costs. 

4. Apply for “Book It Now” loads

The “Book It Now” rapid load app from Truckstop.com can help you save time and money if you have a network of brokers who frequently utilize your services and whom you know and trust. Without the need to browse through several apps or platforms, Book It Now connects you to a pre-vetted load that meets your equipment, pricing, and lanes. The app provides you with a variety of data from the broker, allowing you to book at any time, day or night, and have correct load facts. This implies that before pressing the “okay” button, you are well aware of what to anticipate.

For carriers, Book It Now is cost-free. Simply complete the email template to inform brokers that you are qualified, available, and able to assist them.

5. Analyze data

When it comes to identifying your optimum loads, data is king. In-depth information on brokers, lanes, types of loads, rate trends, and contact information for brokers should all be available on good load boards. The Truckstop.com Load Board provides a wealth of information that is both extremely accurate and up-to-date, making it simpler to calculate expenses and profits for each load.

6. Search for backhaul

You are moving backward when you conduct a backhaul search. In other words, you examine the location to determine what kinds of incoming loads could require transportation. You can then sort the list of truckloads by price, distance, and transportation firm. Backhauling is highly beneficial to many carriers, especially when there are more goods leaving than entering. It’s a clever approach to enter a new lane as well.

7. Sell yourself

Rather than being reactive, ask yourself how to book truck loads. Inform brokers and shippers that you are ready for hire and capable of timely delivery of their products. Do your hazmat certificate, do you have it? Do you mostly transport large amounts of freight? Not a secret at all! Go to your preferred load board, post your truck there, and include as many details as you can to make it easier for people to locate you using their most relevant search phrases.

8. Add more than one type of transportation.

Driving a reefer, flatbed, or dry van does not preclude you from performing a small amount of cross-cargo listing. In the absence of perishable items, think about transporting dry goods in your refrigerated truck. Perhaps your flatbed can transport additional hefty objects. Naturally, not everyone will benefit from it. Ice cream cannot be transported on a flatbed. But if you use your imagination, you can discover more loads that you had not previously thought of.

Additionally, you might be missing out on less-than-load (LTL) choices if you limit your search to solely full truckloads. Will that job pay less for you? Yes. However, you’ll also be cultivating trusting client relationships for later on, and you can load your truck with additional LTL cargoes to increase your earnings and turn a profit on that delivery.

9. Become a government contractor.

Not just private businesses are looking for haulers. Government agencies also contract out their transportation requirements. Additionally, we’re not only referring to the federal government. Both county municipalities and state agencies, as well as local city governments, require hauling services. There is a government organization that needs to move something somewhere in the nation. With these tasks, the only difficulty is that you must register as a government contractor, which necessitates taking a few more steps. Consider collaborating with a business that already has a government transportation contract if you want to bypass the paperwork and other restrictions.

10. Deal with truck dispatchers.

Another way to identify the appropriate brokers and shippers is through truck dispatching services. Some dispatchers go a step further and provide administrative support for invoicing, collections, and accounting. Although they cost a little more, you gain time that you can use to focus on the road or spend with family.