With over 500,000 trucking companies in the US, it’s essential to always look for ways to get more owner-operator loads. This will help keep your business running smoothly and ensure that you’re making money. In this article, we will discuss 10 ways that you can go about getting more owner-operator loads. Keep reading to learn more!
- Use a Load Board
- Work With a Broker
- Try Contracting With a Dispatch Service
- Source From Local Shippers
- Lease With a Company
- Government Contracting Options
- Try Networking!
- Use Load Matching Apps
- Get The Ins Directly With a Company
Use a Load Board
Load boards are a great way to find owner-operator loads. You can search for available loads in your area and then contact the shipper directly to arrange pick-up. This is a great option if you’re just starting out or if you’re looking for an occasional load. If you have specific credentials like HAZMAT on your CDL, you can search specifically for that type of load.
Tips:
- A load board is a great way to get more trucking business!
- You’re in luck if you have specific credentials.
Work With a Broker
Another option is to work with a broker. Brokers are middlemen who connect truckers with shippers. They will find loads that need to be hauled and then match them up with drivers who can do the job. This is a great option if you’re looking for regular work. You can typically find brokers by searching online or through load boards.
Tips:
- If you develop a relationship with a broker, they’ll continue to send business your way!
Try Contracting With a Dispatch Service
If you’re looking for even more regular work, you can try contracting with a dispatch service. Dispatch services provide drivers with loads regularly. This is a great option if you want to be sure that you always have work. You can typically find dispatch services by searching online or through load boards.
Tips:
- If you contract with a dispatch service, they will provide you with loads regularly.
Source From Local Shippers
If you’re looking for local work, you can try sourcing from local shippers. You can find local shippers by searching online or through load boards. Once you’ve found a few potential shippers, you can reach out to them directly to discuss business. However, make sure you’ve got your ducks in a row when it comes to your freight planning.
Tips:
- When searching for local work, be sure to use the proper keyword searches on load boards.
Lease With a Company
Another option is to lease with a company. When you lease with a company, you essentially become an employee of that company. This is a great option if you’re looking for regular work and benefits. You can typically find companies that are hiring by searching online or through load boards.
Tips:
- Leasing with a company is a great way to get regular work and benefits.
Government Contracting Options
If you’re interested in government work, there are a few options available to you. The first is to search for government loads on load boards. You can also try contracting with a dispatch service that specializes in government loads. Finally, you can contact the government directly to discuss contracting options.
Tips:
- There are a few different ways to get government work as a trucker.
Try Networking!
If you want to get more owner-operator loads, networking is key. Get in touch with other truckers and ask them for advice. Attend industry events and meet as many people as you can. The more people you know, the more likely it is that you’ll hear about available loads.
Tips:
- Networking is a great way to get more owner-operator loads.
Use Load Matching Apps
There are a few different load-matching apps available that can help you find work. These apps allow you to search for loads in your area and then contact the shipper directly to arrange pick-up. This is an excellent option if you’re just starting or looking for an occasional load.
Tips:
- If you’re looking for an occasional load, a load-matching app is a great option.
Negotiate a contract directly with the shipper
If you’re looking for more regular work, try negotiating a contract directly with the shipper. This is a great way to ensure that you always have loads available. You can typically find shippers by searching online or through load boards.
Tips:
- You’ll always have loads available if you negotiate a contract directly with the shipper.
Bonus Tip: Save Money
Not exactly a way to get more loads BUT if you’re looking for a great way to save money (meaning you might need less loads, try finding the best fuel card for truckers. If you count the cents the dollars will follow!
In Conclusion
There are a number of different ways that you can get more owner-operator loads as a truck driver. By using some or all of the tips above, you’re sure to find success. Get out there and start networking, searching for loads, and hauling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Benefits of a Load Board?
A load board is a great way to find work as a trucker. You can search for loads in your area and then contact the shipper directly to arrange pick-up. This is an excellent option if you’re just starting or looking for an occasional load.
What Are The Different Types of Load Boards?
There are a few different types of load boards available. The most popular type of load board is the load-matching app. These apps allow you to search for loads in your area and then contact the shipper directly to arrange pick-up. This is an excellent option if you’re just starting or looking for an occasional load.
What Are The Benefits of Leasing with a Company?
Leasing with a company is a great way to get regular work and benefits. When you lease with a company, you essentially become an employee of that company. This is a great option if you’re looking for regular work and benefits. You can typically find companies that are hiring by searching online or through load boards.
What Are The Benefits of Government Contracting?
If you’re interested in government work, there are a few options available to you. The first is to search for government loads on load boards. You can also try contracting with a dispatch service that specializes in government loads. Finally, you can contact the government directly to discuss contracting options.