Having loads to haul is what keeps your trucking business going. When you have difficulty finding loads to transport or are new to the field and don’t have a network yet, your operations can suffer when you’re stuck with downtime. You can avoid these pitfalls by employing some resourceful techniques for how to find loads for your truckers.
Learn more about how to get trucking contracts and find loads for your drivers so your company stays efficient.
7 Tips for Finding Loads for Your Trucking Company
As a trucker, your reputation for being timely and efficient is paramount to client satisfaction, and having a consistent stream of loads is part of that. Find trucking loads more quickly and keep your company productive with these tips:
1. Build a Network
Build a network of potential shippers to partner with by going to events that shippers in your area commonly attend. You can also join trucking associations for your specific industry, which opens you up to even more events or connect with your local chamber of commerce to search for leads. Even if you don’t form a contract with a company right then, you can make your services known to them so they can get in touch with you when they have a shipping need.
2. Assess Loads in Advance
When looking for loads, it’s smart to assess their rates before accepting them to decide if they will be profitable for your business. You might find a load that offers a good rate from Alabama to Iowa, but if you drive back to Alabama with no other load to transport, it could cost you more than it’s worth.
Also, keep costs in mind when traversing more difficult terrain, such as mountainous land. Your truck will require more fuel to cross these rugged territories, which could lead to even more lost money if you have nothing to transport on the return trip.
Related: How to Calculate Trucking Cost Per Mile
3. Utilize Load Boards
Load boards are one of your best bets on finding loads for truck drivers. These platforms frequently update, provide a direct link to connect with shippers and offer a quick way to find businesses that need your services. You can see the exact details of each load, including its weight, destination, rate and more. Make sure your profile is similarly detailed so that companies can decide if your business is right for them.
Trusted authorities in the trucking industry, like DAT Freight & Analytics, offer high-quality load boards you can subscribe to so you can start taking your business to the next level.
4. Get Contracts With Freight Brokers
Freight brokers help truckers connect with shippers. Brokers make the process more convenient by leveraging their existing relationships with shippers, and they can negotiate rates for you. That way, you can get what you’re looking for without taking on lengthy negotiations when you have other pressing business matters to manage.
You’ll want to choose a freight broker who has your best interests in mind, with a trustworthy reputation, regular loads and clear, honest communication.
5. Work With a Dispatching Service Network
A dispatching service network connects you with shipping leads for a more streamlined process. At Porter Freight Funding, we’ll get you in touch with a freight dispatch partner that will help you select shipping companies or brokers from a list of preapproved clients. This service helps remove uncertainties from the load-securing process and takes care of time-consuming tasks so that you don’t have to.
We complete back-end operations like route planning and billing for you so you can invest your time where it’s most needed. Other benefits include:
- Access to state-by-state freight lane details.
- Credit building by booking all loads under your MC number.
- Same-day pay on all loads.
- Transparency on what loads are available to avoid deadhead.
- Early access to loads before they hit the load boards.
6. Become a Government Contractor
Working as a contractor for the federal government or your state and local agencies gives you a steady stream of loads and offers more stability than finding loads from different sources. Depending on your particular situation, you could work under another company that’s a government contractor or register your own business as a contractor.
Working for a primary government contractor may be easier if you’re a small or new business. The Department of Transportation and the Small Business Administration provides resources to help subcontracting companies find suitable opportunities.
7. Align Your Financial Goals and Performance
Similar to our second tip, one crucial point to remember while searching for loads is your financial objectives. Loads are necessary for your operational success, but you also want the ones that will be most profitable to your trucking business. Taking on loads that don’t make you much money can make it harder for you to maintain good financial performance and exercise the needed resources to continue finding loads.
Align your financial goals with the loads you choose by considering how much it costs to operate your fleet and your current revenue. Aim for load rates that provide a profit that will cover your necessary operating expenses and allow you to grow your trucking business.
Related: Tips to Increase Your Income as a Truck Driver
Get More Loads With Porter Freight
When you don’t have to spend all your time searching for more loads, you can put more energy toward improving the most critical parts of your business. Porter Freight Funding will help you enhance your deliveries by managing all the details and getting you high-paying loads that increase your bottom line.
Contact our team today to get more information on joining our freight dispatching network.
