Contributed by
Ready to try Flock?
Shipper sign upCarrier sign up
5 Expert Tips to Find Truck Loads
For carriers in the freight industry, hauling loads is what it’s all about. But without the right tools or strategies, booking enough jobs to keep your business afloat or pay the bills can become a race against the clock.If you feel frustrated with the process because it seems like all the good hauls get snatched up fast, there is a better way. You can take certain steps to rise to the challenge and find loads easier and faster.So, what are the best methods to find loads for your trucks? Flock Freight is here to help with five expert tips on how to get loads for trucks. With these in mind, you’ll have a few options when it’s time to get to work.
1. Utilize load boards
Instead of searching “truckloads near me” on Google, you may want to start using a load board.Load boards are online marketplaces that connect carriers to shippers with freight to move. As a common way for carriers to book hauls, load boards can be a very effective way to quickly expand a business.Typically, a shipper will post their available loads on the load board, including information about the origin, destination, type of freight, and more. Then, carriers can browse listings or load search using specific criteria to select loads matching their equipment and availability.Some of the benefits of using load boards include:
- Improved productivity
- Better equipment utilization
- Increased revenue
Popular load boards, like CarrierDirect, DAT, or Truckstop.com, all have pros and cons based on the features they provide. Choosing the best load board comes down to looking at all the different factors (pricing, available features, reviews, load volume, etc.) and comparing them across platforms to find the one that meets your specific needs.
2. Contact shippers directly
Openly contacting shippers is a great idea because you can gain direct access to their shipments after establishing rapport. This method involves reaching out to businesses/manufacturers or attending industry events that shippers go to and convincing them to use your service when they need to transport their goods.It’s crucial to tailor your pitch to their specific needs, so research the company and learn about what they do. Understanding their needs will help you sell yourself better as an experienced and knowledgeable freight carrier.Always be respectful and remain professional when you reach out to shippers. They likely receive a lot of solicitations from carriers, so you want to stand out in a good way. Figure out a way to offer a unique value proposition that sets you apart.Want to make this entire process easier? Flock Freight allows freight carriers to contact shippers directly through our platform. You can view and bid on freight directly from shippers, meaning you’ll get your foot in the door and build a relationship right away.
3. Work with a freight broker
Working with a freight broker can be extremely advantageous. Freight brokers act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, and they’ll help you make connections when you need a load that matches your equipment and route preferences.Not all freight brokers are the same, though, and you’ll want to choose one with a straightforward solution to avoid miscommunication or poor organization.Flock Freight is an excellent solution for carriers who want to maximize business and make more money. We have a dynamic pooling algorithm, meaning we can group together multiple shippers’ freight to create full truckloads. This gets you more profitable loads and reduces your empty miles.Since all our shippers and carriers operate via our technology-based platform, you’ll experience better direct communication, real-time tracking, and shipment visibility.Other benefits of working with Flock Freight as a freight carrier include:
- Early load access
- More partial freight options than anyone else
- Tailored load suggestions
- Predictive delivery using data analysis
- Thousands of exclusive loads updated weekly
Want to know how to find box truck loads? Looking for shared truckloads? Seeking a specialized freight haul? For carriers of all types, Flock Freight offers the best solution.
4. Network with carrier partners
Networking with other carriers can be a huge benefit to your business. When you build relationships with your fellow carriers, you’ll gain access to new customers and potentially find more business opportunities.There are a few ways you can network with other carriers.Attend industry events or conferences, which can provide insights about new technologies, emerging trends, and much more.Some trucking associations may also have local events, allowing you to meet local carriers. Instead of searching “truck loads near me,” you can simply reach out to your new connections in the area to see if they know of any open jobs.Another option is to connect with other carriers online through social media platforms, like American Trucking Associations on LinkedIn or Rate Per Mile Masters on Facebook. These groups make it easy to build a relationship and stay up to date on industry movements and updates. You can also use social media to ask questions or get advice if you’re new to the game.
5. Utilize technology
Technology is essential in most industries today, including trucking, and it can make it easier for you to locate and book loads. There are a few ways you may use technology to your advantage, but a few common tools for carriers include the following:
- Transportation management system (TMS): Manage your logistics operations easier by finding loads, booking jobs, optimizing routes, and managing payments in one system.
- Mobile apps: Access load boards or freight marketplaces on the go so you can always accept assignments or manage documents.
If you're a smaller or newer carrier business, the cost of investing in advanced technology may outweigh your needs, and load boards or mobile apps should suffice.However, larger carriers who haul hundreds of loads per day can benefit from tools that enable them to do API integrations. TMS's that offer API integrations can be found here.Flock Freight also utilizes patented technology to help carriers find and book more profitable loads based on customizable matches.With our use of machine learning and data analysis, we provide optimized routes and reduced wait times at your pickup or delivery locations. Our platform integrates with popular TMS software to make it effortless for you to manage operations 24/7 and earn up to 20% more per haul.All these technological advancements will increase efficiency and profitability. And the best part? You have complete control from start to finish.
Find your next load easily with Flock Freight
Finding loads doesn’t have to be such a chore. With these five tips in mind, you can start making the process easier on yourself.But, if you want something even less complicated, Flock Freight can do all the heavy lifting for you. We provide a comprehensive, technology-based solution that offers access to all our world-class features, like:
- Shared truckloads to help keep your trucks full
- Hubless routes to enhance productivity
- Dynamic pooled shipping to reduce empty miles
- Streamlined billing to make things quick and easy
- Customized load matches
- Predictive delivery based on tracking features and data analysis
- Simple booking opportunities 24/7
- Self-service technology that lets you take charge
Flock Freight is a technology company that helps you figure out how to get loads for your trucks and make more money with our patented software. Ready to get started? Start earning with us today.
