How do you get truck loads?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 06, 2026
How do truckers find loads?
- Direct from shippers – Sourcing loads directly from shippers is the ideal scenario. ...
- Freight brokers – An outsourced sales team is how truckers should view and use freight brokers. ...
- Load boards – Truckers can also use public load boards to find loads posted by freight brokers.
How do you get loads directly from shippers?
Here are five popular online load boards where shippers, like yourself, can safely and reliably place their online loads.
- Direct Freight Services. DirectFreight.com gives shippers the ability to post their loads for free. ...
- Trulos. ...
- Convoy. ...
- NextLOAD. ...
- Cargobot.
How do new carriers get loads?
Use a freight broker
Owner-operators who are not looking to lease-on with a trucking company can turn to a freight broker to find loads for them. Freight brokers do most of the leg work for owner-operators – from connecting them to shippers to determining loads' rates, times and locations.
How do I get more loads?
8 ways to get more loads as an owner-operator
- Use owner-operator load boards. ...
- Work with a freight broker. ...
- Contract with a dispatching service. ...
- Source directly from local shippers. ...
- Lease on with a company. ...
- Register as a government contractor. ...
- Network with other businesses. ...
- Use load-matching apps.
What truck loads pay the most?
Top 5 Highest Paying Trucking Jobs
- Ice Road Truck Driver.
- Tanker Hauler.
- Hazmat Truck Driver.
- Oversized Load Hauler.
- Owner Operator Driver.
Where can I find loads for truckers?
Load boards – Truckers can also use public load boards to find loads posted by freight brokers. The most popular load boards charge a monthly subscription fee for the service though there are several free options to choose from. Truckstop.com and DAT are the biggest in the load board business and for good reason.
How do hot shot truckers find loads?
How to get Loads for your Hotshot Trucking Business
- Freight Brokers. Freight brokers are the middle men that connect shippers to truckers and they can help you out especially if you are just starting out. ...
- Load Boards. ...
- Dispatch Services. ...
- Register as a Government Contractor. ...
- Prospecting. ...
- Networking.
Is it hard to get loads with new authority?
One of the biggest challenges for any new trucking company with a brand new motor carrier authority is finding loads. Most new trucking authorities have to use brokers to either find all their loads or to find backhauls.
How much do Owner operators make per load?
How Much Can You Make As an Owner Operator? Owner operators have the potential to make significantly more money than a company driver. While company drivers make between 38-52 cents per mile, owner operators typically make about 70% of the load, which would be $1.75 on a load paying $2.50, for example.
How do independent truck owners get loads?
Freight brokers help find truck loads for owner operators and fleet owners. The best part is they do most of the legwork for you, including negotiating the rates with shippers. Brokers make it easier for independent truck drivers looking for quality loads because they usually have a relationship with the shippers.
Where do brokers find loads?
Brokers can find loads in the same way that many other industry giants drum up business: marketing campaigns. This may involve direct mailers to companies who have loads that fit into their niche, targeted online ads, or social media marketing campaigns.
Is owning a truck profitable?
Trucking is a profitable industry. Trucks deliver about 70% of products across the U.S. worth about $700 billion. This opens opportunities for driving revenue and profits to your trucking business, whether you're an owner or owner-operator.
Is it worth being an owner-operator?
Owner operators generally earn higher per-mile rates than company drivers, or a percent-of-load rate. Although they make more income per load, they also must pay all the expenses of operating a truck and business.
Is it worth being an owner-operator truck driver?
Owner-operators can generally make more money than company drivers. Exactly how much you'll make depends on many factors, including what types of freight you carry and which certifications you hold. But remember, you'll also have far greater responsibilities than a company driver.
Can I start my authority without a truck?
Do I need to have a truck before I get my DOT and MC Numbers? No, you do not need to have a truck before you get your DOT and MC Numbers. However, the FMCSA will not activate your authority after the mandatory 21 day protest period if you do not have insurance on file, which does require a truck.
Can a person own two trucking companies?
To obtain two DOT numbers, a person does have to go through a registration process for two separate commercial vehicles. Having a DOT number allows you to operate a commercial vehicle in states where that's a requirement.
How do I find the best paying freight?
Here are seven steps that can increase your chances of getting good loads, and working with shippers or brokers that pay well and on time:
- Know Your Financials. ...
- Develop Criteria. ...
- Pick Your Lanes. ...
- Start Networking. ...
- Work the Phones. ...
- Check Credit Scores. ...
- Take a Strategic Approach to Load Boards.
Is there good money in hotshot trucking?
A well run hotshot trucker in a reasonable location for regular loads can bring in from $60,000 to $120,000 gross income per year, possibly more. Most hotshot's expenses—fuel, maintenance, insurance, licenses and fees, tolls, etc.
Where can I find 18 wheeler loads?
How do owner-operators find loads?
- Find a freight broker. Freight brokers are one of the most common ways to connect truckers with shippers. ...
- Negotiate a contract directly with the shipper. Entering agreements directly with shippers can be a great way to get loads. ...
- Becoming a government contractor. ...
- Use a truck load board.
What are power only loads?
Power only trucking is a full truckload capacity solution that occurs when a carrier provides only a driver and a tractor (also known as a “power unit”). In power only trucking, the driver does not bring a trailer, but instead hooks up to and hauls a trailer that is either leased or owned by a 3PL or shipper.
How do dispatchers find loads?
How do dispatchers find loads? Freight dispatchers usually work with brokers or scout load boards to find freight. However, many dispatchers also represent shippers directly to book loads for you.
What load board is best?
Top load boards for any carrier
- Trucker Path. One of the industry's top smartphone apps used by drivers everywhere is Trucker Path. ...
- Truckstop.com. As one of the first load boards to appear on the internet, Truckstop.com is a comprehensive load board. ...
- Direct Freight. ...
- 123Loadboard. ...
- DAT Load Board.
How do I start a trucking business with one truck?
Five Steps to Start a Trucking Business with One Truck
- Write up a business plan.
- Decide what kind of entity you want to be.
- Decide what carrier you want to drive for.
- Get your own truck.
- Hire a business services provider to help start your trucking business.
Is trucking a good career?
Truck driving is a great career for those who want to start earning a high annual salary without spending years on training. While there is required training and paperwork that goes into getting your CDL and authority, the pay is often worth it for truck drivers.