7 Ways To Find Quality Loads To Ship
If you’re running a trucking business, searching for quality loads to haul can be a challenging process. However, you must understand that securing top-notch loads is essential to maximizing profitability. Not only that, but it can allow you to build strong business relationships with shippers and other professionals working in the industry. Luckily, there are some strategies that can help make the process easier and faster for you.
To get the most out of your trucking business, read on to learn about the seven ways of finding quality loads to ship and get you on the road.
- Utilize A Load Board
Since looking for loads isn’t always easy, it’s important to take full advantage of whatever options you have in order to achieve more favorable results. One of those options is to use a load board. This refers to a virtual matching tool where you can search and find many shippers, freight agents, and other individuals who post their loads.
When utilizing a load board, you can make the whole search process more convenient and seamless since it has various listings to choose from. For example, some of the best load boards provide plenty of information you can use to make better decisions. Aside from listings, you can access valuable information such as heat maps for planning, broker ratings, rates, and origins and destination, among many others.
Hence, if you want to get the best loads to ship while dealing with fewer hassles and less stress, turning to the right load board would make a lot of sense.
- Search For A Freight Broker
Another way of finding quality loads for your trucking business is to look for and work with a freight broker. They serve as a middleman by connecting many shippers to truckers like you. Using their solid professional networks, they can help you discover great loads for fleet owners and operators.
Moreover, using a freight broker is an excellent way of sourcing quality loads because they can make your life as a trucker more manageable. They can complete almost all the necessary paperwork and take on tasks such as managing specific administrative work and negotiating shipping rates. As a result, you can increase your revenues in less time.
- Register As A Government Contractor
Like the private sector, the government, particularly local administrations, has goods or products that have to be transported from one place to another during disasters, national emergencies, and other essential projects.
Thus, if you want to obtain quality loads, registering as a government contractor is a good idea. Regardless of where you are in the country, state and municipal administrations are willing to work with truckers to transport their commodities.
However, the process of registering as a government contractor can be complicated. Since you’ll be dealing with the government, you have to meet certain requirements before you can be considered a government contractor. For example, if you’re tasked to transport arms and ammunition, you need to submit a lot of paperwork before doing so.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to find quality loads under the government. Just build a partnership with another company with government contracts, and you can start getting high-paying trucking contracts in no time.
- Perform Thorough Research About The Shippers In Your Area
If you want to maximize your searching efforts for superior quality trucking loads, then doing careful research about shippers is also one of the best things you can do. With the increasing number of shippers out there, it’s possible to find new prospects who can bring lucrative loads to your trucking business.
To get started with your research, you can do the following:
- Check what your potential shipping companies transport and the locations they cater to.
- Once you have a list, call your prospects to set an appointment to express your intention to be their partner trucking company and inquire about their trucking requirements.
- Do a follow-up to improve your chances of closing more deals.
Taking the measures mentioned above would allow you to obtain more opportunities for your trucking company.
- Market Yourself And Your Trucking Business
Selling your services to shippers is another excellent way to increase your odds of getting quality loads to ship. You can do this by letting prospective shippers know that your truck is available to deliver their goods and products safely and on time.
Hence, if you opt to use a load board to market yourself and your trucking business, make sure to provide all the necessary information that can help you stand out from the competition. For example, if you specialize in hauling heavy cargoes or less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping, don’t forget to mention such details on your load board profile. That way, shippers can find you easily and quickly.
- Do A Bit Of Networking
Finding high-paying cargoes to haul can also be done by building a good network. You can widen your connections with networking, making it easy to get the best loads for your trucking business. To get the most out of networking, try the following:
- Use social media to meet and interact with truck drivers, shippers, and other professionals in the trucking industry.
- Join a trucking association or organization in your area to get referrals and references from other people working in the field.
As you can see, there are ways for you to boost your networking with ease. Just seize every chance to form new connections, and all your efforts will eventually pay off.
- Hire Truck Dispatchers
If you’re having difficulty looking for freight brokers and shippers, then working with truck dispatchers can be the way to go. They can help you connect with essential people in the trucking industry. Apart from that, they make sure your truck has loads to transport.
When you work with truck dispatchers, you can also get administrative assistance since they can do accounting, billing, and other tasks for you.
Bottom Line
Operating a transport or trucking business can be an overwhelming endeavor. There are many things you need to consider to ensure its success. One of them is finding and getting quality loads to ship. With high-paying cargoes, you’ll be able to earn more money and grow your business in the long run. Fortunately, searching for the proper loads for your trucking business can be a breeze if you keep the abovementioned methods in mind.