Finding freight is one of the biggest responsibilities of running a trucking company. A business can have reliable trucks, experienced drivers, and proper equipment, but without regular shipments, it cannot generate consistent revenue.
For new carriers, the challenge can be even greater. They may not have established broker relationships, direct shipper contacts, or enough experience to know where to look for available freight.
Understanding how trucking companies get loads can help owners make better business decisions, reduce truck downtime, and build stronger customer relationships.
In the United States, trucking companies get loads through several channels. These include freight load boards, brokers, direct shippers, dispatch services, digital freight marketplaces, and transportation contracts.
Each method has advantages and limitations. Some provide quick access to available shipments, while others take more time but can create repeat business.
This guide explains how trucking companies find and book freight, how new carriers can get started, and what they should consider before accepting a load.
How Does the Freight Process Work?
Before looking at different ways to get loads, it helps to understand how freight moves through the transportation industry.
The process usually involves three main parties:
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Shippers: Businesses that need products, materials, or equipment transported.
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Freight brokers: Companies or individuals who arrange transportation between shippers and authorized carriers.
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Motor carriers: Trucking companies or owner-operators that physically transport freight.
For example, a furniture manufacturer in North Carolina may need to ship products to a distribution center in Illinois.
The manufacturer can hire a freight broker to arrange transportation. The broker then contacts a carrier with suitable equipment and availability.
The carrier reviews the shipment, agrees to the rate and delivery requirements, and sends a driver to pick up the freight.
Once the shipment is delivered, the carrier submits the required paperwork and follows the agreed payment process.
According to the FMCSA, brokers arrange transportation, while motor carriers operate commercial vehicles to transport property.
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Understanding these roles helps trucking companies identify the right people and businesses to contact when searching for freight.
8 Ways Trucking Companies Get Loads
There is no single source of freight that works for every trucking business. Companies often combine several methods to keep their trucks moving.
Here are eight common ways carriers find shipments in the United States.
1. Freight Load Boards
Freight load boards are among the most common tools used by trucking companies to find available shipments.
These online platforms connect carriers with freight brokers and other users posting transportation opportunities.
A carrier can search for loads based on:
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Current truck location.
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Pickup and delivery locations.
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Trailer or equipment type.
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Pickup date.
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Available mileage.
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Offered transportation rate.
Some popular freight load board platforms include:
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DAT.
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Truck stop.
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123Loadboard.
For example, a dry van carrier delivering a shipment in Dallas can search for available loads going toward Houston, Austin, or another preferred destination.
This gives the carrier several options instead of waiting until the truck becomes empty.
Tips for using load boards:
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Search for freight near your truck’s current location.
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Filter loads according to your equipment.
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Compare rates and total trip miles.
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Check the pickup and delivery appointments.
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Verify the broker before accepting the shipment.
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Confirm all load details in writing.
Load boards are useful, but carriers should not accept every shipment they see. A load must cover its operating costs and make financial sense.
2. Working With Freight Brokers
Freight brokers are another major source of business for trucking companies.
They connect businesses that need transportation with carriers that have available trucks. Instead of searching for individual shippers, a carrier can build relationships with brokers that regularly handle its type of freight.
For example, a refrigerated carrier might work with brokers specializing in food and agricultural shipments.
A dry van company may focus on brokers that handle retail products, packaging materials, and general merchandise.
Why trucking companies work with brokers:
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Access to different freight opportunities.
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Less time spent finding individual shippers.
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Opportunities for repeat loads.
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Access to multiple shipping lanes.
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Potential to build long-term working relationships.
However, carriers should carefully review brokers before accepting loads.
Check their business credentials, payment history, credit information, and communication practices. Confirm payment terms and accessorial charges before agreeing to a shipment.
It is also important to verify that the broker is properly registered when registration is required.
3. Direct Shipper Relationships
Some trucking companies prefer working directly with shippers instead of relying entirely on brokers.
A direct shipper relationship means the carrier communicates with the business that needs its products transported.
Potential customers include:
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Manufacturing companies.
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Wholesale distributors.
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Food processing businesses.
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Retail distribution centers.
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Construction material suppliers.
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Agricultural businesses.
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Furniture manufacturers.
For example, a trucking company operating several dry van trucks in Ohio might contact manufacturers that regularly ship products to nearby states.
The carrier can introduce its transportation services and explain its equipment, service area, and operating capabilities.
How to find direct shipper customers:
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Identify businesses that regularly ship products.
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Research manufacturers and distributors in your operating area.
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Find transportation or logistics managers.
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Contact them through professional email or phone calls.
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Explain what equipment and transportation services you provide.
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Follow up without sending repeated or unwanted messages.
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Deliver reliable service when you receive an opportunity.
Direct shipper relationships may take longer to develop, but they can provide repeat business and reduce dependence on the spot market.
4. Professional Truck Dispatch Services
Many owner-operators and small trucking companies use dispatch services to manage freight searches and daily operations.
A professional dispatcher can search load boards, contact brokers, negotiate rates, coordinate pickup appointments, and help plan the next shipment.
This can be particularly useful for drivers who spend most of their time operating their trucks.
For example, imagine an owner-operator delivering a load in Atlanta. The driver may not have enough time to search multiple load boards while managing the delivery.
A dispatcher can search for suitable freight before the current shipment is completed.
A truck dispatcher may help with:
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Finding available loads.
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Contacting freight brokers.
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Negotiating transportation rates.
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Planning reloads.
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Coordinating pickup and delivery times.
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Tracking shipments.
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Managing rate confirmations and paperwork.
A good dispatcher should understand the carrier’s preferred routes, equipment, operating costs, and business goals.
If you need help with load searches and daily freight coordination, visit Good Dispatcher to explore truck dispatch services.
One important distinction: dispatch services and freight brokers do not have identical legal roles. How a dispatch service operates can affect whether broker authority is required. Carriers should review the FMCSA’s guidance on brokers and bona fide agents before choosing a service.
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5. Digital Freight Marketplaces
Digital freight marketplaces allow carriers to search for and manage transportation opportunities through online platforms.
These services may offer load booking, shipment tracking, payment information, and communication tools.
One example is Amazon Relay.
Approved carriers can use the platform to access eligible Amazon freight opportunities.
Digital marketplaces can help trucking companies add another freight source to their operations.
However, joining a marketplace does not guarantee a steady supply of loads.
Before registering, review:
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Carrier eligibility.
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Insurance requirements.
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Equipment requirements.
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Available freight in your region.
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Payment terms.
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Tracking and service expectations.
Compare the opportunities with your existing customers and freight sources before making the platform part of your business strategy.
6. Long-Term Freight Contracts
Long-term transportation contracts can provide trucking companies with more predictable freight opportunities.
Under a contract, a carrier agrees to transport shipments for a customer under specific conditions.
These agreements may include:
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Transportation lanes.
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Equipment requirements.
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Agreed rates.
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Pickup and delivery schedules.
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Service standards.
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Payment terms.
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Contract duration.
For example, a food distributor may need refrigerated transportation between its warehouse and several retail distribution centers.
A reefer carrier with suitable equipment and reliable service may be able to secure recurring shipments.
How to pursue contract freight:
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Identify businesses with regular shipping requirements.
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Focus on routes your trucks already operate.
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Prepare a professional carrier profile.
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Maintain updated insurance and operating documents.
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Contact transportation managers.
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Respond to requests for transportation proposals.
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Review contract terms before signing.
Pay close attention to minimum volume commitments, rate adjustments, cancellation conditions, and detention policies.
A contract can be valuable, but only when its financial and operating terms make sense for your company.
7. Networking and Referrals
Not every load comes from a website or freight broker.
Business relationships can also introduce carriers to new customers.
A trucking company that communicates well and delivers freight reliably may receive referrals from existing customers, warehouse managers, logistics professionals, and other transportation businesses.
Useful networking opportunities include:
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Trucking industry events.
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Transportation conferences.
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Local business organizations.
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Trucking associations.
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Manufacturing networks.
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Existing customer relationships.
For example, a carrier that regularly transports construction materials for one distributor may receive a referral to another supplier in the same industry.
Networking takes time, but professional relationships can become an important source of repeat business.
8. Dedicated Transportation Opportunities
Some businesses need carriers to handle transportation regularly instead of booking individual shipments whenever freight becomes available.
These arrangements are often called dedicated transportation services.
A trucking company may provide equipment and drivers for a customer’s recurring transportation needs.
For example, a retailer may need regular transportation between a distribution center and regional warehouses.
A carrier with suitable equipment and enough operational capacity may provide this service under an agreed arrangement.
Dedicated opportunities can help reduce uncertainty, but companies must evaluate the workload, staffing, equipment availability, and financial terms before committing.
How New Trucking Companies Can Get Their First Loads
Getting the first few loads can be difficult for a new trucking company. Established carriers may already have broker relationships and repeat customers, while new businesses still need to prove themselves.
The best approach is to prepare your business before searching for freight.
1. Complete Your Carrier Registration
Before accepting freight, make sure your business has the registrations and operating authority required for its operations.
Depending on your business and transportation activities, this may include:
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USDOT Number.
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Applicable FMCSA operating authority.
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Required insurance filings.
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Process agent designation, when applicable.
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State registrations and permits.
Requirements depend on the type of operation. The FMCSA provides an official registration guide explaining the process.
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2. Prepare Your Carrier Packet
Brokers and shippers may request company documents before approving a carrier.
Prepare an organized carrier packet containing relevant information, such as:
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Company details.
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USDOT and MC information, where applicable.
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Certificate of insurance.
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W-9 form.
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Contact information.
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Equipment details.
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Required operating documents.
Having these documents ready can make the onboarding process easier.
3. Start With Suitable Load Boards
New carriers can use load boards to search for shipments that match their equipment and location.
Start with manageable routes rather than accepting complicated shipments outside your experience.
4. Build Broker Relationships
Contact reputable brokers that handle your equipment type.
Introduce your company, explain your preferred lanes, and provide the information they need to review your carrier profile.
5. Consider Dispatch Support
If you are unfamiliar with freight searches, a professional dispatcher may help you identify suitable loads and manage broker communication.
The important thing is to focus on learning the process instead of accepting shipments without understanding their costs.
How to Choose Loads That Make Business Sense
Getting loads is important, but getting profitable loads is what keeps a trucking company operating.
A shipment with a high total payment may still produce a poor financial result.
Before accepting freight, evaluate these five factors.
Rate Per Mile
Calculate the offered rate against the total miles required for the trip.
For example:
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Load payment: $2,100.
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Total estimated miles: 1,000.
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Gross rate per mile: $2.10.
This is gross revenue per mile, not profit. You still need to account for fuel, maintenance, insurance, driver pay, and other expenses.
Deadhead Miles
Deadhead miles are the miles a truck travels without freight.
A load that requires 150 empty miles before pickup may be less attractive than one available close to your current location.
Always include empty miles when comparing shipment offers.
Delivery Location
Think about where the truck will go after delivery.
Some destinations offer more freight opportunities for certain equipment types than others.
Planning the next load before accepting the current one can help reduce unnecessary downtime.
Broker Reliability
Check the broker’s credentials and payment practices.
Make sure the rate confirmation matches the agreed terms and that you understand the payment schedule.
Accessorial Charges
Understand additional charges that may apply, including:
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Detention.
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Layover.
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Lumper fees.
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Truck ordered not used (TONU).
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Extra stops.
Confirm applicable charges and approval procedures before accepting the shipment.
How Trucking Companies Get More Consistent Loads
Finding one shipment is different from developing a dependable freight pipeline.
Companies that want more consistent business should focus on building a repeatable system.
Here are five practical strategies.
1. Focus on specific lanes.
Choose routes that fit your equipment, customer base, and operating costs. Tracking performance across different lanes can help identify better opportunities.
2. Work with multiple reliable brokers.
Avoid depending entirely on one broker or freight platform. Build relationships with several companies that handle your preferred freight.
3. Develop direct shipper relationships.
Contact manufacturers, distributors, and warehouses that regularly need transportation.
4. Plan reloads early.
Start searching for the next shipment before the current load reaches its destination. This gives you more time to compare available freight.
5. Track your business performance.
Record load payments, total miles, fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and actual profit.
This information helps you understand which routes and customers are worth pursuing.
Common Mistakes Trucking Companies Should Avoid
Some freight decisions create problems because carriers focus too much on keeping their trucks busy.
Avoid these common mistakes:
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Accepting every load: A shipment should cover its costs and support your business goals.
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Ignoring deadhead miles: Empty travel reduces the real value of freight.
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Working with unverified brokers: Check business credentials and payment reliability.
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Depending on one freight source: Use a combination of brokers, load boards, and direct customers.
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Ignoring delivery locations: Consider available reload opportunities before accepting a shipment.
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Failing to negotiate: Understand your operating costs before agreeing to a rate.
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Neglecting customer relationships: Reliable service can lead to repeat business.
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Overlooking paperwork: Confirm rates, shipment details, and payment terms in writing.
How Technology Helps Trucking Companies Get Loads
Technology has made freight searches and transportation management easier for many carriers.
Modern tools help trucking companies find available shipments, organize dispatch operations, and communicate with customers.
Some useful technologies include:
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Load board software: Helps carriers search freight by location, equipment, and pickup date.
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GPS tracking: Helps dispatchers monitor truck locations and plan future shipments.
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Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Organize shipment details, customer information, and transportation operations.
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Dispatch software: Helps manage driver assignments, load information, and delivery schedules.
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Rate analysis tools: Help carriers compare offered rates and evaluate transportation costs.
Technology can save time, but it cannot guarantee profitable freight.
Carriers still need to verify brokers, review shipment details, calculate expenses, and make informed business decisions.
Conclusion
Understanding how trucking companies get loads is essential for building a successful trucking business in the United States.
Carriers find freight through load boards, brokers, direct shippers, dispatch services, digital marketplaces, long-term contracts, networking, and dedicated transportation opportunities.
New trucking companies should start by preparing their registration documents, building broker relationships, and searching for loads that match their equipment and experience.
Established carriers can strengthen their operations by developing direct customer relationships, planning reloads, and tracking profitability.
Remember, keeping a truck moving is important, but keeping it moving profitably matters more.
A balanced freight strategy, reliable business relationships, and smart load selection can help trucking companies reduce downtime and build a stronger transportation business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do trucking companies get loads in the USA?
Trucking companies get loads through online freight load boards, freight brokers, direct shippers, dispatch services, digital freight marketplaces, and long-term transportation contracts.
2. How do new trucking companies find their first loads?
New carriers can start by completing their required registrations, preparing a carrier packet, joining suitable load boards, contacting freight brokers, and developing relationships with potential shippers.
3. Do trucking companies need freight brokers to get loads?
No. Trucking companies can work directly with shippers or find freight through other channels. However, brokers provide access to shipments from businesses that use third-party transportation services.
4. What is the best way to get consistent truck loads?
Combining multiple freight sources is a practical approach. Carriers can work with reliable brokers, build direct shipper relationships, use load boards, and pursue recurring transportation contracts.
5. Can a dispatcher find loads for trucking companies?
Yes. A dispatcher can search load boards, contact brokers, negotiate rates, coordinate shipments, and help plan reloads. The dispatch arrangement should comply with applicable FMCSA rules.
6. How can trucking companies get better-paying loads?
Carriers should compare rates, calculate total trip miles, reduce deadhead travel, evaluate delivery locations, negotiate when appropriate, and develop relationships with reliable customers.
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FMCSA – Getting Started With Registration: Motor carrier registration guidance.
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FMCSA – Broker and Motor Carrier Definitions: Understanding broker and carrier roles.
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FMCSA – Broker and Dispatch Service Guidance: Official guidance on dispatch services and brokers.
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FMCSA – Registration Forms: USDOT and operating authority information.
Publication note: Verify current FMCSA registration and operating authority requirements before publishing. Load board features, eligibility standards, and pricing may also change.
