Finding fresh loads is a constant hustle and sometimes a hassle for both truckers and trucking companies. But rest assured, with a shortage of truck drivers in the US; there are plenty of loads out there to source.
Whether you’re just starting to haul or have been moving goods for years, there are ways of finding new loads that are cost-effective and make doing business easier.
We will look at how to get loads for trucks and how to keep a steady flow of work coming your way.
Building a Strong Network of Clients and Partners
Networking is the backbone of established trucking companies. It can be time-consuming and hard to break through when branching out as an independent truck driver.
But building a solid network with clients and partners is beneficial and has a high payout over time.
Get involved with truck industry associations by going to events that focus on the types of freight that you are looking to haul. Some associations are exclusive and only allow entry if you work in their specific industry.
Keep in mind that trucking associates are not the place to find clients and are attended mainly by your potential competitors.
However, industry events are a great place to shake hands, exchange tips, and in some cases, build a prospect list.
Utilizing Online Load Boards and Freight Marketplaces
Load boards were once found on special television screens at most truck stops in the US. Now, you can easily find pick-up and drop-off locations, rates, and contact information all online.
You can find free online load boards, while others have paid options. Some load boards offer free trials and even have easy-to-access apps that send notifications about newly posted fresh loads.
Freight marketplaces and online load boards have the same basic function of connecting shippers, brokers, and carriers of shipments. But, a freight marketplace offers more services and is more comprehensive than a load board.
Online freight marketplaces use a load-matching algorithm to help shippers and brokers find suitable carriers for the job.
Developing Effective Marketing and Branding Strategies
You don’t have to be a million-dollar trucking company to develop an effective marking and branding strategy.
Organic social media content is an easy, cost-effective way to generate new business and build a reputation. When you post regularly, you’re putting your name out there and interacting with the shipping community. Just remain authentic to your brand and open to experimenting on different platforms.
Websites are great tools for spreading the word, but you want them to make a strong impression. One effective strategy is to work with an SEO professional to optimize keyword search and link building.
And we can’t forget truck wraps. A large vinyl decal can display your name, number, and an impressionable logo for thousands of people to see each day.
Maximizing Efficiency through Route Planning and Load Optimization
Load planning is about maximizing the capacity of you and your truck so that you can deliver multiple shipments in the fewest trips. But there are things you must consider your truck’s specifications (refrigerated), the center of gravity, where it’s going, and the product you’re hauling.
The main responsibility of a load planner is to maximize payload capacity. It also cuts unnecessary costs by considering loading sequence, destinations, overtime, and more.
Efficient route planning improves customer satisfaction because you can deliver goods on time, every time. It provides you with accurate time window management, real-time updates, effective other fulfillment, and services that focus on the customer’s preferences.
Using route planning and load optimization ensures better safety for drivers. It takes into account road conditions and road limits and helps you avoid high-risk areas. And when optimizing routes, you’re reducing fuel use and truck emissions, which lessens the environmental impact.
Maximizing efficiency through route planning and load optimization ensures that you’re complying with new trucking regulations. Manually planning and sequencing routes are inefficient, time-consuming, and leave too much room for errors.
Leveraging Technology and Automation for Streamlined Operations
In the trucking industry, technology is ever-evolving. Technological advancements and software solutions help streamline operations, reduce costs, and optimize overall performance.
Trucking companies and some owner-operators use fleet management software to track insights into vehicle locations, routes, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have changed how large-fleet trucking businesses and owner-operators track and manage hours of service (HOS) to remain compliant.
Using a telematics system to track performance allows you to monitor speed, fuel consumption, braking patterns, and more to optimize fuel efficiency and address any maintenance issues faster.
Advanced analytics and predictive maintenance is another maintenance solution that proactively addresses maintenance issues and minimizes truck downtime and repair costs.
The evolution of automation using mobile applications has changed how the trucking industry does everything from GPS tracking to load management. Mobile apps streamline operations, reduce time-consuming tasks, and enhance overall productivity.
Conclusion
You have options when you’re in search of fresh loads to transport.
Building a solid network of peers allows you to establish yourself in the trucking business as an owner-operator. And developing effective marketing and branding keeps your name out there.
Technology and the internet now allow trucking companies and independent contractors to access load boards and freight marketplaces from anywhere, maximize efficiency, and automate to streamline services.
Route planning and optimization come with plenty of advantages, including cost reduction, enhanced efficiency, better customer service, and more.
But understanding how to get loads for trucks is not the only way to increase cash flow and stay profitable. Saving money, improving cash flow, and remaining consistently profitable continues after you have picked up and dropped off a load.
We at Advanced Commercial Capital understand the things that truckers need to feel confident and succeed. We provide custom-tailored, fair and honest invoice factoringthat protects you against unpaid invoices due to fraud, bankruptcy, or delinquency.
You can contact us at Advanced Commercial Capital at 855-465-4655 or by using our contact form.