How Do Owner-Operators Find Loads?
Finding loads is one of the most important parts of running a successful owner-operator trucking business.
When you first start your company, finding consistent freight can feel difficult. New owner-operators often compete with established carriers that already have relationships with brokers and shippers. The good news is that there are several proven ways to find loads and keep your truck moving.
Some methods cost money upfront, while others take more time and effort. Most successful owner-operators use a combination of strategies to keep freight moving consistently throughout the year.
The most common ways to find loads are:
- Dispatchers
- Freight brokers
- Load boards
- Cold calling and lead prospecting
- Government contracts
- Networking
Best Ways To Find Loads as an Owner-Operator
There is no single best way to find loads. What works for one trucking company may not work for another. However, most owner-operators use several methods at the same time. This helps them keep more freight moving and avoid depending on only one source of work.
New motor carriers often benefit from working with a dispatcher or using load boards when first starting out. As your business grows, building direct relationships with brokers and shippers becomes more important.
Work With a Dispatcher
Many new owner-operators hire a dispatcher to help them find freight and manage loads. There are usually two options. You can hire an independent dispatcher or work with a trucking dispatch service.
Dispatchers help connect owner-operators with freight brokers and shippers. They may also help with paperwork, scheduling, accounting, route planning, and other daily operations.
Some dispatchers also track fuel expenses, mileage, repairs, and maintenance records. Most dispatchers charge either a flat fee or a percentage of each load.
For new trucking companies, dispatchers can be helpful because they often already have relationships with brokers willing to work with newer carriers.
Work With Freight Brokers
Freight brokers are one of the most common ways owner-operators find loads. A freight broker acts as the middleman between shippers and trucking companies. Their job is to connect available freight with available trucks.
Brokers usually negotiate rates with shippers, schedule pickup and delivery times, coordinate freight movement, and find carriers to haul loads.
Most brokers make money by keeping a margin between what the shipper pays and what the carrier accepts for the load. Broker fees often range from 15% to 25%.
Building strong relationships with reliable brokers can help owner-operators get more consistent freight over time.
It is also important to avoid working with unsafe or dishonest brokers. Services like Carrier411 can help owner-operators research carriers and avoid freight fraud issues.
You can also learn more in our guide on how to avoid double brokering and freight fraud scams.
Use Load Boards
Load boards are one of the easiest ways for owner-operators to find freight, especially when first starting out. Most load boards allow carriers to search available freight, compare rates, find backhauls, and plan routes.
Many load boards also offer mobile apps that make it easier to search for loads while on the road.
The downside is that load boards can be competitive. Rates are sometimes lower, and loads may disappear quickly when demand is high.
Still, load boards remain one of the best tools for finding freight consistently. Some popular load boards include:
Trying multiple load boards can help you determine which platforms work best for your trucking business and freight lanes.
Cold Calling and Lead Prospecting
Cold calling, also called lead prospecting, involves reaching out directly to shippers to find freight opportunities.
This process usually starts with researching businesses in your area, contacting shipping managers, asking about transportation needs, and building long-term relationships.
This method can take time, but it can also lead to profitable freight opportunities because it may remove the middleman.
Persistence matters. Many companies may say no at first, but consistent communication and professionalism can help owner-operators build direct shipper relationships over time.
Direct relationships with shippers can also help reduce dependence on load boards and brokers.
Government Contracts
Government agencies often outsource transportation work to private trucking companies and owner-operators. These opportunities may come from federal agencies, state governments, local municipalities, or USPS contracts.
To pursue government freight opportunities, owner-operators typically need to register their business through the U.S. General Services Administration.
Government contracts often involve a bidding process, and some may require additional security clearances depending on the freight being moved.
The benefit of government freight is that it can provide consistent work, reliable payment, and long-term contract opportunities.
Networking in the Trucking Industry
Networking is often overlooked, but it can play a major role in helping owner-operators find loads and grow their business.
Building relationships within the trucking industry can lead to new customers, broker relationships, shipper referrals, industry advice, and partnership opportunities.
Owner-operators can network by attending trucking events, joining industry associations, participating in local business events, and connecting with other drivers and carriers.
Professionalism matters. The way you present yourself and your company can affect whether businesses choose to work with you again.
Tips To Get More Loads and More Work
Finding freight is only part of building a successful trucking company. Owner-operators also need to focus on profitability, consistency, and long-term relationships.
Avoid Deadhead Miles
Deadhead miles happen when a truck drives empty after completing a delivery. For example, an owner-operator may deliver freight to another state and return home without another load.
Those empty miles still cost money in fuel, maintenance, and driver time. Finding return loads or backhauls can help reduce empty miles and improve profitability.
Understand Your Cost Per Mile
Knowing your cost per mile is important. Your cost per mile includes expenses like fuel, insurance, truck payments, maintenance, tires, and permits.
Understanding these costs helps owner-operators avoid taking loads that lose money.
Don’t Take Cheap Freight
New owner-operators sometimes accept low-paying freight just to stay moving. While this may help temporarily, consistently hauling cheap freight can hurt your business over time.
Not every load is profitable. Focus on loads that cover operating costs, generate profit, and fit your preferred freight lanes.
Diversify How You Find Freight
Relying on only one source of freight can create problems if work slows down. Many successful owner-operators use a mix of brokers, load boards, dispatchers, direct shippers, and networking.
Diversifying freight sources can help create more stable income throughout the year.
Build Long-Term Relationships
The trucking industry runs heavily on relationships and reputation. Being reliable, professional, on time, and honest can help owner-operators build stronger relationships with brokers and shippers.
Over time, this can lead to better-paying loads, consistent freight, and repeat business.
- How to Avoid Double Brokering and Freight Fraud Scams
- Dispatching in the Trucking Industry
- Understanding Freight Factoring
- What Does a Freight Brokerage Do?
He is the Lead Content Specialist at FCCR, where he develops educational content focused on trucking compliance, DOT regulations, and FMCSA registration requirements. He works closely with compliance processes and industry systems to provide clear, accurate guidance for owner-operators and carriers.