5 Possible Strategies For Finding Truckloads for Owner Operators

Key Takeaways

• Freight brokers provide steady loads but take a percentage of your earnings.
• Load boards offer flexibility and direct freight access but come with high competition and broker fees.
• Dispatching services simplify load booking and paperwork but reduce independence due to service fees.
• Leasing onto a carrier guarantees consistent loads, while networking helps secure direct, high-paying contracts.

How Do Owner-Operators Find Loads?

1. Work with a Freight Broker

A freight broker connects owner-operators with shippers by sourcing and negotiating loads. Many brokers have exclusive access to freight contracts that independent truckers might not find on public load boards.

Why Work with a Freight Broker?

✅ More Load Options – Brokers work with multiple shippers, increasing your freight availability.

✅ Saves Time – Instead of searching for loads, brokers handle negotiations and paperwork.

✅ Higher Rates – Good brokers negotiate premium freight that pays better than standard load board listings.

✅ Control Over Load Selection – You can accept or decline loads based on your schedule.

Challenges of Freight Brokers

❌ Broker Fees – Brokers take 10-25% of the load payment, cutting into your profits.

❌ Less Direct Control – You rely on the broker instead of securing your own direct shipper contracts.

❌ Rate Transparency Issues – Some brokers prioritize their commission over getting you the best rate.

How to Find a Reliable Freight Broker

• Work with brokers certified by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA).
• Check ratings and reviews on DAT Freight & Analytics and Truckstop.com.
• Ask for a broker-client contract to clarify payment terms and rate structures.

A freight broker is a solid option if you want consistent truckloads without spending hours searching for them yourself.

2. Use a Load Board for Trucks

A load board is an online platform where owner-operators can search, compare, and book loads in real-time. This is one of the fastest ways to fill empty miles and keep your truck moving.

Top Benefits of Load Boards

✅ Instant Access to Loads – Find available freight 24/7 without waiting on brokers.

✅ Complete Control – Choose your own routes, rates, and load types.

✅ Competitive Pricing – Some load boards allow you to negotiate rates directly with shippers.

✅ Filtering Options – Search by lane, weight, rate per mile, and load type to find the best-paying freight.

Challenges of Load Boards

❌ High Competition – Large fleets book high-paying loads quickly.

❌ Broker Fees – Many loads are brokered, meaning you’ll still pay a middleman fee.

❌ Low-Paying Freight – Some load boards list cheap freight that isn’t worth hauling.

Best Load Boards for Owner-Operators

• DAT Load Board – Largest database, best for spot market loads.
• Truckstop.com – Offers freight negotiation tools and broker credit scores.
• 123Loadboard – Includes load-matching, fuel discounts, and route planning tools.

A load board is a great option for owner-operators who want flexibility and full control over their business.

3. Hire a Dispatching Service

A dispatching service finds, books, and negotiates loads for owner-operators, handling administrative tasks like paperwork, invoicing, and compliance.

Why Use a Dispatching Service?

✅ Consistent Load Availability – Dispatchers actively search for premium loads, reducing downtime.

✅ Less Hassle – They handle negotiations and paperwork, allowing you to focus on driving.

✅ Higher-Paying Freight – Good dispatchers negotiate better rates than you might find on load boards.

✅ Backhaul & Load Planning – Dispatchers help plan back-to-back loads, minimizing deadhead miles.

Challenges of Dispatching Services

❌ Service Fees – Dispatchers charge 5-10% per load, reducing your profits.

❌ Less Independence – You rely on them for loads instead of finding your own contracts.

❌ Quality Varies – Not all dispatchers have strong shipper relationships or industry knowledge.

How to Choose a Good Dispatcher

• Look for dispatchers who specialize in your type of trucking (flatbed, reefer, dry van, etc.).
• Avoid dispatchers with hidden fees or long-term contracts.
• Check reviews and get recommendations from other owner-operators.

A dispatching service is best for owner-operators who want to focus on driving while outsourcing load booking and negotiations.

4. Lease On with a Carrier

Leasing onto a larger carrier means operating under their trucking authority, insurance, and dispatch network, ensuring steady truckloads with fewer administrative responsibilities.

Benefits of Leasing On with a Carrier

✅ Guaranteed Freight – Carriers ensure steady shipments year-round.

✅ Lower Overhead Costs – No need to pay for your own authority, insurance, or compliance fees.

✅ Fuel Discounts & Perks – Many carriers offer fuel cards, tire discounts, and maintenance programs.

✅ Less Administrative Work – The carrier handles paperwork, billing, and dispatching.

Challenges of Leasing On

❌ Lower Profit Margins – Carriers take a percentage of your earnings.

❌ Less Flexibility – You must follow their dispatch system and assigned routes.

❌ Contract Limitations – Some carriers restrict you from taking outside freight.

Best Carriers for Owner-Operators

• Landstar – Offers self-dispatching and flexible load selection.
• Schneider – Provides fuel discounts and steady freight.
• Mercer Transportation – Allows owner-operators to choose their own loads.

Leasing on is ideal for owner-operators who prefer steady work without the headaches of finding loads.

5. Network for Direct Freight Opportunities

Building relationships with shippers, brokers, and other truckers can help owner-operators secure exclusive, high-paying freight without relying on middlemen.

How to Network as an Owner-Operator

• Join Trucking Associations – Groups like OOIDA offer business resources and shipper connections.
• Attend Industry Events – Trucking expos and conferences help you connect with potential shippers.
• Use Social Media – LinkedIn, Facebook trucking groups, and forums can lead to direct freight contracts.
• Ask for Referrals – If you have a strong reputation, brokers and shippers will refer you to premium freight opportunities.

Why Networking Works for Owner-Operators

✅ Cuts Out Brokers – Avoid middleman fees and deal directly with shippers.

✅ Access to Exclusive Freight – Many shippers prefer working with trusted owner-operators.

✅ More Consistent Work – Long-term relationships lead to repeat business.

If you want higher-paying loads without relying on brokers or load boards, networking is key to growing your owner-operator business.

Conclusion 

Owner-operators can maximize their truckload opportunities by combining multiple strategies. Whether you choose to work with freight brokers, load boards, dispatchers, or direct shippers, having a diverse approach ensures higher profits and fewer dead miles.