Finding loads is one of the biggest challenges for owner-operators. The right freight affects your income, schedule, and overall business success. In this guide, we’ll show 5 practical ways to get loads, from using carrier load boards to building your own client base. Whether you work under a motor carrier or your own authority, these tips will help you keep your truck moving and your earnings steady.
How can I get loads using a motor carrier’s load board?
One of the easiest ways for owner-operators to find reliable freight is by using a motor carrier’s load board. Large companies, like Schneider, offer platforms—accessible through YK Freight—where contracted owner-operators can see available loads and choose the ones that fit their schedule and truck capacity.
These load boards typically provide access to both spot and contract freight, giving drivers the flexibility to pick short-term opportunities or longer-term assignments. Spot freight can help fill gaps in your schedule, while contract freight offers a steady stream of work with predictable pay.
Using a carrier’s load board comes with several advantages:
- Easy search: Filters allow you to find loads by route, destination, or type of cargo.
- Detailed load info: You can see exact pickup and delivery locations, freight weight, and any special requirements.
- Next load options: Some platforms let you line up your next load immediately, reducing downtime between trips.
- Customizable profiles: You can manage your preferences, track your history, and even set alerts for loads that match your needs.
This approach works especially well for owner-operators who are contracted with a carrier, because it takes the guesswork out of finding freight. You don’t have to spend hours calling shippers or negotiating rates—the carrier provides a steady flow of opportunities, helping you maximize revenue while keeping your schedule manageable.
For example, an owner-operator with a mid-sized truck can quickly log into YK Freight’s platform, filter for regional loads under 1,000 miles, and pick two or three loads for the week without leaving their office. This saves time, reduces empty miles, and ensures that every trip contributes to their bottom line.
How can I find spot freight on public load boards?
If you run your own trucking business under your own authority, one of the most flexible ways to get loads is by searching public load boards. These platforms allow owner-operators to find spot freight—freight available for immediate transport—without relying on a broker or a carrier.
You can access these load boards easily using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, which means you can search for loads while on the road or from home. Many platforms let you filter by route, load type, delivery date, or weight, so you can quickly find freight that fits your truck and schedule.
There are several advantages to using public load boards:
- Usually free: Many public load boards don’t charge a fee to browse available freight.
- Simple to use: Intuitive interfaces make it easy to filter and select loads.
- Wide variety of loads: From short local trips to long hauls, spot freight options cover a range of opportunities for different types of trucks.
However, there are some downsides to keep in mind:
- Unpredictable rates: Spot freight rates can fluctuate depending on demand, location, and competition.
- Availability can vary: You may find plenty of loads in some regions but very few in others, which can make planning a weekly schedule tricky.
For example, imagine an owner-operator in Texas who wants to haul cars to nearby states. By logging into a public load board via YK Freight, they can see dozens of available shipments within a 200-mile radius. They can pick the ones that pay best and fit their truck size, making sure they don’t drive empty and maximize every mile.
Using spot freight this way gives owner-operators independence—they control which loads to take, when to work, and how to plan their routes. While it requires some flexibility, it can be a cost-effective way to keep your truck moving and your business profitable.
How can working with a freight broker help me get loads?
Partnering with a freight broker is another effective way for owner-operators to secure loads, especially if you run under your own authority. Brokers act as a bridge between you and shippers, helping you find freight that fits your rate, schedule, and location preferences.
Through platforms like YK Freight, you can access a variety of brokered freight online. Many brokers provide detailed load information, including pickup and delivery points, cargo type, and payment terms, making it easy to choose loads that align with your business goals.
There are clear advantages to using a broker:
- Saves time: Brokers handle the search for loads, so you don’t have to spend hours calling shippers or browsing multiple platforms.
- Negotiates on your behalf: A broker communicates with the shipper to settle rates, scheduling, and special requirements, reducing the stress of negotiation.
However, there are also some considerations:
- Cost: Brokers usually take a percentage of the load profit, which can reduce your overall earnings compared to finding freight on your own.
For example, an owner-operator hauling vehicles in the Southeast may want to avoid constantly checking public load boards. By working with a broker via YK Freight, they can receive daily load offers that match their truck type and preferred routes. The broker negotiates rates, leaving the owner-operator free to focus on driving and completing loads efficiently.
Using a freight broker is particularly useful if you want consistent access to loads without spending extra time on sales or prospecting. It’s a practical solution for busy owner-operators who want to maximize revenue while minimizing administrative work.
How can hiring a dispatching service or personal dispatcher make finding loads easier?
For owner-operators running under their own authority, dispatchers can be a game-changer. You have two main options: hire a personal dispatcher directly or use a dispatching service. Both approaches help you manage your business more efficiently and keep your truck moving.
A dispatcher acts as your operations partner. They manage the flow of freight, handle paperwork, track invoices, and sometimes even assist with accounting. This means you can spend more time on the road hauling loads instead of getting bogged down with administrative tasks.
Here are the main advantages:
- Frees up time: With a dispatcher managing logistics, you can focus entirely on driving and generating revenue.
- Professional support: Dispatchers know how to find the best loads and routes, often faster than an owner-operator working alone.
There are also some considerations:
- Cost: Most dispatchers charge a flat fee or take a percentage of each load, which reduces your total profit slightly.
For example, imagine an owner-operator hauling cars in the Midwest. By hiring a dispatching service through YK Freight, they can receive curated load offers daily, while the dispatcher handles scheduling, delivery coordination, and billing. This allows the owner-operator to focus on completing trips efficiently, increasing total revenue and reducing downtime between loads.
Using a dispatching service or personal dispatcher is especially valuable if you want to scale your operations without adding extra stress. It’s a smart investment for owner-operators who prefer driving over managing logistics.
How can I become my own sales team to get loads?
If you operate under your own authority, one of the most powerful ways to secure consistent work is by becoming your own sales team. This means reaching out directly to shippers, introducing yourself, and offering your trucking services. Instead of relying on brokers or load boards, you take control of your freight opportunities.
A common method is prospecting through cold calls. You can identify local businesses, manufacturers, or car dealerships that regularly need transportation services and contact them directly. Building strong relationships over time can turn occasional shipments into regular, predictable work.
The advantages of this approach are significant:
- Consistent and predictable work: Shippers who trust you are more likely to provide regular loads, helping you plan routes and income more reliably.
- Greater control: You decide which clients to work with and negotiate your own rates, without middlemen.
There are also some challenges to consider:
- Time investment: Building a client base takes patience. Cold calls, follow-ups, and relationship-building can take weeks or months before you see a steady flow of work.
- Limitations on brokering: Without a brokerage license, you cannot pass loads to another independent driver. You can, however, hire someone to drive your truck or expand your fleet to move additional loads yourself.
For example, an owner-operator in Florida could call local car dealerships and offer regular delivery services. Over a few months, they might establish a weekly schedule of deliveries, ensuring their truck is consistently hauling freight and generating revenue. By taking sales into their own hands, the owner-operator gains more control over routes, rates, and clients, which can significantly improve long-term business stability.
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