How to Find a Truck Load?

I’ve been in this industry for decades, and I’ll tell you this straight, finding consistent, profitable freight isn’t about luck, it’s about strategy. In this guide on How to Find a Truck Load, I’ll walk you through exactly how successful owner‑operators are securing loads right now, from digital load boards to old‑school relationship building.

The Reality of Today’s American Freight Market

Let me paint the picture for you. The days of just showing up at a shipper’s dock are mostly gone. Today, 85% of spot market loads are booked digitally. But here’s what most drivers won’t tell you: the real money isn’t in chasing the cheapest loads on the board, it’s in being strategic about which loads you take and who you work with.

Three Types & How to Find a Truck Load:

Spot Market Loads – One-time deals, often lower rates, booked through load boards

Contract Freight – Regular, consistent loads from the same shipper

Dedicated Lanes – You become part of a shipper’s regular transportation plan

Your Digital Toolbox: Comparing the Top Load Boards in the USA

Let me break down the major players for you. I’ve worked with all of these, and each has its strengths.

DAT One (formerly DAT Power)

Best for: Van, reefer, and flatbed loads
Coverage: Nationwide, strongest in the Eastern and Midwestern USA
Cost: $45-$150/month depending on package
My take: It’s the industry standard. More loads, but also more competition. Their load postings are generally reliable.

Truckstop.com

Best for: All equipment types, including specialized
Coverage: Strong nationwide, excellent for Western states
Cost: $35-$125/month
My take: Their Rate Mate tool is worth the price alone. Gives you real-time rate data so you don’t underbid.

123Loadboard

Best for: Owner-operators on a budget
Coverage: Growing, but strongest in traditional freight corridors
Cost: As low as $25/month
My take: Good for starting out. Fewer loads than DAT, but also less competition.

Direct Freight

Best for: Quick searches without subscription
Coverage: Variable by region
Cost: Free to search, paid to contact
My take: Use it to supplement your main load board. Don’t rely on it as your primary.

Pro Tip: Most successful operators I know use TWO load boards. They might use DAT as their primary and Truckstop.com as their backup. Why? Because some brokers only post to one platform.

How to Actually Get Brokers to Call You Back

Here’s the truth, posting “truck available” and waiting for calls is the least effective strategy. You need to be proactive.

What Works in 2024:

Complete Your Profile: Load boards let you create a carrier profile. Fill out EVERY field. Include your MC number, insurance info, and equipment details. Brokers vet carriers before they call.
Use the “Search Loads” Function: Don’t wait. Search for loads going where you want to go. Be the first to call.
Build a Contact List: When you work with a good broker, save their direct number. Text them when you’re empty in their area.
Specialize: Carriers who haul specific types of freight (hazmat, temperature-controlled, oversize) get called first and get better rates.

How to Make Shippers Find YOU

This is where most operators miss huge opportunities. You’re not just a truck driver—you’re a local business. And local businesses need to be found online.

Step-by-Step Strategy:

1. Claim Your Google Business Profile

Go to Google Business Profile and claim your business
List your services: “Freight Transportation,” “Trucking Services,” “Hot Shot Trucking”
Add photos of your truck and equipment
Set your service area (the states you operate in)

2. Create a Simple Website

Use a platform like Wix or Squarespace (under $20/month)
Include: Your equipment, insurance info, operating areas
Add customer testimonials if you have them
Ensure it’s mobile-friendly (most brokers search on phones)

3. List on Industry Directories

Transportation Intermediaries Association directory
FMCSA SAFER System – make sure your info is current
Local Chamber of Commerce websites in areas you frequent

4. Build Local Citations
When local businesses need freight moved, they search “trucking company near me” or “freight services [City Name].” Make sure you appear by:

Listing on Yelp with your trucking category
Creating a Facebook Business page
Adding to Apple Maps Business Connect

The Broker Relationship: How to Work With Them (Not Against Them)

Let me be honest, some brokers are difficult. But the good ones are worth their weight in gold. Here’s how to build those relationships:

Do’s and Don’ts with Freight Brokers:

DO:

Answer your phone promptly
Be honest about your location and availability
Communicate delays immediately
Send proof of delivery quickly

DON’T:

Haggle over every penny (build the relationship first)
Miss appointments without calling
Hold freight hostage for quicker payment
Badmouth brokers on social media

The best piece of advice I can give you? Find 3-5 brokers you work well with and cultivate those relationships. A broker who knows you’re reliable will call you before they post the load publicly.

Common Mistakes That Leave Trucks Empty

I’ve seen these mistakes cost operators thousands:

Chasing Only High-Rate Loads: Sometimes a lower-rate load going to a better area pays off more.
Not Understanding Deadhead Costs: That “great rate” 200 miles away might not be great after deadhead.
Ignoring Backhauls: Plan your return trip before you take the outbound load.
Poor Communication: Brokers hate radio silence. Update them even if there’s no news.

Real Example: How a Midwest Operator Doubled His Income

One of my clients in Ohio was struggling. He was using only DAT and taking whatever load paid best that day. Here’s what we changed:

Specialized: He focused on flatbed loads (his equipment was suited for it)
Built Relationships: He found 4 brokers in Chicago who regularly had flatbed freight
Optimized Routes: Instead of zigzagging, he established Chicago-Louisville-Indianapolis-Chicago loops
Improved Online Presence: He claimed his Google Business Profile and started getting direct calls from manufacturers

Within 6 months, he went from scrambling for loads to turning down freight that didn’t fit his lanes.

Frequently Asked Questions (Based on Real Searches)

Q: How do new trucking companies find loads?

A: Start with load boards, but immediately begin building broker relationships. Attend local shipping association meetings. Consider working with a dispatch service for the first 3-6 months.

Q: What’s the best load board for box trucks?

A: For box trucks and hot shots, 123Loadboard and UShip have strong presence. Also check Central Dispatch for specialized freight.

Q: How much should I pay for a load board?

A: Never pay more than $150/month starting out. Most quality boards are $40-80. DAT often has 50% off promotions for new members.

Q: Can I find loads without using brokers?

A: Yes, but it takes time. Focus on local manufacturers in your area. Visit their shipping departments. Join your local manufacturing association.

Q: Why do brokers keep asking for my MC number?

A: They’re vetting your safety rating on the FMCSA SAFER system. Make sure your safety score is good and your insurance is current.

Your Action Plan for Next Week

Monday: Sign up for one load board (DAT or Truckstop.com trial)
Tuesday: Claim your Google Business Profile
Wednesday: Research 10 brokers in your home area
Thursday: Call 3 local manufacturers about their freight needs
Friday: Analyze your best lanes from the past month

The Bottom Line

Finding loads isn’t about being the cheapest. It’s about being reliable, professional, and easy to work with. The brokers and shippers who pay the best rates aren’t looking for the lowest bidder, they’re looking for carriers who won’t cause them headaches.

The most successful operator I know told me this: “I don’t find loads anymore. Loads find me.” That’s because he built relationships, specialized his service, and made himself easy to find online.

What’s your biggest challenge finding loads right now? Is it rates? Consistency? Finding freight in your home area? Share below, let’s problem-solve together since I’m working with HorizonGo Team to create a software that’ll have all the loads at one platform, In short an individual won’t miss any load even dosen’t matter there are 10 boards or more then that. What we are actually planning is, we could create something where if the load arrived, user will get the notification right away with all the drivers who are near by and the best part is ( everything will be calculated by our software, Fuel Estimation, Fast Route, Nearby Driver, Driver Remaining Hours of Service and much more.