When you’re eager to grow your trucking business, your need for more loads should be your utmost priority. However, this goal can be challenging if you don’t have the correct strategy to adopt. So, how do you know what to do to get more loads moving?
There are various ways to ensure your moving business thrives without spending thousands of dollars in return. Here, we’ll share some of the best tips you need to embrace to make your dream of moving as many truck loads as possible come true. Continue reading for more details.
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Register As A Government Contractor
Identifying an excellent strategy to get truckloads is the biggest dream for any truck owner or operator. From time to time, governments outsource services, including transportation services. And when we talk about governments requiring transportation services, we aren’t only referring to federal governments; state and local governments are also on the table. With that in mind, why not give it a shot? Visit a government agency near you and let your requests and applications be known.
Nevertheless, working with the government is different from working with individuals. For instance, before becoming a government contractor, you must apply first, unlike when ferrying cargo for individuals. You might also require partnering with a moving company already working for the government to become a state contractor.
Additionally, all truck drivers looking forward to accessing maritime premises must own Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
But, What’s A Transportation Worker Identification Credential?
It is provided to individuals interested in working in the maritime transportation industry and determined by the TSA to be fit to hold one. Before being provided with a TWIC, the TSA conducts a thorough background investigation to determine if one is eligible for this credential. Since you’ll be moving loads from and to different places, you wouldn’t want to be prohibited from accessing some points for the lack of such a card. If you’re considering registering as a government contractor, contact a government agency near you for more details. You may also want to check out this article by TAFS or find other similar sources to learn more about TWIC cards.
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Make Load Boards Your Closest Ally
Truck load boards are online apps that connect truck owners and operators with shippers. Regarding getting more loads for your trucks, load boards might be the best platform to find loads. Here, multiple listings are posted on the app for truck owners and operators to select according to their specializations.
For instance, if your truck is specialized in ferrying hazardous cargo or machinery, you’ll find such cargo on the app. However, you don’t have to work with every truck load board you come across. To avoid wasting time, find a suitable box truck load board that meets your requirements.
The best professional truck load boards offer their customers free trials and have mobile apps for the customers to check load-hauling tasks available. They also send notifications for available hauling, so their customers don’t miss out on high-paying jobs. Therefore, updates from your truck load board are essential to ensure you’re always aware of the available loads.
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Connect With Dispatching Services
What makes dispatchers a suitable solution for finding more loads for your truck is that they can directly manage your schedules or contact you when they find truck services. There are two options to work with dispatchers: one, you can hire one, or two, you can use their services.
Hiring a dispatcher is suitable if you own several trucks or have a good number of trucks under your name, and you need someone to be in charge of several drivers at a time.
On the other hand, dispatching services connect you with individuals with loads they want to ferry. These services also work on administrative tasks that might be time-consuming for you. Nevertheless, it would be best if you understood that dispatchers might not have regular tasks. Therefore, besides working with them, you should also work with truck load boards to increase your chances of more frequent loads. You can also click here to learn more about managing freight transportation.
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Work With Freight Brokers
If you’re currently starting in the cargo moving business, working with freight brokers might be your best choice. These individuals work hard to ensure you’re connected with shippers. Since freight brokers are well-connected with different shippers, finding suitable loads for your truck can be as easy as saying their name. Besides, the more truck loads they find for you, the more money they pocket. In the end, it’s a win-win for both sides.
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Networking
Most, if not every, small business thrives through networking. Therefore, it might help if you begin involving yourself with associations and events attended by shippers. Make the internet your friend, for this is where you can learn about what’s happening in the moving industry. Check out different trucking associations, especially those focusing on the type of freight you’re interested in. While some associations don’t allow companies that aren’t working in their industry to join, it’s worth trying.
Joining trucking associations allows you an opportunity to get referrals from colleagues. You can also get some saving tips for the business. Therefore, make friends with people in the association, and you’ll be surprised how beneficial it can be for the business.
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Start Your Days Early
The early bird catches the worm. This saying should always make you want to wake up early in the morning to get the best paying truck loads. It’s vital to understand that having frequent truck loads isn’t all that matters; you need to find the ones paying well and can only be found early in the morning. Therefore, it’s advisable to begin your days early for better chances of finding better-paying loads each day.
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Do Your Homework
Research shippers around your area based on what, when, and how frequently they ship cargo. Also, have a clear understanding of the destination of their loads. After thorough research, you can begin contacting the individuals in charge of shipping, introduce yourself, and schedule a meeting if possible. If you can’t come up with anything now, ensure to follow up from time to time. Follow-ups show how committed you can be and can result in business opportunities.
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Develop Relationships With Auto Auctioneers
Auto auctions take place now and then. During these events, drivers are required to move automobiles to different destinations. A good business relationship with auto auctioneers can help you get frequent truck loads, stabilizing your moving business.
Conclusion
Owning trucks is one thing, and finding loads to carry is another. When it comes to finding frequent truck loads, it can be overwhelming, especially for newbies. Fortunately, several tips can help you find regular truck loads and better-paying ones, for that matter. If you’re yet to find stability in your moving business, consider incorporating the tips discussed above for a difference.