As an independent trucker, you have to rely on many different methods and sources to get trucking jobs. With the economy in the state it’s in, you can’t just put all your eggs in one basket and hope you’ll get enough business to cover your expenses and make a good living. Despite high gas prices and trucking companies that undercut your prices, it’s still possible to make good money as an independent trucker. You just have to be savvy about your business and get your trucking jobs through many different sources.
Learn to Use Load Boards
Posting load boards can be intimidating to new truckers, but they’re among the best places to find fill-in loads to avoid running empty on return trips and trucking jobs for your down times. In fact, many drivers pick up all of their jobs through load boards that allow them to post trucks free and scan posted loads.
Post the availability of your truck and keep your listing updated at all times. Freight brokers, expediters and trucking companies scan freight matching load boards frequently when they have hot loads that have to be delivered. They can’t contact you if you’re not listed. Worse, if you get a reputation for not being available when your listing says you are, you just won’t get the calls any more.
Get References from Other Drivers
You’ll hear horror stories about drivers getting ripped off by freight brokers or not being paid for a job they picked up off a load board. It can happen, unfortunately, but you can protect yourself from cheaters and creeps by doing your homework. Before you take a job for a trucking company, ask around about their reputation. If there are warning flags from other truckers, steer clear.
Know the Rates
Standard and common rates vary from region to region and from one type of load to another. Be familiar with the average rates for the region you’re searching to avoid getting ripped off. If nothing else, check out a bunch of listing on the posting load board to compare the rates and get a feel for the average.
Always Negotiate on Rates
Trucking jobs that are posted to load boards are seldom a take-it-or-leave-it rate. Always try to negotiate a better rate than what the broker or trucking companies posted. The worst that can happen is that they’ll hold firm on their posted rate.
Pick the Best Load Boards
There are lots of load boards that allow truckers to post trucks free or brokers and trucking companies to post loads free. Most of the really good load boards have a monthly membership fee, so shop around and do some research. Ask on trucker forums and around truck stops for recommendations of the best load boards and how satisfied they are with the ones they use.
Establish Relationships
When you find trucking companies and transport companies that treat you well and have good loads available, make a point of establishing a good relationship. Many brokers and companies will bypass the boards entirely and call their favorite truckers directly before posting loads to the board.
Posting to load boards is a great way to supplement your income as a trucker, so make use of them to find trucking jobs to fill your truck and your time. Just do your research so that you find the best boards and the best brokers to deal with.