For carriers (truck owners or operators) looking to find freight, the main ways to “get loads” for trucks include:
- Using load boards
- Working with freight brokers
- Arranging direct shipper contracts
Load boards are online marketplaces where shippers post available loads and carriers can bid or claim them. Load boards effectively connect trucks with freight that needs hauling. Many owner-operators also work with freight brokers or 3PLs to find freight. Brokers act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, matching trucks with loads that fit the route and equipment. Finally, establishing direct relationships with shippers (or dedicated contracts) can provide a steady flow of private loads.
If you’re a shipper trying to secure a truck for your loads, you essentially do the inverse; you can post your freight on load boards or work with a broker/3PL that has a large network of carriers. This ensures reliable trucks are assigned to your shipment without having to search one-by-one.
In summary, carriers find loads via boards, brokers, or contracts, and shippers find trucks by connecting through those same channels (with 3PLs like Carolina Cargo Solutions, LLC. making the process much easier).