Load Up! The Trucker's Guide to Choosing Profitable Freight

The transportation industry is an extremely competitive space. As a trucker, finding and hauling the right loads is crucial to running a profitable business. The loads you choose directly impact your bottom line. However, with so many load options to consider, determining which loads to take on can be a tricky process.

This article provides helpful guidance on how truckers can go about choosing good loads efficiently. The aim is to equip you with practical tips and key factors to consider when evaluating loads. With the right knowledge and preparation, you'll be able to find and negotiate loads that align with your business needs and maximize your profitability. Whether you're an owner-operator or fleet operator, learning how to select advantageous loads is a must in this industry.

Know Your Specific Needs

The first step in finding the right load is to identify your specific needs and preferences. This will allow you to narrow down your search more effectively. Consider the following:

- Identify weight requirements. Determine the ideal weight range you need for your load. This includes both minimum and maximum weight limits based on your truck's capacity. Finding a load that aligns with your weight needs will ensure it is feasible for you to haul.

- Consider commodity type. Decide if you need to transport a certain type of commodity, such as produce, livestock, liquid, etc. This will filter loads to your specialty area.

- Look at destination. Pinpoint the destination you want to drive to. This geographic parameter will narrow available loads.

- Examine daily rate target. Determine your minimum acceptable pay rate per day to cover costs and achieve profitability. Having a daily rate target in mind will help assess if a load meets your financial needs.

By first identifying these specific needs in a load, you will significantly reduce the number of options to vet further. Your search will become more focused right from the start.

Understand the Market

Understanding the current conditions and trends in your regional freight market is key to finding loads that match your needs and maximize profitability. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Pay attention to the day of the week - Freight demand fluctuates day to day. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier, while mid-week can be slower. Know the typical volume on different days so you can find available loads when competition is lower.

Be aware of ELD regulations and hours of service - With electronic logging device (ELD) rules in effect, tight hours of service regulations constrain available drive time. Make sure you know your driver's schedule at least a week out so you don't book loads he/she can't complete timely.

Forecast needs a week in advance - Look ahead to forecast your upcoming load needs. If you know you need a load from Dallas to Little Rock next Wednesday, start looking early to understand rates and availability. Advance planning allows you to lock in better paying loads.

Focus on Specific Miles or Destination

If you are looking for specific miles, sort the loads by their length and look for loads with a length of 400-600 miles. Keep an eye on shorter runs as they could pay the same as slightly longer runs. You can also determine the best load among several that meet your requirement by considering the destination point, the rate per mile, the rate for the load, and any possible follow-up loads.

- Look for 400-600 mile loads as these tend to be the most profitable lengths. Loads in this range maximize your time on the road while allowing you to get a new load quickly.

- Watch for short, high-paying runs. Sometimes loads under 400 miles can pay the same or more than longer lengths. Be open to a good deal on a shorter route.

- Compare the rate per mile and the overall rate. A 500 mile load at $2.25/mile pays better than a 600 mile load at $2/mile. Look at both the rate per mile and total payout when deciding.

Focus on Destination

If you are focused on a particular destination, the narrowness of your search will impact the number of loads you are likely to find. The more specific the destination, the fewer loads there will be. This can make it challenging to find a good option, but being flexible on some factors can help.

Consider the weight of the load, the rate being offered, the commodity type, shipping and receiving hours, and any other necessary details to determine the overall value of the load to your business.

For example, you may find three loads going to the same destination. Load A pays more but is heavyweight. Load B has ideal weight but the rate is lower. Load C has a good rate and weight but requires overnight driving. By looking at all the variables for each load, you can determine which option makes the most sense for your business needs and maximizes profitability.

Being open to different commodities, reasonable variations in weight capacity, and extended driving hours can open up more possibilities when focused on a specific destination. The key is balancing your must-have requirements with some flexibility to get the best load for your trucking business.

Find Specific Shipping Hours

Finding a load with specific shipping hours is essential in avoiding missed delivery or late deliveries. Here are some tips for securing a load with the shipping hours you need:

Get the Nearest Pick-Up Locations

Look for loads with the nearest pick-up locations to your current position or route. This will minimize deadhead miles and maximize your time on the load. Sort loads by distance to identify the closest options.

Confirm Hours with the Broker

Once you've identified some promising loads, confirm the exact shipping hours with the broker before committing. Make sure to clarify timezone and if the hours have any flexibility. Know that posted hours can sometimes change at the last minute.

Check Weight, Commodity, Receiving Hours

In addition to shipping hours, be sure to vet the other load details like weight, commodity type, and receiving hours. Ensure your truck and route capabilities align with the load requirements. Make sure delivery hours will work with your hours of service.

Calculate Your Driver's Hours

Know your driver's available hours for the next several days. Make sure the load's timeline fits within their hours of service. Calculate drive time plus loading/unloading time to ensure on-time pickup and delivery. Leave a buffer for traffic or other delays.

Securing loads with ideal shipping hours takes diligence and planning ahead. But confirming the hours upfront and understanding your driver's schedule will help avoid problems down the road.

Effective Communication

Clear and effective communication with brokers is critical to finding and securing the best loads. As a trucker, you want to build relationships with brokers so you become one of their preferred carriers to call.

Importance of Clear Communication with Brokers

When a promising load comes up, you need to be able to quickly contact the broker and get details to determine if it meets your needs. Be clear in communicating your requirements, so the broker doesn't waste time offering loads that don't fit. Share information about your truck, experience, service areas, and other requirements.

Respond promptly to brokers and provide requested documents or information right away. The faster you can confirm your interest and ability to take a load, the more likely you are to get it before other carriers.

Keep brokers updated on your status during the load. Let them know if you are running late for pickup or delivery. Brokers appreciate proactive communication so they can alert shippers and receivers.

How to Negotiate the Best Rates

When a broker offers you a load, don't be afraid to negotiate the rate if you think you can get more for it. Politely ask if there is any room to increase the rate and provide reasons why you deserve more pay. For example, highlight your excellent service record, good safety ratings, experience with that route or commodity, and other benefits you bring.

If the broker won't budge on the rate, you can request a fuel surcharge if diesel prices have increased. Ask about the potential for higher rates on future loads if you consistently accept their loads. Building a relationship with preferred rates requires trust and commitment on both sides.

With clear communication and negotiation skills, you can build mutually beneficial relationships with brokers to maximize your profitability.

Avoiding Problems

Avoiding problems like missed or late deliveries is crucial for truckers. Carefully planning your route and schedule can help prevent these issues.

- Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the pickup location before the scheduled shipping hours. Account for possible traffic delays, fuel stops, rest breaks, etc. Arriving early allows time for loading even if there are unexpected delays.

- Confirm the exact pickup and delivery times with the broker or shipper. Make sure you have the correct addresses as well. Clarify if the times are for arrival or for having the truck loaded and ready to depart.

- Check the delivery appointment time and plan your route to arrive well before the delivery window opens. Avoid planning your ELD hours down to the minute. Give yourself an hour or more of buffer time.

- When calculating your hours of service, allow adequate time for unloading at the delivery location, as well as time for reloading if you have a backhaul scheduled. Don't cut it too close on your hours.

- Study your route options using GPS and maps. Choose routes that avoid congestion when possible, even if they are slightly longer mileage-wise.

- Have contingency plans ready in case of traffic delays. Know your options for stopping points along the way if needed.

- Stay in close communication with shippers/receivers if any delays occur. Notify them immediately of revised ETA's.

With careful planning and preparation, truckers can avoid problems like missed pickups or late deliveries. Build ample time cushions into your schedule and have backup plans ready. Managing your hours effectively is key.

Maximizing Profitability

Choosing the right loads is key to maximizing your profitability as a trucker. When reviewing load options, keep the following factors in mind:

- Focus on revenue: Look at the rate per mile and full rate for each load. Opt for loads with the highest revenue potential based on your mileage. Sometimes a shorter load can pay just as much or more than a longer one.

- Maximize your miles: Try to minimize deadhead miles between loads as much as possible. Plan your route to pick up new loads near the destination of your current load.

- Reduce wait times: Avoid loads where you'll be stuck waiting extended periods for loading/unloading. Ask brokers for estimated wait times. The less time you spend sitting, the more money you can make hauling loads.

- Leverage your network: Talk to other truckers about which brokers pay reliably and quickly. Check load boards and Facebook groups. Great word-of-mouth referrals can lead you to better loads.

With some savvy planning and networking, you can consistently choose great loads that maximize your revenue per mile as a trucker. But it requires diligence in seeking out and vetting all the options before accepting a load. The more profitable your loads, the more your trucking business will thrive.

Conclusion

Choosing the right load for your trucking business is critical for maximizing profitability and avoiding problems. By following the guidance provided in this article, truckers can effectively identify their specific needs, understand market conditions, focus on mileage or destination, find ideal shipping hours, and communicate effectively with brokers.

To summarize, the key steps covered include:

- Know exactly what you need in a load based on weight, commodity, destination, shipping/receiving hours, and rate.

- Research the area and market conditions based on day of week, driver hours, and regulations.

- Target specific mileage ranges or destinations to narrow options.

- Confirm shipping hours to avoid missed or late deliveries.

- Negotiate effectively with brokers to get the best rates.

Taking the time to find loads that are an ideal match for your business is well worth the effort. The right loads will improve your bottom line, reduce problems, and set your business up for success. By following this guide and sticking to loads that meet your specific criteria, truckers can thrive even in a highly competitive transportation market.