How Do Owner-Operators Find Loads

When planning to start your own trucking business, it is essential that you have the ability to find loads. There are effective methods for acquiring these loads, though each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Some may cost you upfront, while others may require more time and effort to sort through all options. However, if you are willing to invest the time and effort, you will be rewarded with the best possible option for you.

That's why most trucking companies find it more convenient and practical to be part of a Consortium/Third-Party Administrators (C/TPAs) like Labworks USA to manage all, or part, of an employer's DOT drug and alcohol testing program and other DOT or FMCSA compliance needs. THIS SAVE THEM A LOT OF TIME AND RESOURCES that they can redirect on any unprecedented additional expenses. We perform tasks as agreed to by the employer to assist in implementing the drug and alcohol testing program and to help keep the employer compliant with the DOT/FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing rules and regulations. We as a DOT Consortium can help you.

New motor carriers are advised to find a dispatcher, as they will directly work with you to find appropriate brokers. This is since owner-operators are best suited for new businesses.

There are many ways to find loads when you are looking to transport goods across the country. Load boards and load prospecting are some methods that can help you find loads. 

How owner-operators find work is contingent upon whether they are contracted with motor carriers.

There are 5 main methods they can use to source loads.

1. They can find loads through lease agreements with motor carriers.

Given that the motor carrier they work with has exclusive rights to their services, they will usually be matched with loads to move.

However, because they are independent contractors rather than employee drivers, these owner-operators have a level of control over which loads they want and can decline the ones they don’t want.

2. They can bid on loads independently on digital load boards.

Load boards are marketplaces where shippers can post loads they need to move, and carriers can bid on them. Carriers can find loads that fit their needs and schedule, and shippers can find carriers that can transport their loads.

As the proprietors of their for-hire carriers, owner-operators who are their bosses are responsible for finding their loads.

The benefits of load boards: 

3. They can work with 3PLs/brokers to find loads.

As owner-operators who have their own motor carrier authority, you are also vetted carriers in third-party logistics providers (3PL) carrier networks (aka freight brokers). These 3PLs work to match you with available loads from shippers, so that you can fulfill your business goals.

When you work with a 3PL, you get the best of both worlds: the independence of working on a digital load board, and the experience of working with logistics professionals. 3PLs can help you find backhauls, negotiate rates, and optimize routes to minimize dead miles.

It is important to note that 3PLs do not employ drivers. They contract with independent motor carriers.

4. Government Contracts

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) website provides a way for private contractors and owner-operators to register their companies in order to move government loads. By outsourcing their transportation needs to these private contractors and owner-operators, government entities (Federal, state, and local) are able to take advantage of their expertise and services.

Registering as a government contractor is the best way to find loads quickly and efficiently within your own city or area. Doing so allows you to tap into a wealth of resources and connect with potential clients who may be interested in your services. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to showcase your skills and experience to a wider audience, which can help you attract more business in the future.

The acquisition of contracts can be contingent upon the security clearance necessary to procure the bids. A contract with a government agency like the USPS can provide a reliable source of income as well as competitive compensation. Government contracts are an excellent option for an owner-operator looking for loads.

5. Networking

As with any other enterprise, networking can be a pivotal step for ensuring an owner-operator's exposure and potential expansion within the industry.

If you're looking to expand your professional network and perhaps land some new clients, consider getting involved with local associations like the American Association of Owner Operators (AAOO). You might be surprised at how many doors this can open for you, both in terms of new friendships and potential business opportunities.

The trucking industry is a constantly evolving landscape, and it is of utmost importance to stay informed about the latest news and developments in order to ensure the success of your business. In addition to keeping up with the latest news, following tips and guidelines from industry experts can help you to take your business to the next level.

What impacts the number of owner-operators in the truckload market?

The number of owner-operators driving at any given time is largely dependent on the ebb and flow of supply and demand in the truckload market.

The truckload market is cyclical, with rates rising when demand for coverage outpaces supply. By tracking year-over-year inflation, we can better understand the ebb and flow of the market.

When this happens, the market will be flooded with more capacity, as carriers order more trucks and hire more drivers. Equipment owners who may have been doing other work will get their trucks back on the road, resulting in a greater flow of resources.

As the market turns deflationary and rates dip, owner-operators may seek work elsewhere; it is not uncommon for drivers to park their trucks and take jobs in construction or another blue-collar industry during these periods.

Here's a list of DOT Consortium services we offer at Labworks USA with respective rates that can be your reference to have better expense projections as owner-operators.

Is the Independent contractor classification for owner-operators in danger of changing?

The answer, though short, is of the utmost importance: California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) could potentially change the way drivers are classified in that state, and this could have rippling effects for owner-operators across the country.

This momentous law would reclassify all owner-operators who lease their equipment and services to motor carriers based in California as employees. It has withstood all legal challenges in California and in the U.S. District Court of Appeals and is now finally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

If AB5 does eventually go into effect for truck drivers, they will have to choose whether to seek employment with a carrier or become fully independent for-hire carriers themselves.

If that should happen, it would come as no surprise if other states were to emulate such legislation or if we were to see a new worker classification law passed at the federal level.

In Conclusion

Now that you have a better idea of how an owner-operator finds loads, it's time to expand your network.

In line with that, we at Labworks USA have a vast network of owner-operator for which we offer our DOT and FMCSA compliance services.

Feel free to connect with us today.

If you are looking for more information about drug and alcohol testing as a truck driver, visit LabWorks USA. Our DOT Consortium's friendly team will be more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have and work with you to ensure you are always fully compliant specially with random DOT drug and alcohol testing pre-employment testing. Moreover, if you need help with FMCSA Clearinghouse registration, we can further support you.