How Do Truck Carriers Get Freight?

Truck carriers use many strategies to get freight. These include load boards, freight brokers, dispatchers, direct shipper contacts, and AI-powered tools. Smart sourcing helps carriers reduce downtime and grow their business steadily.

Finding steady, high-paying freight isn’t just a task, it’s the lifeline of any successful trucking business. For truck drivers, owner-operators, and small fleet managers alike, securing reliable loads is what keeps the wheels turning and the cash flowing.

In an industry that powers much of the U.S. economy, the ability to consistently source truck loads can make the difference between growth and struggle. Whether you’re an independent hauler, leased onto a larger carrier, or scaling your own fleet, freight sourcing is the foundation of your operation.

In this guide, we’ll break down smart, effective ways to get freight, covering everything from digital load boards and dispatch platforms to building direct relationships with shippers, brokers, and logistics partners. By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear, actionable strategy to keep your trucks moving and your business thriving.

Understanding How Truck Carriers Source Freight

Truck carriers’ ability to find freight is key to their success. Knowing how to source freight well can make a big difference in their work and profits.

The Role of Truck Carriers in the Freight Industry

Success in the freight industry depends on consistent access to well-matched loads. For truck carriers, finding freight is only the beginning; they also need to manage transportation logistics, maintain equipment, and deliver on time under strict compliance standards. Trucks haul the overwhelming majority, 72.6% of U.S. freight by weight, highlighting just how vital carriers are to the economy.

Truck carriers serve as the essential link between shippers and destinations. Their job goes far beyond just moving cargo. They ensure freight arrives safely, on time, and in full compliance with industry standards. From managing equipment to navigating regulations, carriers play a central role in keeping the freight industry running.

Being a truck carrier means juggling multiple responsibilities, from route planning and dispatch coordination to documentation and customer service. Carriers must also meet expectations set by brokers, shippers, and the Department of Transportation.

Key Responsibilities of a Truck Carrier

To succeed in today’s freight market, truck carriers must manage more than just driving. Here’s a breakdown of the core responsibilities involved in running a professional and profitable operation:

Responsibility	Description
Transportation	Safely and efficiently hauling freight between pickup and delivery points
Fleet Management	Maintaining trucks and trailers to ensure reliability and DOT readiness
Regulatory Compliance	Meeting FMCSA, CDL, and Hours of Service (HOS) rules and inspections
Dispatch Coordination	Working with a dispatcher or digital tools to schedule and manage trips
Invoice Management	Handling documentation, billing, and payment tracking with brokers or shippers

Whether you’re an owner-operator or work through a lease under another carrier, your ability to operate efficiently determines long-term profitability.

Why Efficient Freight Sourcing Matters

Efficient freight sourcing is at the heart of a profitable and sustainable trucking operation. For truck carriers, finding the right loads at the right time means more than just keeping the wheels turning, it’s the key to maximizing earnings, minimizing waste, and maintaining a steady cash flow.

Different types of truck carriers have unique load requirements, operating costs, and preferred routes. Smart freight sourcing takes these variables into account, helping carriers match with loads that align with their equipment, compliance needs, and delivery capabilities.

Strong sourcing strategies also build long-term trust with shippers, brokers, and logistics partners. This leads to steadier contracts, fewer empty miles, and less reliance on last-minute spot freight. For independent owner-operators especially, it reduces uncertainty and lays the groundwork for sustainable business growth.

Benefits of Strategic Freight Sourcing

Strategic freight sourcing delivers measurable operational and financial advantages for carriers and owner-operators.

Maximizes profits by choosing higher-paying loads in preferred lanes.
Reduces deadhead miles that burn fuel and eat into margins.
Strengthens broker and shipper relationships through reliability and consistency.
Improves dispatch planning by forecasting demand and optimizing drive time.

For any transport carrier or owner-operator aiming to scale, mastering freight sourcing is one of the most important steps toward long-term success. It’s not just about moving freight, it’s about moving smart.

Using Load Boards to Find Freight Opportunities

Load boards are one of the most widely used tools in the trucking industry. These digital platforms connect truck carriers with available freight by allowing shippers and brokers to post loads and letting carriers search for jobs.

For owner-operators, new truckers, or small fleet managers, load boards are often the first step toward building a steady workflow. They offer instant access to thousands of daily load postings, making it easy to get moving without the need for pre-established broker or shipper relationships.

Why Load Boards Matter for New and Independent Carriers

Load boards provide essential tools and opportunities that help carriers find freight quickly and operate efficiently.

Fast access to freight: With just a login, carriers can view available loads across regions, routes, and load types.
Flexibility: You can choose which loads to accept, where to go, and when to haul, ideal for independent drivers or seasonal operations.
Low barrier to entry: You don’t need contracts or prior connections to start. Load boards let you operate as soon as you’re ready.
Research and negotiation power: Many premium load boards offer tools like market rate averages, broker credit ratings, and payment terms.

Common Challenges of Relying Solely on Load Boards

While load boards offer convenience, they also come with a few limitations, especially if they’re your only source of freight.

High competition: Popular loads get claimed fast, especially in high-demand lanes or during peak seasons.
Lower rates: Load board freight often pays less than contracted or direct-shipper work, reducing your margins.
Time-consuming: You may need to monitor multiple platforms, filter through listings, and verify broker reliability before booking.
Lack of consistency: Relying only on load boards can make long-term planning difficult due to variable availability and pricing.

Tip: To get the most out of load boards, use them as part of a broader freight strategy, alongside direct shipper outreach, broker relationships, and dispatcher support.

Top Load Board Platforms for Truck Carriers

Below are some of the most trusted and feature-rich load boards used by thousands of carriers across North America:

Platform	Description	Key Features
DAT Load Board	One of the largest networks of brokers and shippers in the U.S. and Canada	Real-time load updates, rate trends, credit score tools, mobile app
Truckstop	Popular among small fleets and owner-operators	Load comparison tools, broker history, fuel pricing tools
123Loadboard	Known for its competitive spot rates and accessibility	Load filtering, document management, route planning tools

Is a Load Board Worth the Investment?

If you’re regularly looking for freight, especially in the spot market, investing in one or two premium load board subscriptions can offer a clear advantage. Paid platforms often give you:

Access to better-paying, vetted loads.
Faster notifications for high-demand lanes.
Tools to evaluate broker reliability and lane profitability.

Used wisely, load boards are a powerful resource, especially when combined with strong business relationships and smart dispatch planning. They provide the freight volume and flexibility you need to stay rolling and profitable, particularly in competitive or volatile markets.

Tips for Maximizing Load Board Efficiency

Load boards can be powerful tools, but only if you use them strategically. With high competition and fast-moving freight, success often comes down to how quickly and efficiently you work the system. Here’s how to stay ahead:

1. Set Up Custom Alerts

Don’t waste time scrolling through irrelevant listings. Use filters and saved searches to focus on lanes, equipment types, and rates that match your goals. Set up alerts so you’re notified as soon as a relevant load gets posted.

2. Use More Than One Platform

Relying on a single board limits your options. Sign up for at least two trusted load boards to increase your chances of finding high-paying or last-minute loads. Some platforms may have regional or niche opportunities others miss.

3. Act Fast and Be Ready

Loads can disappear in seconds. Have your documentation (MC number, insurance, W-9) ready to send, and respond to listings quickly with clear communication. A fast response often beats a slightly lower rate.

4. Track What Works

Review which boards, brokers, lanes, and load types are most profitable for you. Over time, refine your filters, scheduling patterns, and preferences based on what’s delivering results.

5. Combine Load Boards with Other Strategies

Load boards work best when used alongside other freight-finding methods like direct shipper outreach, broker relationships, or dispatch services. A diversified strategy gives you more consistency and better-paying loads.

Partnering with Freight Brokers and Shippers

Freight brokers and shippers are both important players in the supply chain. Building strong relationships with them can give you access to more freight opportunities and make your business more stable and diverse.

To get the most out of those relationships, it helps to know the difference between a freight broker and a truck carrier. A freight broker doesn’t move freight themselves, they connect shippers who need to move goods with truck carriers who actually haul the loads. Brokers act as middlemen, negotiating deals between both sides.

On the other hand, a truck carrier is the person or company that owns and operates the truck. They’re the ones doing the driving, managing the equipment, and delivering freight.

Freight brokers are especially useful for small carriers and owner-operators who may not have direct shipper connections. They help fill in gaps and provide access to high-volume loads without needing your own sales team.

Meanwhile, working directly with shippers gives you more control over your schedule, rates, and preferred lanes. For long-term growth, it’s smart to work with both, using brokers for flexibility and direct shippers for better margins and consistency.

Connecting with Freight Brokers

Freight brokers connect carriers with shippers. To get more freight through brokers, follow these tips:

Keep a good safety record and deliver on time. Brokers want to work with reliable trucking companies that have good CSA scores and meet regulatory compliance.
Communicate clearly with brokers about your availability, preferred lanes, and capacity. A good dispatcher can help you do this efficiently.
Negotiate fair rates. Don’t forget to include fuel surcharges, tolls, layovers, and any other accessorial charges when discussing loads.

Also, ask brokers about payment terms, some may offer quick pay options while others may require 30–45 days. In such cases, many carriers use invoice factoring services to improve cash flow.

Strong relationships with freight brokers can open up more freight chances. This can make your business more efficient, especially if you’re just starting out as an independent truck driver or owner operator without direct clients.

Building Relationships with Direct Shippers

Working directly with shippers can give you more control over your freight. It might also mean higher profits. To build good relationships with direct shippers:

Find shippers that fit your business needs and what you can do.
Keep open communication and agree on terms that work for both sides.
Show you’re reliable and flexible to earn trust and long-term contracts.

Direct relationships with shippers can also give you insights into market trends. This can help you predict future demand.

By working with both freight brokers and direct shippers, you can have a strong freight strategy. This strategy reduces your dependence on one method and boosts your growth chances.

Using Technology and Digital Freight Marketplaces

The trucking industry is on the verge of a big change. Digital freight marketplaces are making it easier to find and secure loads. This new technology helps you connect with shippers and brokers more efficiently, making it simpler to get the loads you need.

Instead of relying solely on phone calls or emails, truckers can now use a smartphone or tablet to find, book, track, and invoice a load all in one place. These tools are ideal for independent truck drivers or small fleets trying to compete with larger carriers.

How AI and Machine Learning Are Changing Freight Sourcing

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are leading this change. They analyze data to predict trends and match carriers with the right loads. This means you can make smarter choices about where to find your freight.

Uber Freight reduced empty miles by 10–15% using AI-powered matching and routing systems, boosting efficiency and profitability. These kinds of smart tools help carriers cut wasted fuel, avoid deadhead trips, and run leaner operations.

For example, digital platforms like Loadsmart or Convoy use AI to:

Suggest loads based on past behavior.
Optimize routes to reduce fuel costs.
Forecast demand in specific lanes.

AI can also improve decision-making by highlighting unprofitable lanes, recommending better times to haul loads, or warning you about market slowdowns.

Using Freight Apps and Online Platforms

Freight apps and online platforms make finding and securing loads easier. They let you search for loads, talk rates, and manage shipments in one spot. This simplifies your work, cuts down on paperwork, and boosts your efficiency.

These freight apps allow you to:

Browse available truck loads and filter by location, commodity, distance, and more.
Negotiate rates in real time or accept posted prices instantly.
Track cargo and send automatic updates to brokers or shippers.
Upload PODs (proof of delivery) and generate invoices from your phone.

Some popular tools are:

Uber Freight
Convoy
Trucker Path
SmartHop (which also provides coaching and dispatch tools)

These platforms are a great fit for owner-operators who want to operate independently and reduce reliance on traditional brokers.

Benefits of Automated Freight Matching Systems

Automated freight matching systems use smart algorithms to pair carriers with the best loads. This brings many benefits, like more efficiency, fewer empty miles, and better profits.

Benefits include:

Faster booking with no manual back-and-forth
Fewer errors on rate confirmations and trip documents
Integrated dispatch tools to manage load details in one place
Analytics dashboards to track revenue, expenses, and deadhead miles

These tools are helping trucking companies find smarter ways to get freight, grow their business, and stay competitive, even with limited resources.

Networking and Building Industry Relationships

In trucking, networking is key to finding freight. Building strong ties with industry leaders opens doors to new loads and market insights. It also helps your business grow.

Many successful truckers get their best contracts through referrals, repeat clients, and word-of-mouth recommendations from logistics professionals, not just digital platforms.

Establishing Partnerships with Logistics Companies

Logistics companies are vital in the supply chain, connecting shippers with carriers. Partnering with them can bring a steady flow of freight. To succeed, focus on:

Reliable service. Always show up on time, communicate clearly, and handle freight with care.
Clear communication. Let them know your availability, preferred lanes, and equipment details.
Negotiated terms. Try to agree on lane rates, fuel surcharges, and payment windows that work for both sides.

If you’re an independent truck driver or owner operator, working with a logistics provider can also help you expand beyond local loads into regional or national lanes.

Joining Industry Associations and Local Networks

Industry associations and local networks are great for truck carriers. They offer chances to meet professionals, stay informed, and find resources for growth. Consider joining:

National associations like the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for advocacy and industry alerts.
Regional trucking groups that focus on your state or metro area.
Online communities like Trucker Path, Load Board forums, or CDL Facebook groups.
These networks help independent truck drivers keep up with regulations, rates, and opportunities. They’re also useful for learning about things like trucking contracts, lease-to-own options, and how to manage your dispatch or paperwork.

Contracts and Dedicated Freight Opportunities

It’s key to know the perks of contracts and dedicated routes for carriers wanting to expand. Long-term contracts bring stability and predictability to your operations.

Shippers prefer to work with trusted carriers on a recurring basis. If you can offer consistent service, you may be awarded benefits like fuel surcharges, faster invoice processing, and long-term business.

Stability through Long-Term Agreements

Long-term contracts have many benefits, such as:

A steady income.
Better cash flow management.
Improved planning for the future.
More efficient resource use.

These deals let you concentrate on your main business. You spend less time searching for new loads and managing cash flow.

Dedicated vs. Spot Market: Choosing the Right Option

You have two main choices for freight: dedicated routes and spot market loads. Dedicated routes mean you’re committed to a specific route or routes for a set time, usually with one shipper. Spot market loads are one-off chances that come up from immediate shipping needs.

The main differences are:

Characteristics	Dedicated Routes	Spot Market Loads
Commitment Level	Long-term commitment	One-time or short-term
Revenue Stability	High stability	Variable and unpredictable
Operational Flexibility	Less flexible due to long-term commitment	Highly flexible

Knowing these differences helps you choose the best strategy for your business. This way, you can make more money and take fewer risks.

Challenges Truck Carriers Face in Getting Freight

Getting freight is tough for truck carriers. They face many hurdles, like rules and market changes. To get freight well, they must navigate a complex world.

Understanding these barriers is crucial if you want to grow your business and find truck loads more efficiently.

Regulatory and Compliance Barriers

Complying with changing rules is a big challenge. Rules include hours of service, ELD mandates, and safety standards. Breaking these can cost a lot and harm your reputation.

Stay up-to-date with new rules to avoid fines.
Use tools to manage compliance better.
Train drivers on new rules to follow them.

Market Competition and Rate Fluctuations

The trucking world is very competitive. Many carriers want the same freight. This leads to price changes, making it hard to find profitable loads. You need to price smartly and be flexible to compete.

Strategy	Description	Benefits
Dynamic Pricing	Change rates based on demand and competition.	Stay ahead, make more money.
Load Optimization	Fill your trucks fully to cut down on empty miles.	Work better, spend less.
Building Relationships	Build strong ties with shippers and brokers.	Get steady freight, better prices.

Managing Deadhead Miles and Empty Returns

Deadhead miles and empty returns hurt your profits. Better routes and loads can help. Use tech to find ways to improve.

Use a load board with backhaul planning features.
Leverage dispatch services that can fill empty returns.
Work with multiple brokers or apps to improve outbound and inbound balance.

If you’re an independent truck driver operating solo, empty returns can quickly eat into margins. Reducing them is essential to haul loads profitably and keep your business afloat.

Final Thoughts on How Truck Carriers Secure Freight

Securing freight is a complex task that mixes old methods with new tech. As a truck carrier, you can use load boards, work with freight brokers, and explore digital marketplaces. Knowing the trucking industry and its changes is key to your success.

At RecNation, we understand the realities of dispatching, sourcing profitable truck loads, and staying compliant in a fast-moving freight landscape. Our secure truck parking spaces and storage solutions are designed to support hardworking carriers looking to reduce downtime and operate efficiently.

Good freight sourcing needs a full approach that includes the latest in logistics and supply chain management. By keeping up with trends and being flexible, you can face industry challenges and find new chances.

To stay ahead, build strong ties with shippers, brokers, and others in the industry. Securing freight is a constant effort. It needs dedication, flexibility, and a readiness to change.

FAQ

How can truck carriers manage deadhead miles and empty returns?

Carriers can manage deadhead miles by finding backhaul opportunities. They can use load boards and apps, and build relationships with shippers and brokers.

What role does technology play in freight sourcing?

Technology, like AI and digital marketplaces, changes freight sourcing. It helps carriers find and secure loads more easily, improving their efficiency.

How can carriers build relationships with direct shippers?

Carriers can build relationships by offering reliable service and fair rates. Good communication and negotiation are key to long-term partnerships.

What are the challenges of relying on load boards?

Relying on load boards can lead to intense competition and variable rates. It’s important for carriers to diversify their strategies.

How can carriers stay informed about industry developments?

Carriers can stay informed by joining associations and attending conferences. Participating in local networks also helps them keep up with trends and best practices.

What is the difference between dedicated routes and spot market loads?

Dedicated routes are long-term agreements for specific cargo. Spot market loads are one-off opportunities with varying cargo and rates. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks.