How do you get good loads without a broker?

Bull crap skys the limit pull that cheap load straight to the flea market open the doors you can make even more than they used too

 

You said the magic word. Experience. Keep your ears open for loads, make friends in the business, go the extra mile for a shipper / receiver,get a good reputation, just keep on hauling freight, and try to do a good job.Ask questions about load oppurtunities around the dock when you load or unload.Knock on doors and ask or work. Something will open up, that is what has gotten me contracts for years.
But it ain't all that easy, and not all drivers can do it.If given a chance, you have to produce. Or someone else will.

 

Won't make the money you used to? You mean to tell me you made "MONEY" as a company driver? LOL..... As an owner operator, you WILL make money, IF, you know how to manage your money & expenses, that's the important thing. Every penny saved is a penny earned brother. One thing I DO NOT suggest you do, is haul cheap freight. I don't give a darn how bad you want to get home, hold out on your rate, a broker will know that you're serious about your business and possibly a very dependable carrier that he can call on at another time. TRUST ME, this is from experience, this is #TRUTH If more drivers did this, we wouldn't be in the rut we're in now battling back and forth for a buck a truck. Different sites have trendlines that can tell you what the weekly reefer/dry van/flatbed rates are and they can give you an idea on what you should negotiate your rate to be. Remember, you're an owner operator, not a company driver, you call your shots and your prices, not someone else. So why should you take a buck to run YOUR truck?????? Think about that......

Here's another thing, if you want customers direct without brokers, you will have go home for about a week, get some leads and lists, and start cold calling. Shippers do need asset-based carriers, they don't like brokers either, but you have to be diligent, persistence is key. Find out who you need to talk to, then contact them via the best method possible. After a week or 2, I can almost guarantee you'll start seeing some results. Remember, this is experience, not hearsay. I only use 7 brokers at the moment, I deal with 4 farms and 3 direct shippers. I run reefer and I'm busy every week, looking to expand soon. It's a movement man, new times, get with it. #TRUTH KEEP ON TRUCKIN'

 

10-4 on that #TRUTH #POSITIVITY

 

When looking for direct shippers try and seek out the middle market / smaller shippers. If your cousin runs the warehouse at Proctor and Gamble then go for it but if not stick to your smaller companies that may only have a two or three dock doors at there place. One direct shipper I came across only sends out about 6 loads a month but guess who gets the call for all 6 - they do not like dealing with brokers and as long as the price is within reason they always say it is mine.

Another suggestion would be to come up with an electronic marketing brochure - use Microsoft Word. The one I came up with was 6 pages with photos of equipment, etc...who we are, what we do, and a page with insurance info listed....they are all going to ask about insurance! Find out who the shipping manager is and there email and send it to them. It gives a good professional appearance and the photos dont necessarily have to of an 06 Freightliner ( or whatever you have ), you can find a photo of a 2012 Peterbilt if you want on the internet.

 

RIGHT! I did this....Digital Marketing brochure and a website worked EXCELLENT!