As a shipper, how do I find owner operators?

Good idea mnmover, I had forgotten about trulos, I have used it and it is free. Good idea about the webpage as well.

 

I couldn't agree more Rox. It sounds as if he's gotten in touch with the likes of some of our less than reputable folks. Sir, I won't self promote here. I did send you a private message but with the right people, customer service and good rates aren't an issue. Nor is capacity. Capacity is tight nationwide, but if the agent you have has a bad reputation with the BCO's it doesn't matter if your loads pay $2.50+ a mile, the guys won't touch them.

 

Nobody's said it, but you know it plenty well. You're problem is you're in Naperville, IL. All shippers in northeast IL are having a hard time these days. Sad for you, but when I get there i act like a vulture waiting for that hot load to show up for high rates. The big companies may book 10 loads for a low rate, but I won't do it. I'm sorry to say, but I dont' think looking for owner/op's is really your answer. If you paid the rates to get good ones, you'd already have them. Frankly, if you paid the rates necessary to solve your problems you'd already have solid brokers or 3PL. You've chosen to try to get your loads shipped inexpensively and now you have trouble getting decent service. I sympathize with your situation, you have customers (dairy farms) in PA going out of business looking to save every penny. You likely have competitors offering good prices to them. Still, doesn't make a strong argument to me (the average owner-operator) to switch from what I am doing to helping you.

I guess you could think about hiring some people to get find loads to get owner op's back to Naperville. You could guarantee them 2.25 per mile or something. Then you could choose to book them a load back or deadhead them back. Basically, reduce their risk and increase your profits. But if you did all that, probably be wise to just start a trucking company and lease on O/O's at that point.

 

I think this guy is just a spammer or a new broker toying around.. His stories keep changing and non of what he said adds up.

 

Always like to hear this. I am seeing it in negotiations.

 

Thanks for a return phone call....

 

Don't worry OZR, when he finds out there's a difference between a hazmat endorsement on your driver's license, and a carrier's hazmat authority to actually haul it, he'll be here crying.

 

How big/heavy are these loads?