How does a owner operator go about finding consistent local work?

First step: Move to an area where there is plenty of freight.

 

Step 2 try to convince an OO to tell you where he is getting his loads from so you can take them.

 

Step 3, cut the rate so that you are the only one will haul it.

 

Step 4, knock on some doors

 

step 5, sell the trk/trl. and take a holiday.
Then work for somebody else...

 

I'm not an o/o nor do I pull a skateboard but the principle is pretty simple you just have to do your research as every area is different. Make a list of things that are produced locally that ship on a flatbed. Then make a separate list of things consumed locally that are delivered on a flatbed. If there's anything that appears on both lists call both the manufacturer and consumer and offer your services. In my area building supplies/lumber would be your best bet if you were cheap enough but most of the yards have their own trucks so good luck on that one.

 

My advice from above : # 1, [ find the freight ]# 4 [ ask for some freight ] ,# 2 [ talk to other drivers for advice, but do not steal their freight ] , in that order. # 3 I do not do [ I know Jumbo was joking ] . BUT,I do ask shippers what lanes / loads they have trouble covering, and offer to run those. If you can get your foot in the door doing them a favor, most shippers will look out for you and offer better loads also. Trucking is one of the most 'scratch my back and I'll scratch yours' industries around. Do a favor, get a favor. Karma, whatever you want to call it.

Last but not least, do #5.

 

ROFL... Yall are killing me here.

Don't forget Step#6.

Buy 5 gallons of gas and a box of wooden matches....

 

How about you hunt some internet load boards, Internetruckstop.com is one. Local work isn't always available- worst case scenario, there's always uship.......