How do you find shippers to eliminate the middle man?

Oh boy!

 

A lot of cold calls and talking with people. Look up warehouses near you and call their office and make an offer.

 

This can be s touchy subject sometimes in the trucking industry and especially with owner operators. When I started as an owner operator 10 years ago it was very difficult to get any type of help when looking for ways to expand my market reach. There were a few veteran owner operators who didn't mind sharing trade secrets but most of the people I talked to were very protective of their strategy for fear of losing business and revenue to another truck. Now, with that being said, a few questions.

Are you an owner operator with your own truck and trailer?

What kind of truck and trailer do you have?

Do you have your own authority or are you leased to a carrier?

What kind of freight do you normally haul?

 

Okay cool. Do you ever haul freight that is typically destined for a dry van?

What have you done so far to extend your market reach?

 

Start calling.

 

Get a list of customers from industry group associations,
like a farmers co-op group, join your state trucking association and utilize the contacts and networking potential.

Look up transportation managers for small to mid size companies.

Large companies are using 3PL's to handle their shipping needs.

 

Here is a secret how to find customers, learn how to use the internet and directories for trade organizations.

I belong to a bunch to ensure I have access to information.

Many will talk to an owner if they are approached the right way.

This is all I will give away, the rest will have to be learnt on your own.

I don't mind giving that away because truth be told there is still enough work for owners who are serious about servicing customers long term.