How to Find Loads for Car Haulers?

In the very competitive auto transport business, there is only one way to succeed: by keeping car haulers loaded and on the move.

 

If you're wondering how to find loads for car haulers effectively, this guide will provide you with essential strategies.

 

However, finding load opportunities at the best price often remains a challenge.

 

Whether you are a seasoned expert in car hauling or just starting an enterprise, exploring other ways of finding loads will usually be the difference between high efficiency and profit.

 

Load boards: Your digital marketplace

 

Load boards are online platforms where car haulers meet and connect with the shippers who need to move the vehicles.

 

They can be termed digital marketplaces where you explore available cargo, filter by your preference, including vehicle type and location, and connect with potential clients.

 

Benefits of using load boards

 

• Increased efficiency: Find open loads in a snap without calling hundreds of numbers or sending dozens of emails.
  
  

• Broader reach: Tap into more loads and expand your business beyond the reach of your current network.
  
  

• Competitive pricing: Compare the prevailing rates of different shippers to negotiate better prices for your services.
  
  

• Time savings: Keep to a minimum any loads that need searching; this will save you time for the more critical sectors of your business.

 

Popular load boards for car haulers

 

• Central dispatch: Their network is vast on both the shipper and carrier sides and has been one of the longest-standing load boards.
  
  

• Super dispatch: Intuitive interface with advanced functionality, including route optimization and fully digital documentation.
  
  

• DAT: Comprehensive load data and market insights to empower your decision-making.

 

Tips for beginners using load boards

 

• Start with a reputable load board: Platforms like Central Dispatch and Super Dispatch are great for new haulers. They offer reliable listings and user-friendly interfaces.
  
  

• Set up alerts: Configure notifications for loads that match your criteria so you don't miss any opportunities.
  
  

• Learn the platform features: Explore all features, like route optimization and load filtering, to make the most out of your subscription.

 

Direct connections: Building relationships with shippers

 

While load boards are convenient and efficient, building direct relationships with shippers can provide a far more reliable and stable source of loads.

 

This would involve networking with dealerships, auction houses, and private individuals who regularly need car transport services.

 

Benefits of direct connections

 

• Ongoing projects: Establish standing orders with dispatchers who regularly require your services.
  
  

• Negotiating power: Build rapport and perhaps negotiate better rates.
  
  

• Personalized service: Give service to specific customers and maintain customer loyalty.

 

Strategies for building direct connections

 

• Attend industry events: Network with potential customers at conferences and trade shows related to ground transportation.
  
  

• Network with dealerships and auction houses: Establish relationships with businesses that frequently need car shipping services.
  
  

• Capitalize on the internet: Use social media and online directories to connect with potential clients better.

 

Freight brokers: The intermediary option

 

Freight brokers are matchmakers that help shippers and carriers find a way for freight to get from point A to point B.

 

They will act as the middlemen between the shipper and carrier to help initiate the shipping process.

 

They can be a great tool to find the loads, especially if you are new in the industry or want to expand your outreach.

 

Benefits of working with freight brokers

 

• Access to a more extensive network: Brokers deal with numerous shippers and can expose you to various loads.
  
  

• Go-to expertise: A transport broker can, therefore, negotiate better rates on your behalf based on their experience within the industry.
  
  

• Less administrative headache: Much of the administration and logistics in terms of paperwork fall to the broker for processing, freeing up your time.

 

Choosing the right freight broker

 

• Reputation: Opting for brokers with high-performance scores and positive reviews from carriers is always good.
  
  

• Communication: Ensure clear and uniform communication during the shipping process.
  
  

• Fees: Understand how much the broker will charge and ensure it fits your profitability goals.

 

Tips for new car haulers working with freight brokers

 

• Research broker reviews: Before partnering with a broker, read reviews from other haulers to ensure you work with a reputable intermediary.
  
  

• Clarify payment terms: As a beginner, understand when and how you'll be paid for your services.
  
  

• Ask questions: Ask brokers about load details, paperwork, and other requirements to ensure a smooth experience.

 

Technology: Your partner in load-finding

 

Loading finding is also hugely vigorous concerning car haulers with the help of technology.

 

• Transportation management systems: A TMS will smooth your operations and ensure load boards include route optimization and driver management.
  
  

• Mobile apps: Experience the power of load boards and manage your business on the go with mobile apps solely for car haulers.
  
  

• AI-powered platforms: Take advantage of AI-driven platforms, such as Universal Transit, to source the best loads, optimize routes, and maximize output.

 

Networking: The power of industry connections

 

By building relationships with other car haulers, valuable information can be shared, help when needed, or even load opportunities that might be passed along to you.

 

Networking strategies

 

• Attend industry events: Meet your colleagues in car hauling at conferences and workshops.
  
  

• Join online forums and social network groups about auto transport.
  
  

• Form alliances: Alliance with other carriers by load sharing to expand.

 

Putting all these together, with the available resources, will get the loads on the car haulers most efficiently, keeping the trucks full and driving the business to further success.

 

Many successful haulers also rely on a reliable dispatch service for car haulers to streamline operations and stay on top of load opportunities.

 

Ready to optimize your car hauling business and secure consistent high-paying loads?

 

Please feel free to contact Universal Transit today, guided by our highly experienced team supported by an AI-powered platform, making your dream come true in this competitive and challenging business.