Smart Tips for Higher Pay and Local Loads
In today’s competitive freight market, getting consistent loads at good rates isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. Whether you're an owner-operator or leased onto a company, understanding how to negotiate, where to look for loads, and how to operate smartly can make a big difference. Here’s how to make sure you’re earning what you deserve and staying closer to home when it counts.
1. Getting Better Rates: Know Your Worth and the Market
Tips to secure better rates:
- Use load boards wisely: Platforms like DAT and Truckstop provide average rate data for lanes.
- Avoid cheap freight: If you haul for less than your cost-per-mile, you're losing money.
- Negotiate confidently: Ask about load weight, live load/unload, and detention pay terms.
- Build broker relationships: Repeat work often means better pay and trust.
- Work directly with shippers: This cuts out middlemen and improves your bottom line.
Don’t:
- Underbid yourself just to “keep rolling.”
- Accept last-minute loads without confirmed rates.
- Ignore lane trends and seasonal freight patterns.
2. Staying Close to Home: How to Guarantee Work in Your State
Here’s how to do it:
- Sign up for local or regional freight contracts with nearby shippers or distributors.
- Use regional load boards or apps like 123Loadboard.
- Partner with local dispatch services that know the area.
- Get setup with brokers who specialize in your state’s industries.
What to avoid:
- Running loads that drop you in "dead zones" with no return freight.
- Relying only on national brokers for local consistency.
Tip: Focus on commodities your state is known for—like produce in California or poultry in Georgia.
3. What’s a Reasonable Distance to Travel for a Load?
Driving too far to pick up a load can eat into profits, especially with rising fuel costs.
- Good rule of thumb: Keep deadhead under 100 miles, ideally 25–50 miles.
- Use tools like Trucker Path to find nearby loads.
- Stack your loads and plan reloads in advance.
- Avoid unnecessary detours and keep downtime low.
Don’t:
- Chase high-paying loads far away without factoring in the return.
- Rely on verbal agreements or “maybe” loads—get confirmations in writing.
4. The Do’s and Don’ts of Staying Busy and Profitable
DO:
- Track all miles and fuel costs to manage expenses.
- Keep your documents updated—services like SD SOLU LLC can help.
- Stay compliant to avoid fines and delays.
- Join freight networks and forums to stay in the know.
DON’T:
- Drive with expired insurance or credentials.
- Rely on just one broker or dispatch source.
- Forget about tolls, downtime, or maintenance when calculating profit.
Helpful government resources:
Conclusion: What’s Your Strategy?
Truck driving is a tough but rewarding business if you approach it the right way. Whether it’s getting better rates, staying close to home, or minimizing empty miles, every move should be intentional. Tools and services like SD SOLU LLC exist to make your road smoother—but at the end of the day, it’s your plan that drives your success.
So, drivers—what’s your go-to strategy to stay loaded and local?
