TL;DR
Start with load boards + broker relationships while you build direct shipper accounts.
Track load-to-truck ratios and lane benchmarks before you bid - these signal your leverage.
Understand broker rules (49 CFR Part 371) and use clean paperwork to speed approvals and payment.
TACH members can access TACH Partners - a curated broker network that typically pays higher RPM to our community vs. public boards.
The 3-Layer Freight Strategy (Build in this order)
Layer 1: Fast access - Load boards & spot brokers
Why: Immediate freight, flexible origin/destination, great for filling gaps.
How: Post your truck daily, set alerts by lane, and watch the load-to-truck ratio (LTR) - higher LTR = tighter capacity = more leverage. Changes in LTR often precede rate moves.
Proof point: Industry sources track weekly LTRs for dry van/reefer/flatbed and note they're widely used by brokers and carriers to gauge demand.
Pro load-board practices
- Complete your carrier profile, references, and documents so you're "first-call"
- Use historical lane tools to see what carriers got last week/month before you counter
- During national events (e.g., Roadcheck), load posts can spike and rates may rise - watch news and weekly reports
Layer 2: Sticky revenue - Broker relationships you can grow
Why: Consistent tenders on your lanes, better detention/TONU handling, fewer dead miles.
Know the rules: Brokers must be licensed and meet FMCSA requirements; learn what's in broker agreements and recordkeeping (49 CFR Part 371) so you can onboard faster and push back appropriately.
Layer 3: Highest margins - Direct shippers
Why: Remove a layer of margin, secure mini-contracts, and plan your week around steady pickups.
How: Start local (industrial parks, food distributors, building materials), track seasonal shippers, and bring OTIF reliability + clean ELD data to win.
Where to Find Loads (14 Proven Channels)
1. DAT/Truckstop-style load boards (spot & short contract). Learn the board's filters, credit scores, and paid-in-lane benchmarks before you call.
2. Curated broker networks (like TACH Partners). If you're a TACH member, our partnered brokers prioritize the TACH community and often pay more per mile than generic board posts because vetting, safety, and performance data reduce their risk and admin.
3. Direct shipper outreach (industrial parks, chambers of commerce, LinkedIn).
4. Freight marketplaces/RFP light (mini-bids for repeat lanes).
5. Regional 3PLs that specialize in your equipment (reefer, flatbed, heavy haul).
6. Co-op dispatchers vetted by peers (avoid rate-skimmers).
7. Port & rail drayage exchanges (TWIC holders).
8. Niche boards (construction, ag, oil & gas).
9. Carrier-to-carrier backhaul swaps (private groups; reciprocity).
10. Shipper TMS portals (become an approved carrier).
11. Trade associations & local logistics meetups (relationship > rate sheet).
12. Outbound sales from your telematics data (pitch your on-time stats).
13. Lane-based geo-fencing ads (retarget shipping managers in your corridors).
14. Referrals from drivers and warehouse staff (treat every dock like a lead source).
How to Evaluate a Load in 90 Seconds (the "P.A.C.E." checklist)
P – Price: Compare ask vs. your CPM and lane benchmark; weigh LTR trends for negotiating power.
A – Accessorials: Clarify detention, layover, TONU, lumper - get terms in the rate con.
C – Consistency: One-off or repeat? Can this become a weekly lane with the same broker/shipper?
E – Efficiency: Deadhead and dwell kill RPM. Confirm open hours, appointment windows, and live vs. drop.
Negotiation Scripts (steal these)
When LTR is tight (you have leverage):
"I'm seeing high demand on CITYA→CITYB this week. Recent carriers on this lane closed around $X.YZ/mi. If we can be at $X.YZ + 0.15/mi with detention at $XX/hr after 2, I can commit a truck today."
When LTR is soft (they have leverage):
"I can help today if we lock in a return load or agree on fuel surcharge + quick appointment times. If we get those, I can do $X.YZ/mi and stay on call for your next three."
Counter around accessorials (protect margin):
"If the rate can't move, let's set detention at $XX/hr after 2, TONU $XXX, and a 30-minute live load target. I'll send the carrier packet now."
Compliance & Paperwork (don't skip these)
Know the broker rules: Part 371 defines brokerage vs. bona fide agents and recordkeeping. This helps you spot red flags and request info (authority, bond).
Agreements & addenda: Many broker/shipper agreements include authority proof and surety bond attachments - read sections on payment timing, claims, and setoffs.
Payment pathways: Quick pay vs. factoring - different control and costs; understand tradeoffs before signing.
Building a High-Yield Weekly Freight Plan
- Pick 2 outbound anchor lanes you can run every week
- Identify 3–5 brokers (or a shipper) per lane; add 1–2 backups
- Set a target RPM window by day of week using prior-week trendlines and LTR
- Pre-book the headhaul by Friday; leave room for a premium backhaul you'll grab 24–48 hours out
- Measure: RPM (all-in), deadhead %, dwell hours, on-time %, claims (0 target)
Why TACH Members Often Get Paid More per Mile
TACH Partners are logistics brokers that TACH has vetted for reliability, credit, and carrier experience. They lean on TACH's network quality - safety data, performance metrics, and verified documents - so they frequently post member-preferred rates and faster confirmations for our carriers.
Translation: less paperwork friction, better RPM, and quicker turns versus cold-calling public boards. (Ask us to whitelist your MC and lane preferences.)
Not a member yet? Joining TACH gives you access to TACH Partners, prioritized freight in our core regions, and member education (negotiation, compliance, and lane strategy).
Day-One Playbook (do this this week)
- Create/refresh profiles on major boards; add equipment photos and references
- Apply to 10 high-fit brokers (credit, lanes you want)
- Book one repeatable lane for next week
- Ask your last three docks for referrals (shipper names + broker contacts)
- If you're TACH-enabled, request TACH Partners access and share your preferred lanes
Common Mistakes (and fast fixes)
Chasing any load anywhere. Fix: pick lanes, say "no" to random low-yield freight.
Ignoring LTR and seasonality. Fix: check ratios weekly before you bid.
Not pricing accessorials. Fix: put detention/TONU in every rate con.
Slow paperwork. Fix: keep COI, W-9, authority, references, and safety packet in a single share link.
Cash-flow crunch. Fix: compare quick pay vs. factoring costs and control up front.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to get a load today?
Post your truck on a major board, turn on alerts for your lane, and call on high-credit brokers. Watch the load-to-truck ratio - tight markets justify higher counters.
How do I know what to bid?
Use lane history tools and last-week averages; combine with today's LTR and your own CPM. If the lane is heating up, bid higher and protect detention/TONU.
Are there rules brokers must follow?
Yes - FMCSA regulates brokers (49 CFR Part 371). Knowing the basics helps you onboard quickly and spot problems.
Quick pay or factoring?
Both speed cash, but costs and control differ. Compare broker quick-pay fees versus a factoring agreement's advance rate and terms.
How does TACH help me earn more?
TACH members get access to TACH Partners, our vetted broker network that often pays higher RPM to TACH carriers and streamlines setup/dispatch.
The Bottom Line
Winning as an independent carrier is about consistent lanes, smart negotiation, and trusted relationships. Combine load boards + reliable brokers while you build direct shipper accounts - and use market signals (like load-to-truck ratios) to time your bids. If you're a TACH member, plug into TACH Partners to access better freight, faster.
Start Finding Better Loads with TACH
Ready to access higher-paying freight through our vetted broker network? TACH Partners connects you with reliable brokers who prioritize our members with better rates.
Join TACH today and start earning more per mile while reducing your administrative burden.
