How to get loads as an owner-operator in 5 different ways
June 27, 2025
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
As an owner-operator, finding the right loads for your business is one of the most important things you’ll do. The loads you haul directly impact your workload and the overall profitability of your trucking business.
How to get loads as an owner-operator depends on many factors, including whether you do business with a motor carrier or run under your own authority.
Load boards for owner-operators who do business with a motor carrier
Some companies, like Schneider, have a load board for owner-operators who do business with them. Owner-operators use the load board to select the freight they want to haul.
The Schneider FreightPower platform gives owner-operators contracted on with Schneider access to both spot and contract freight that Schneider hauls.
Schneider FreightPower also offers:
- 95% drop-and-hook freight.
- Customized search features.
- More load details.
- Next load choices.
- Unique profiles that can be managed by users.
4 ways to find truck loads for owner-operators running under their own authority
1. Hunt for freight on the spot market.
If you operate under your own motor carrier authority, you have the option to search for spot freight on public load boards. This can be done using a smartphone, laptop or tablet.
Advantages
Finding spot freight is usually as easy as a quick online search.
Plus, using public load boards is typically free and simple to do. They also provide a wide variety of freight for owner-operators to pick from.
Disadvantages
Spot freight options and rates on public load boards can be unpredictable.
2. Work with a freight broker.
Another way for owner-operators who run under their own authority to secure loads is to partner with a freight broker.
Freight brokers can connect owner-operators to shippers. They help owner-operators find freight that meets the owner-operator's rate, time and location needs.
Many large brokers provide easy online access to their freight board, offering the loads you need and the terms that work for you. Schneider, for example, gives carriers access to brokerage freight via its Schneider FreightPower® platform.
Advantages
Using a broker saves owner-operators the time and effort of tracking down their own freight. The broker will negotiate with the shipper and the owner-operator to find a solution that works for both parties.
Disadvantages
Freight brokers typically take a percentage of the profit from the load a carrier hauls.
3. Pay a dispatching service.
There are two options for own-authority owner-operators to pick from when working with dispatching services. They can:
- Hire a personal dispatcher directly.
- Seek the help of a trucking dispatch service.
Advantages
Personal dispatchers and dispatching services connect owner-operators with shippers.
Dispatchers often manage the flow of freight, help with paperwork and do accounting work. This allows owner-operators to focus on hauling freight and generating revenue.
Disadvantages
Using a dispatcher or dispatching service comes with a fee. Most dispatchers charge a flat rate or take a percentage of each load.
4. Become your own sales team.
Owner-operators with their own motor carrier authority can research shippers to see if they need help moving their goods.
Some owner-operators prefer to do their own prospecting and selling by cold-calling shippers and asking them to haul their freight.
Advantages
Doing your own prospecting can be a great way to establish lasting relationships with businesses. Forging these relationships usually creates consistent and predictable work for owner-operators.
Disadvantages
Finding success from cold calling can take a while. It usually takes time to build up a strong book of business.
Another disadvantage of prospecting for loads is that you cannot broker them to another independent truck driver without having a brokerage license. You may, however, be able to hire someone else to drive your truck or purchase a truck to move the loads you can’t move yourself.
