Independent finding loads

[dalasmith]

Just curious. Are any of you independents…not with a company like Panther or FedEx?

My warehouse recently bought a Cargo Van because many customers were shipping expedites.

So far the van is doing OK for its first month but I wonder what the best way is to find back hauls if you are not with a company that dispatches you. We’ve made trips to Atlanta, Knoxville, Fort Wayne and Cincinnati areas, and will make trips to Detroit area. To get back to KY, I’ve checked load boards but they seem to have all semi/straight truck stuff. So I end up coming home empty. Yes we are still making money but we could really increase profits if we can get a back haul even part of the way.

Any advice from anyone would be appreciated. We are not into expediting big time, obviously, so I don’t think we are a threat to any of you professionals. We are mainly doing it as a service to our existing customers who were having trouble getting expedites out when needed.

 

[Tennesseahawk]

Do a search for past posts containing words like independant AND authority AND loads, loadboards, or brokers. You'll find some good hits there. I'd suggest doing it without clicking on archives first, then click archives if you don't find what you're looking for.

-True independence can only be gained if you're trully independant.

 

[whitey1]

Yes you are a "threat". Just more competition, and probably taking cheap freight too.
But, I wish you the best and am not mad.
The real expedite field is just like the economy, it expands and contracts and weeds out the weak or uncomitted.
BTW, I have been constantly working on the basically the same issue you are seeking a solution for, and it is not there.

 

[kwexpress]

KW Express
o/o till i die

well I guess if your not into it then just have your customers call me.

just kidding

try the small carrier version of gps411 ive talked to a couple small timers that say they are getting expedite calls off it.

and try getting set up as an outside carrier for other expedite companies

 

[dalasmith]

Well, I didn't take a load yesterday because the company said they could get it substantially cheaper and I said let them take it.

We only make a couple of runs per week in a 400 mile radius so I don't think we can drive rates down even if we were cheap.

But I do appreciate your concern over having another supplier on the road, even if it isn't very often.

Thanks for the pointers toward gps411. I will give them a call soon.