Can't Find Loads? Strategies When Freight is Slow

Load Board Tactics Most Operators Miss

If you are staring at an empty DAT or Truckstop.com search results page, you are probably searching wrong. Most operators search from their current location for loads going to their preferred destination. This is the most competitive search — every other empty truck in the area is doing the same thing.

Try these alternative search patterns: search for loads originating within 100-200 miles of your location, not just at your exact location. A 150-mile deadhead to reach a $3.00/mile load pays better than sitting still waiting for a $2.50/mile load from your current spot. Search by destination instead of origin — if you know where you want to end up, search for loads going there from various starting points, then figure out how to get to the origin. Search at off-peak times — load postings peak Monday through Wednesday morning. Thursday afternoon and Friday see fewer postings but also less competition.

Expand your equipment search. If you pull dry van, check reefer loads that specify 'reefer, no temp control required' — these are dry freight being shipped in a reefer trailer, and you can often negotiate to haul them in your dry van. If you pull flatbed, check 'step deck' and 'specialized' categories for loads your equipment can handle.

Call on loads that seem slightly wrong — a load with a pickup date tomorrow that is still posted often means the broker is desperate. The rate may be negotiable upward because their options are shrinking. Conversely, loads posted well in advance (7+ days out) have more flexibility for negotiation because the broker has time.

Activating Broker Relationships When You Need Them

Load boards should be your backup source of freight, not your primary. Brokers who know you and trust your service will call you directly with loads before posting them on boards. Building this network takes time, but it is the single most effective strategy for avoiding dry spells.

When freight is slow, call every broker you have a relationship with — not to ask for loads, but to check in. 'Hey, I am currently available in Dallas. If you have anything moving out of here in the next day or two, I am your guy.' This plants the seed. When that broker gets a call from a shipper needing a Dallas pickup, you are the first name they think of.

If you do not have broker relationships yet, start building them now. After completing a load, call the broker back (not email — call). Thank them for the load, confirm delivery was smooth, and ask: 'Do you have regular freight in this lane? I would love to be your go-to carrier.' Most brokers are happy to add reliable carriers to their preferred list because it makes their job easier when loads come in.

Join carrier groups on Facebook and trucking forums. Operators often share load leads, especially in slow markets. The trucking community is more collaborative than competitive — helping another driver find a load today means they might help you next week.

Repositioning to Where the Freight Is

Some locations are freight deserts — there is simply not enough outbound volume to support the number of trucks in the area. If you are stuck in one, the best strategy is to reposition to a freight hub, even if it means deadheading or taking a below-rate load to get there.

The strongest year-round freight markets in the US: Dallas-Fort Worth (central location, massive distribution hub), Atlanta (Southeast freight crossroads), Chicago (Midwest manufacturing and distribution), Los Angeles/Inland Empire (port volume, produce), and Houston (petrochemical, manufacturing, port). If you can get to one of these within a reasonable deadhead, you will find loads.

Seasonal repositioning is equally important. January-March: head south and east (Florida produce starts, Texas manufacturing stays steady). April-June: move toward California, Pacific Northwest, and Florida (produce season peak). July-September: the Midwest and Northeast have strong volume (harvest season, back-to-school retail). October-December: holiday retail freight peaks everywhere, but distribution centers in the Southeast, Texas, and California are especially busy.

Pro tip: when a load drops you in a known dead zone (remote areas of Montana, Wyoming, western Kansas, rural Appalachia), account for the repositioning cost in your rate calculation. A $2.50/mile load that drops you 200 miles from the nearest viable freight market effectively costs you $300-$400 in deadhead — making the real rate $2.10-$2.20/mile.

Beyond Load Boards: Alternative Freight Sources

When traditional load boards are dry, explore these alternative channels. Amazon Relay: Amazon's carrier platform offers consistent volume with reliable payment. Rates are moderate but steady, and the volume helps fill gaps. Sign up at relay.amazon.com — the onboarding process takes 1-2 weeks.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: search for 'freight,' 'hauling,' and 'shipping' in your area. Small businesses, farmers, and individuals often post loads on social platforms rather than formal load boards. These are typically local or regional hauls, but they can fill gaps between your regular loads.

Direct shipper outreach: identify manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and warehouses within 50 miles of your location. Call their shipping departments and ask about available loads. Many small-to-mid-size shippers do not use load boards or brokers — they arrange transportation through direct calls to carriers they know or whoever contacts them at the right time.

LTL consolidation: if you cannot fill a full truckload, consider carrying multiple LTL shipments. Platforms like uShip, GoShare, and Bungii connect carriers with smaller shipments that can be combined. The per-mile rate is often higher than TL, but the loading and routing is more complex.

Last resort: power-only or trailer pool work. If you own a day cab or can run without your trailer temporarily, some carriers and shippers need power-only trucks to shuttle loaded trailers between facilities. The work is not glamorous but keeps revenue flowing during dead periods.