Where to I find dedicated loads?

Aug 29, 2024 at 12:50 PM CST + 6 - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. A common question we hear from members is, "Where can I find dedicated loads?" Essentially, this is asking how to secure consistent work in bulkloads without the daily hassle of piecing together different jobs. Let’s break down this question and provide you with the best answer. For most carriers, finding dedicated work is crucial. It allows you to know exactly what you'll be doing each day, making it easier to plan your week and bringing peace of mind. However, in bulk commodity trucking, this can be challenging for several reasons. The primary challenge is the seasonality of agricultural commodities. Grains, for example, peak during harvest and post-harvest times, while feed grains move according to the season and animal consumption. Weather and natural disasters can also impact the availability of consistent loads. Despite these challenges, there are ways to find dedicated work through BulkLoads. As I’ve mentioned before, I consider BulkLoads just as much a 'connection board' as a 'load board.' By this, I mean that once you connect with a shipper or broker, you have the potential to establish ongoing work with them. From my experience on the shipper's side, it's much easier to rely on a consistent carrier than to continually search for new ones. So, my advice is this: when you come across a load posting that seems like it could be a great 'dedicated' or consistent haul, reach out to the merchandiser. Ask them how many loads they move, how often, and how you can secure a spot as their go-to carrier. Remember, most shippers and brokers value consistency just as much as you do. However, they also understand that the nature of this industry means loads and lanes can change frequently. That's why, as a carrier, you need to stay flexible and adapt to the market's demands. In addition to searching for loads under the "Loads" tab, I encourage you to explore the "Load Projects" section. This area typically features longer-term projects rather than one-off loads, offering more consistent opportunities. Also, take a look at the "Jobs" section, where some companies post ongoing jobs that could provide steady work. Lastly, as I’ve mentioned in a previous post, the "Shippers" section is a valuable tool. Here, you can send emails to all shippers in your state, highlighting your equipment and services. This is your chance to market your company effectively and stand out as the go-to trucking company in your area. God Bless, Jared

Aug 29, 2024 at 12:50 PM CST

+ 6 - 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

A common question we hear from members is, "Where can I find dedicated loads?" Essentially, this is asking how to secure consistent work in bulkloads without the daily hassle of piecing together different jobs. Let’s break down this question and provide you with the best answer.

For most carriers, finding dedicated work is crucial. It allows you to know exactly what you'll be doing each day, making it easier to plan your week and bringing peace of mind. However, in bulk commodity trucking, this can be challenging for several reasons. The primary challenge is the seasonality of agricultural commodities. Grains, for example, peak during harvest and post-harvest times, while feed grains move according to the season and animal consumption. Weather and natural disasters can also impact the availability of consistent loads.

Despite these challenges, there are ways to find dedicated work through BulkLoads. As I’ve mentioned before, I consider BulkLoads just as much a 'connection board' as a 'load board.' By this, I mean that once you connect with a shipper or broker, you have the potential to establish ongoing work with them. From my experience on the shipper's side, it's much easier to rely on a consistent carrier than to continually search for new ones.

So, my advice is this: when you come across a load posting that seems like it could be a great 'dedicated' or consistent haul, reach out to the merchandiser. Ask them how many loads they move, how often, and how you can secure a spot as their go-to carrier.

Remember, most shippers and brokers value consistency just as much as you do. However, they also understand that the nature of this industry means loads and lanes can change frequently. That's why, as a carrier, you need to stay flexible and adapt to the market's demands.

In addition to searching for loads under the "Loads" tab, I encourage you to explore the "Load Projects" section. This area typically features longer-term projects rather than one-off loads, offering more consistent opportunities. Also, take a look at the "Jobs" section, where some companies post ongoing jobs that could provide steady work.

Lastly, as I’ve mentioned in a previous post, the "Shippers" section is a valuable tool. Here, you can send emails to all shippers in your state, highlighting your equipment and services. This is your chance to market your company effectively and stand out as the go-to trucking company in your area.

God Bless,

Jared

Replied on Thu, Aug 29, 2024 at 02:23 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I would Love to have a dedicated run but i just havent had much luck in finding one that would keep me busy but im open to have a conversation about it i would love to see it happen for me

Replied on Thu, Aug 29, 2024 at 02:23 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I would Love to have a dedicated run but i just havent had much luck in finding one that would keep me busy but im open to have a conversation about it i would love to see it happen for me

Replied on Fri, Aug 30, 2024 at 10:55 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. The hard part about dedicated runs in Bulk is finding work back consistant enough to make the dedicated run work. I've had offers for a one year deal with 5 loads a week from Plant A to Destination B. The problem is that Destination B is in a freight dessert as far as out going loads that can get me back in the direction of Plant A in time to get the required loads done in a week. Or there is nothing within 200 miles period and you would end up dead heading all the way back every load, which is fine if the shipper is aware of where their load is going and will accept a rate to cover the dead head miles. But most won't.

Replied on Fri, Aug 30, 2024 at 10:55 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

The hard part about dedicated runs in Bulk is finding work back consistant enough to make the dedicated run work. I've had offers for a one year deal with 5 loads a week from Plant A to Destination B. The problem is that Destination B is in a freight dessert as far as out going loads that can get me back in the direction of Plant A in time to get the required loads done in a week. Or there is nothing within 200 miles period and you would end up dead heading all the way back every load, which is fine if the shipper is aware of where their load is going and will accept a rate to cover the dead head miles. But most won't.

Replied on Sat, Aug 31, 2024 at 11:02 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "The hard part about dedicated runs in Bulk is finding work back consistant enough to make the dedicated run work. I've had offers for a one year deal with 5 loads a week from Plant A to Destination B. The problem is that Destination B is in a freight dessert as far as out going loads that can get me back in the direction of Plant A in time to get the required loads done in a week. Or there is nothing within 200 miles period and you would end up dead heading all the way back every load, which is fine if the shipper is aware of where their load is going and will accept a rate to cover the dead head miles. But most won't." This is nothing new. There has always been a steady follow of "newbe's" that think, "there's got to be something out there". When they realize there is not, there's another newbe behind him willing to try. Knowing those markets is important. Frankness with a customer can't hurt. They may even be aware of the sitution but are willing to ride on the backs of the fools as long as they can.

Replied on Sat, Aug 31, 2024 at 11:02 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "The hard part about dedicated runs in Bulk is finding work back consistant enough to make the dedicated run work. I've had offers for a one year deal with 5 loads a week from Plant A to Destination B. The problem is that Destination B is in a freight dessert as far as out going loads that can get me back in the direction of Plant A in time to get the required loads done in a week. Or there is nothing within 200 miles period and you would end up dead heading all the way back every load, which is fine if the shipper is aware of where their load is going and will accept a rate to cover the dead head miles. But most won't."

This is nothing new. There has always been a steady follow of "newbe's" that think, "there's got to be something out there". When they realize there is not, there's another newbe behind him willing to try. Knowing those markets is important. Frankness with a customer can't hurt. They may even be aware of the sitution but are willing to ride on the backs of the fools as long as they can.