How to Get Freight Without a Dispatcher (Load Boards + Strategy)
Skip the middleman. Whether you're a new cargo van or box truck owner-operator, getting freight on your own can save you money and give you more control. Here’s how to book loads without a dispatcher, and actually stay busy.
Know What Type of Freight You Want
- Final mile, expedited, LTL, FTL, know your lane
- Local vs. regional vs. OTR
- What your equipment and authority allow you to haul
- Insurance considerations for direct booking
Best Load Boards for Owner-Operators
List free + paid options with pros and cons:
- DAT One – Industry standard, filter by equipment
- Selectus / Sylectus – Great for expedited freight
- TruckStop – User-friendly, real-time updates
- 123LoadBoard – Budget-friendly for beginners
- CourierBoard – Good for cargo van work
- FRAYT / Curri / OneRail / Roadie / Bungii – App-based, good for final mile and cargo vans
- Amazon Relay – Must meet strict insurance and safety
Strategy to Get Loaded Daily
A. Morning Routine for Load Hunting
- Wake up early, check boards by 5–6 AM
- Refresh every 10–15 min
- Use alerts/filters for your vehicle type
B. Direct Outreach Strategy
- Call brokers from old load posts even if expired
- Cold call local 3PLs and freight forwarders
- Use LinkedIn to connect with logistics coordinators
C. Book Smarter, Not Just Faster
- Check rate-per-mile
- Avoid deadhead miles
- Know your cost-per-mile before accepting anything
Relationship > Random Freight
- Build rapport with brokers you like
- Consistency leads to dedicated lanes
- Always follow up after delivery with: “Do you have anything else in this lane?”
When You Might Still Need a Dispatcher (and How to Vet One)
- If you're running multiple trucks
- Don’t have time to prospect + drive
- Vetting: Flat fee vs. percentage, no double brokering, see references
You don’t need a dispatcher to run a profitable logistics business. With the right tools and hustle, you can control your own schedule—and your own money.