Apps Aren't Loaded Yet

If you’re a new driver or owner-operator, you might think load-finding apps are the only way to book freight. But apps aren’t loaded yet, meaning they don’t have every load, and they aren’t the only tool. You can find loads through load boards, brokers, direct shippers, and even old-school phone calls. This guide shows you how to start finding loads today, even if your apps are still empty.

Why Apps Aren’t the Whole Picture

Load boards like DAT, Truckstop, and 123Loadboard are useful, but they only show loads posted by brokers and shippers who pay to list there. Many loads move through direct relationships, phone calls, and email. In 2026, about 70% of freight is still booked through brokers, but a good chunk of that is negotiated off the public boards. Apps also have a lag: a load posted at 8 AM might be gone by 9 AM. If you rely solely on apps, you’re competing with thousands of drivers for the same visible loads.

Start with Free Load Boards (Yes, They Exist)

You don’t need to pay for a premium load board right away. Free options include:

• Truckstop.com Free Trial: Offers a 7-day free trial with limited load posts. After that, it’s about $35-$50/month for a basic plan.
• DAT Load Board Free Access: DAT has a free version with limited searches, but you’ll need a paid plan for real-time updates. Prices run $35-$60/month.
• 123Loadboard: Has a free tier with a few loads per day, but the paid plan at $25-$40/month gives you more.
• Trucker Path Load Board: Free to download, but load posts are limited. Premium is $10-$20/month.

Start with the free trials and see which board has loads in your area. But don’t stop there.

Call Brokers Directly: The Old-School Way

Brokers are the middlemen who connect shippers with carriers. Many brokers post loads on boards, but they also have loads not yet posted. Call them directly. Here’s how:

1. Get a broker list: Use resources like the TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association) member directory, or ask other drivers for recommendations.
2. Call during business hours: Brokers are busiest in the morning. Call between 8 AM and 10 AM to catch them before they’re swamped.
3. Have your info ready: Your MC number, insurance certificate, and authority. Brokers will ask for these.
4. Ask about “unposted” loads: Say, “I’m looking for a load from [city] to [city]. Do you have anything not on the board?”

You’ll need to build a relationship. Start with 5-10 brokers and call them weekly. Over time, they’ll call you first.

Build Relationships with Direct Shippers

Direct shippers are companies that ship their own freight, like manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. They often need trucks but don’t use load boards. Find them by:

• Driving industrial parks: Look for loading docks and ask the dock manager if they need carriers.
• Using industry directories: Sites like ThomasNet or local chamber of commerce lists.
• Checking freight matching services: Some services like FreightWaves SONAR provide data, but that’s more advanced.

Once you find a shipper, ask for their transportation manager’s contact. Send a short email introducing yourself, your equipment, and your lanes. Follow up with a call. It takes time, but direct shippers pay better because there’s no broker fee.

Use Social Media and Forums

Trucking groups on Facebook, Reddit (r/Truckers), and forums like TruckersReport are full of drivers sharing leads. Some brokers post loads there too. Join groups like “Trucking Jobs and Freight” or “Owner Operators Load Board” and check daily. You can also post your available truck and lanes. It’s free and can yield unexpected loads.

Consider a Freight Brokerage Service (If You Want to Outsource)

If you don’t want to hunt for loads, you can hire a freight brokerage service to find loads for you. These services charge a percentage of the load, usually 5-10%, or a flat fee per load. Some examples:

• Trucker Path’s Load Board Plus: Not a brokerage, but has a feature to match you with loads.
• Freight Brokerage Firms: Like C.H. Robinson, TQL, or Landstar. They’ll find loads, but you’ll pay a fee.

This is a good option if you’re new and want to learn the ropes without the stress. But you’ll make less per load.

Use Your Phone, Not Just Apps

Your smartphone is a tool, but not just for apps. Use it to:

• Call shippers and brokers directly.
• Check email for load offers from brokers you’ve contacted.
• Use GPS and mapping to plan routes, but don’t rely on apps for loads.

Also, set up a professional voicemail and return calls promptly. Brokers are more likely to work with someone who answers the phone.

Table: Load-Finding Options Compared

Option	Cost	Time to Start	Load Volume	Best For
Free load boards	$0-$20/month	Immediate	Low	New drivers testing the waters
Paid load boards	$35-$60/month	Immediate	High	Drivers who want many options
Broker calls	Free (time)	1-2 weeks	Medium	Building relationships
Direct shippers	Free (time)	1-3 months	High	Higher pay, steady lanes
Social media	Free	Immediate	Low	Quick leads, community
Freight brokerage service	5-10% of load	1 week	High	Hands-off approach

FAQ

Q: How many loads can I find without a paid load board? A: It varies, but you can find 1-3 loads per week with free boards and broker calls. Paid boards give you more, maybe 5-10 per week, depending on your lanes.

Q: Do I need a broker authority to use load boards? A: Yes, most load boards require you to have an MC number and authority. If you’re a new carrier, you’ll need to get that first.

Q: How do I get my first load if I have no history? A: Start with brokers who work with new carriers. Be honest about your experience, and offer to take lower-paying loads to build a record. Also, consider factoring companies that can help with cash flow.

Q: Are apps like Uber Freight worth it? A: Uber Freight and similar apps are another option, but they have strict requirements and often pay less. They’re good for filling empty miles, but not as a primary source.

The Bottom Line

Apps aren’t loaded yet, but that’s okay. You have many ways to find loads: free boards, broker calls, direct shippers, and social media. Start with free options, build relationships, and expand from there. In your first month, aim to contact 10 brokers and 5 shippers. Track your calls and follow up. Within a few weeks, you’ll have a steady flow of loads without relying on apps alone. The key is to be proactive and patient. Your phone is your best tool, so use it to talk to people, not just to scroll apps.