How to Find Truckloads for Owner-Operators & Small Trucking Companies: Exploring the Right Resources & Relationships

As a carrier, whether an owner-operator or small fleet, keeping your trucks profitably moving is the lifeblood of your business. But it can be difficult to know where to source these opportunities, especially if you’re just getting started or re-evaluating current partnerships. Finding and securing the right opportunities can help you maximize earnings and minimize downtime. In this blog, we’ll share how to find truck loads for owner-operators and modest trucking companies, including some of the best strategies, tools, and networks to help your business thrive.

The Importance of Knowing Your Niche

Not all owner-operators or small trucking companies are alike. Your fleet size, equipment type, geographic reach, cost structure, core values, and niche all play a critical role in determining which freight opportunities will keep your trucks rolling profitably. Securing steady, high-paying loads starts with a clear understanding of your unique business model—and how these key factors shape your path to success.

Rather than chasing every available load, carriers and owner-operators are better served by building lasting relationships with 3PLs, brokers, and shippers that align with their specific equipment, & business model, and guiding principles. This focused approach creates more consistent opportunities, stronger rates, and the foundation for long-term success.

Cargo Vans and Sprinter Vans: Opportunities Beyond Air Freight

Expedited loads for cargo vans and sprinter vans involve time-sensitive freight that must be delivered quickly—often as a cost-effective alternative to air freight. These smaller vehicles are ideal for urban deliveries, last-mile logistics, and rush shipments that don’t require a full truckload. They are also well-suited for delicate freight that is prone to damage in larger, less-controlled shipping environments.

General truckload brokers may not always offer the fast-moving, small-load freight you need. Instead, partnering with 3PLs and brokers who specialize in expedited shipments, last-mile logistics, or high-value cargo will often provide more reliable and profitable opportunities.

Box Trucks and Straight Trucks: Filling the Gap in Ground Shipping

Box trucks and straight trucks serve as versatile workhorses in the freight world, filling the critical gap between smaller cargo vans or sprinter vans and full-size semi-trucks. Their flexibility makes them ideal for a range of shipping scenarios that larger or smaller vehicles can’t efficiently handle. Box trucks, usually 12 to 26 feet, offer cost-effective options for mid-sized shipments that would otherwise result in wasted space on a dry van or require multiple cargo/sprinter van trips. 

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments that are regional in nature, bulky, or have more time constraints are also a good fit for box and straight trucks.  Additionally, when product is sensitive to damage, or requires more “white-glove” services, these trucks are a great fit.

While box trucks can sometimes take full truckload (FTL) shipments, they’re not suited for all broker networks. Seeking out LTL-focused platforms or companies offering middle-mile solutions will often yield better results.

Full Truckloads: How They Fit Into the Logistics Landscape

For semi-truck owner-operators, the freight market offers a wide range of opportunities—but your success depends heavily on the type of trailer you run and creativity in types of loads you haul. To maximize earnings, full-size semi-trucks carriers— whether dry van, reefer, flatbed, or another specialized trailer—should, aligning your equipment with the right freight and 3PL/broker.

Here are common FTL equipment types and their niches:

• Dry Van: Dry vans are ideal for hauling general freight, packaged goods, and consumer products. 3PLs that focus on large-scale shipments typically offer the most opportunities for dry van operators. Dry vans can also be an option for moving loads on a smaller vehicle like a sprinter van or straight truck, depending on the lane.  Where there is heavy capacity, but few general truckloads, look for options to move smaller loads to keep your wheels turning.
• Reefer (Refrigerated and/or Temperature Controlled): Reefers are essential for temperature-sensitive freight, including food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, molds and some machinery require controlled environments. Connecting with 3PLs and brokers who specialize in temperature-controlled freight ensures access to consistent and compliant loads.  When investing in this type of equipment, state-of-the-art is best for optimal temperature management, load securement, and food-grade utilization.
• Flatbed: Flatbeds are used for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped freight. These loads often require specialized handling and are best sourced through 3PLs and brokers who focus on vertical markets like construction, oil and energy, agriculture, defense, industrial equipment, telecommunication, and aerospace.

A 3PL or broker specializing in dry van freight won’t always have work for a flatbed operator, and vice versa. Identifying partners and platforms that align with your equipment type will maximize your earning potential.

The Top 3 Proven Strategies for Securing Truckloads and Expedite Loads

Knowing how to find truck loads for owner-operators and small trucking companies isn’t about relying on just one method—it takes a combination of tools, relationships, and consistent effort. At S-2, our logistics specialists recommend these three proven strategies to help carriers like you keep your wheels turning and profits growing.

#1. Leverage Load Boards—But Wisely

Load boards remain a widely used tool for finding truckloads and expedites, especially for carriers that are new to the business or find consistent truck movement a challenge. With real-time access to a wide network of freight, load boards can help fill the gaps to keep your trucks moving. Load boards are likely already part of your process, but are you maximizing their potential? Here’s how to get the most out of them:

Prioritize High-rated 3PLs and Brokers

Not all loads—or brokers—are created equal. When searching for freight, focus on 3PLs/brokers with strong ratings and a history of fair, on-time payments. Partnering with reputable companies like S-2 helps reduce risks like non-payment, low rates, and delayed settlements. Most load boards display broker credit scores and payment histories—use these tools to your advantage. Additionally, do your own research.  Have access to vetting tools like Freight Validate and reach out to the 3PL/broker to talk to a live person who can share their company’s history and core values.

Use Advanced Load Board Filters

Instead of scrolling through hundreds of loads manually, take advantage of filtering options to zero in on the best freight for your business:

• Lane Preferences: Focus on preferred routes to avoid deadhead miles and optimize fuel efficiency.
• Equipment Matching: Ensure the load matches your truck type—whether it’s expedited loads for a sprinter van, bulkier load for box trucks, and full loads for dry vans.
• Rate Per Mile (RPM): Filter for loads that meet your profitability target based on operating expenses like fuel costs, tolls, and maintenance.

Stay Competitive Without Sacrificing Profitability

The freight market is fluid, and while staying competitive is key, underbidding to win loads can damage long-term profitability. Before accepting a load, factor in:

• Fuel Costs: Rising fuel prices can erode your margins quickly. Ensure the rate covers these expenses.
• Deadhead Miles: If the load requires a long empty-leg return, calculate if the overall trip remains profitable.
• Layovers and Detention:  Loading or unloading delays can impact your hours and earnings through eating into available driving hours and creating missed opportunities.  Don’t forget to negotiate detention pay when applicable.

#2. Build Long-term Relationships with Reliable 3PLs and Brokers

Load boards can provide access to thousands of loads, but real success comes from building strong, dependable relationships with trusted freight brokers and 3PLs. Instead of chasing one-off shipments, partnering with a 3PL like S-2 provides access to more consistent, high-quality freight tailored to your business.

Carriers and owner-operators trust S-2—we’ve built our reputation on reliability, consistency, and strong partnerships with both shippers and carriers. Here’s why so many owner-operators trust us to keep their wheels turning:

Steady, High-Quality Freight

Our direct relationships with shippers and freight forwarders mean more consistent freight for our carrier partners. We offer multi-modal opportunities across cargo vans, sprinter vans, box trucks, straight trucks, and semi-trucks—no matter your equipment type, we’ve got freight for you.  Our air, white glove, and inland transportation for international freight movements provide additional opportunities for carriers to handle high-quality freight.

A Proven Track Record of Reliability

S-2 is proud to be recognized as a National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NATSC) Best Broker, is Performance Certified & Bonded by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), and is an elite member of The Expedite Association of North America (TEANA). We are also recognized as a Top-Woman Owned Company in Transportation by Women in Trucking and were recently named an Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company. These accolades reflect our commitment to:

• Low claim ratios that protect carriers and shippers from costly disputes.
• High on-time delivery rates that keep shippers coming back.
• Efficient payment processes—including long-time partnerships with factoring companies—so you get paid accurately and on time.

A Relationship-focused Approach to Business

At S-2, we believe in long-term partnerships, not transactional relationships. Our top 70 carriers handle half of all our shipments, a testament to our commitment to providing steady freight and mutual success. When you partner with us, you’re not just a number—you’re part of a network built on trust, transparency, and shared goals. Our family-oriented business approach means we prioritize carriers who commit to working with us for mutual success. 

When you partner with S-2, you’re not just another number in a system—you’re a valued part of a network that’s built on trust, transparency, and long-term success. Whether you’re an independent owner-operator or a growing fleet, working with a reputable 3PL like S-2 can provide the consistency and financial stability you need to thrive in an ever-evolving trucking industry.

#3. Network in the Industry

Success in trucking is as much about who you know as it is about what you haul. Building a strong professional network can lead to better freight opportunities, reliable partners, and higher profit margins.

Ways to grow your network include:

• Join Industry Associations: Groups like the NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) offer networking opportunities, resources, and advocacy.
• Attend Trade Shows and Conferences: Engage with 3PLs, shippers, and other carriers at logistics events to form new connections.
• Participate in Online Communities: Engaging in online trucking communities and social media groups or pages (such as Facebook) to connect with other owner-operations and learn about the industry from other professionals.
• Leverage Referrals: Deliver excellent service and maintain strong communication with your customers to generate repeat business and referrals.

Looking for Steady Load Opportunities? S-2 Has You Covered

At S-2, our mission is simple: service delivered with heart. In alignment with that mission, we are uniquely intentional in our approach to fostering real relationships with carriers and owner-operators who value honesty, transparency, and doing the right thing. If these principles align with your business, we’d love to welcome you into our trusted network! Get in touch with us to learn more about becoming part of our select group of preferred carrier partners.  Let’s talk about how we can keep your wheels rolling.