The introduction of technology cut out the middleman in a lot of industries. Trucking hasn’t been immune to this shift, and technology has been embraced by shippers and carriers. As a shipper, you want the carrier chosen to be trustworthy and dependable to cut down on delivery exceptions. And carriers want convenient ways to locate loads to keep their trailers full. But connecting shippers to carriers often involves paying a broker. Luckily, technology has created a more convenient and efficient way to locate loads like a direct shippers list. This article will give you the information you need to begin the process.
What Is Shipper Direct Freight?
Brokers are often contacted to connect shippers and trucking companies to keep steady work for truckers. They’re also trusted to find reliable services for shippers who need to have their products delivered safely and securely. However, there is a fee that must be paid to the broker.
To avoid that extra cost, many shippers, small fleet owners, and owner-operators bypass the broker and deal directly with each other. When cargo is contracted out directly, it’s referred to as shipper direct freight. This relationship can be very beneficial for the driver and the shipper, but we’ll get into more of that later. First, let’s cover just how direct freight shipping works.
How Does a Direct Freight Shipping Work?
Shippers post their freight online via a direct shippers list, and trucking companies check these lists to find loads to transport. There may be hundreds of loads posted daily to comb through, but once a driver finds a load that works for them, they can bid against other carriers for the shipment.
How Do You Find Loads Without a Broker?
To gain access to a direct shippers list, you need to register with a direct freight load board, and there will likely be a monthly subscription fee between $35 to $150. Free load boards also exist, so don’t get discouraged if a monthly plan isn’t currently in the budget.
The terms freight board or freight matching service are also used to describe load boards. These are online marketplaces where you can find information on available loads, and many provide additional services for carriers.
These services may include load matching, factoring, and access to message boards, just to name a few. There are plenty of load boards run by reputable companies. But, always keep an eye out for bad reviews and talk to other carriers about their experiences with particular load boards.
Example of Direct Freight Shipping
Shippers post their loads daily to a direct freight load board using either the board’s online website or mobile app. Drivers who are looking for cargo must log into the load board with their account to search the direct shippers list.
When a carrier finds a load they’re interested in, they can click on it for more details and submit a bid in hopes of obtaining the shipment. Depending on the load board, you’ll be able to see the route, the shipper’s days to pay score, and the average freight rates for each lane. Many lists allow you to ask the shipper questions if you’d like more information. You may also be able to bid on returning loads, so your trailer isn’t empty on the way home.
Then the countdown begins for the shipper to accept a bid. Once they do, the carrier is notified through the app or email that they’ve won the bid and have permission to pick up the load. The carrier is given the loading times, and a BOL is created.
5 Sites To Find Direct Shippers
Finding reliable sites that offer direct shipper lists may be challenging for newcomers, so we’ve compiled a list below of 5 sites with excellent reputations for connecting shippers to carriers.
Convoy
Convoy can match you with a shipper through its direct freight load board when you’re looking for a traditional load or spot shipment. Carriers are able to see and bid on spot and direct-from-shipper loads through the app. The loads show up as “bid only” in the app since they’re coming directly from the shippers. The carrier remains in control during the process and can bid on single loads and set a price for the ones that match their preferences.
There’s no fee to access Convoy’s load boards. However, they offer Convoy Quickpay and the TruckYeah Savings Program at no extra cost.
Direct Freight Services
Direct Freight Services does not charge a fee for shippers to post their loads. They simply create an online account and send the listing to be put on the load board. There’s a direct freight driver app that can be downloaded where the 300K loads are posted daily and can be browsed by carriers.
Carriers can conduct a detailed search to find a load that meets their needs. Direct Freight Services then provides the carrier with the shipper’s critical credit report, days to pay, and mileage information. That data will help them decide if the freight is right for business. Searches can be saved, and email alerts can be set up so you can receive updates on new loads. The service is $34.95 per month for carriers, but for the tools it offers, it is a very cost-effective way to locate loads.
Trulos
This is also a free direct freight load board where shippers can post their loads online. The Trulos Dispatch System can be used to find and set up carriers in the area, manage loads, and provide a system for shippers and carriers to stay in direct contact. After shippers post their load and payment rate, the site will connect them with interested carriers. The system holds your costs and can use the software to manage driver payments.
Cargobot
Carriers can view Cargobot’s load board and bid directly on each job. They can also set their own load rate on this easy-to-use platform. They provide the full details regarding the load, so there are no hidden surprises during pickup. Carriers will be informed exactly how much they’ll earn for each load and charged a flat fee for booked loads. The rest of the money belongs to the carrier.
Cargobot offers services like real-time GPS tracking for shippers and a system to store documents, so they are organized in one place for easy access. There’s also a dedicated customer service representative for every account and other support available 24/7. No monthly subscription fee is charged for shippers to post or for carriers to search. The only cost is the flat fee charged once a load is booked.
NextLOAD
NextLOAD allows you to create a free account to see the most relevant freight matches. You don’t have to worry about bidding on expired loads as they’re removed daily. Save your load preferences, and you’ll receive notifications when matches for your account pop up. These user-friendly features can be used on desktop and mobile devices.
Whether you’re a shipper who plans to post loads on the site or a carrier searching loads, your company information will be reviewed. Also, the credit department checks your business two ensure your credentials are in place. If more information is required, you will be contacted. After you’re approved, you can start posting or bidding on loads.
Advantages of a Direct Shippers List
Here are a few advantages a direct shippers list has for carriers and shippers.
- Improved customer service due to direct communication between clients
- Costs for services are lower than using a broker and sometimes is free
- Easy to use
- Increased possibility of future business with shippers
- Accessible on mobile devices
- Notifications about updates
Get On Board With Direct Shipping Lists
If you haven’t been using a direct shippers list, then you haven’t experienced how simple and convenient they make finding a load to haul. Not only are these lists a great way to find immediate business, but they’re also excellent for networking and securing future business. Use the technological advances that support the industry and allow them to support you in growing your company.
We are excited to announce the launch of move.freightwaves.com, a revolutionary resource designed to transform how consumers choose auto-shipping companies. Check it out today!
