How Auto Transporters Find Their Loads
There are a lot of different ways that auto shipping carriers can go about finding a load to actually ship. While this may not be “news,” per se – what can we say, it’s a slow time in the auto transport industry, namely because the summer season is winding down and the industry as a whole is starting to slow in preparation for winter.
This is good news for some customers, good news for some carriers, and bad news for both at the same time. Customers get upset with longer pickup times during the winter, while carriers don’t like the fact that loads can be harder to find, more competitive, and pay less as a result.
If you own or operate an auto transport truck, this blog is for you, because in this one we’re going to discuss some of the various ways that you can go about actually finding loads to transport without having to resort to theft.
The fastest and likely easiest way to find a load is via an online load board. Load boards are great in that they’re a one-stop-shop, basically, where you can find vehicles to ship along the routes you service, talk to different companies, start networking, and start building your company.
Load boards are fast and generally inexpensive, though usually you have to be a member to get access to all the cool features. You can also work through broker portals; in other words, if you get in contact direct with a broker who doesn’t have any freight on your route, they can probably give you information on other brokers that would have loads on that route; it’s another way to network, which is also a positive when it comes to this industry. However, broker portals can be limiting in what they offer, and sometimes seem too good to be true.
Auctions are another great source of revenue because you tend to be able to get multiple vehicles at a single go. Salvage auctions and dealer auctions work much different than one another, so keep that in mind; you may be able to secure a full load, but there’s a lot more rules and regulations to auction auto transport than meets the eye.
Dealers are another great way to go, especially if you’re shipping high volume. Dealers require commitment from you, though, and you need to be willing to make multiple stops for a single dealership, but the pay tends to be good. Networking is the best way to get in on the ground floor with most auctions and dealerships.
These are the main ways that an auto transport carrier can find loads, and this can be useful for customers too because at least now you know what carriers are looking for. This just scratches the surface of a complex industry, of course, but it’s something, anyway.
If you need to ship a car, your best bet is to go straight with a broker like us, and not a carrier. Why? Because they’re the go-to’s for auto transport trucks more often than not. Brokers work with you to find the best rates on your shipment, work only with top-rated carrier companies, and make sure that your vehicle stays in the best of shape.
If you need a quote to ship a vehicle, fill out our free online quote form; you’ll get a free quote directly from us, no strings attached. You can also contact us toll-free to speak to a live representative right over the phone. So no matter which way you go about it, when you work with American Auto Shipping, you win.
Since 2007 Dave has written all the content and blogs for American Auto Shipping and during this time added the duties of customer support and transport logistics.
He currently resides in Washington with his three kids and their mom and cat. A fan of Marvel movies and good stories, when not shipping cars Dave can be found working on his novel, enjoying a good book or playing some tournament HALO.
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