In order to become a box truck owner-operator, you must first own a well-maintained box truck. Additionally, you must hold a valid driver's license. Most companies will require their drivers to pass a background check and vehicle inspection. It is also helpful to have a hitch and lift gate installed on your box truck.
A Box Truck Owner Operator in your area makes on average $2,234 per week, or $33 (15.168%) more than the national average weekly salary of $2,201. Illinois ranks number 38 out of 50 states nationwide for Box Truck Owner Operator salaries.
How To Get Freight Contracts And Loads For Owner Operators in 6 Steps 6 Ways for You to Get Loads and Freight Contracts as an Owner Operator. Load Boards. Freight Brokers. Work Directly With Shippers. Use a Dispatcher. Lease With a Company as an Owner Operator. Register as a Government Contractor.
Choose a legal structure. You will need to register your business in the state where you are based. If you're driving on your own, you can organize as a sole proprietorship, however, we recommend trucking businesses establish an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets.
Here's how to get contracts for your trucking business. Use load boards. Load boards are a great way to find available contracts. Build a relationship with freight brokers. Hire a dispatcher. Partner with government transport contractors. Prospect and contact local shippers. Join industry groups and associations.
5 Expert Tips to Find Truck Loads Utilize load boards. Instead of searching “truckloads near me” on Google, you may want to start using a load board. Contact shippers directly. Work with a freight broker. Network with carrier partners. Utilize technology.
To figure out your weight, the best thing you can do is weigh each box and get an idea of how much the larger cargo weighs. Then, begin loading. Put about 60% of the weight in the first half, evenly spacing it from side to side. Then, distribute the rest of the cargo proportionately throughout the truck.
How to Find Truck Loads Browse Online Load Boards. Download Load Board Mobile Apps. Use a Freight Broker. Build Your Network. Become a Government Contractor. Utilize Dispatch Services. Lease-On with a Company. Don't Sell Yourself Short.
Truck drivers can find loads through various methods, including: Load Boards: Online platforms like DAT, Truckstop, and others where shippers and freight brokers post available loads. Drivers can search for loads based on their location, truck type, and other criteria.