How to Find Carriers as a Freight Broker

May 13, 2025

How to Find Carriers as a Freight Broker

Imagine having a full schedule of loads and eager clients, but there’s one problem: you have no carriers to transport those loads.

Many new freight brokers struggle with this scenario. That’s why learning how to find carriers as a freight broker early on is key to growing your freight broker business.

This guide introduces six practical methods to source carriers and build a reliable network. By mastering these strategies, you’ll secure trusted partners and position your brokerage for long-term success in the freight industry.

Use Broker Load Boards

Freight brokerage software like load boards serve as an excellent starting point for most new freight brokers, and for good reason. They provide immediate access to thousands of carriers actively looking for freight. Popular load boards include DAT One, Truckstop, and 123Loadboard.

With load boards, you can:

Advertise your shipment to a broad network of carriers.
Identify freight carriers with available equipment in specific lanes or regions.
Review carrier details, including safety ratings, insurance information, and operating authority, to ensure compliance and reliability.
Monitor shipments in real-time with their tracking services.

While they shouldn’t be your only strategy, load boards offer a quick way to start building your carrier database.

Tap Into Carrier Databases and Directories

Carrier databases like the FMCSA Data Dissemination Program and Carrier411 give you access to many vetted trucking companies. You can filter carriers across regions, equipment types, and service levels. They’re designed to help freight brokers identify and connect with carriers that match their load requirements.

These directories make it easy for you to find trusted freight carriers by providing information such as:

Company details: Legal name, DOT number, contact info, and areas of operation.
Equipment information: Types of equipment the carrier operates (e.g., dry van, reefer, flatbed).
Service specialties: Whether they handle expedited, oversized, hazmat, or other specific freight types.
Insurance and authority: Proof of active MC authority and valid insurance coverage.
Safety and compliance: Public safety scores, inspection history, and safety ratings.
Carrier reviews: Feedback from other freight brokers and shippers on past performance.

These databases can save you time during the carrier vetting process and reduce the risk of working with unreliable freight carriers.

Focus on Niche Lanes

Specializing in specific routes or freight types, such as less common lanes or unique cargo, sets your brokerage apart. By targeting niche markets, you attract carriers who prefer these routes and face less competition from other brokers vying for their services.

Carriers value brokers who offer consistent loads in their preferred lanes. This specialization gives you more room to establish yourself and build strong relationships with both shippers and carriers.

Leverage Industry Networks

Building relationships within the trucking industry gives you access to trusted carrier partners. Networking with other freight brokers, attending industry events, and joining professional associations can provide valuable connections.

You can build your network strategically by:

Joining broker and transportation associations such as the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC).
Attending trade shows and logistics events such as FreightWaves LIVE or Mid-America Trucking Show. These are great for face-to-face networking.
Joining online freight communities, including LinkedIn groups and logistics forums. There are also subreddits like r/truckers and r/freightbrokers, where both new and experienced professionals share advice, job leads, tips on how to find freight carriers for specific lanes, carrier recommendations, etc.

While expanding your network is important, don’t overlook the value in connections you already have in the trucking industry. This includes existing carriers, fellow brokers, 3PL professionals, previous customers, warehouse and shipping managers, etc.

These contacts can refer you to freight carriers they’ve worked with. This is often a safe option, as these referrals come with a level of trust and a proven history of real-world performance.

Direct Outreach to Carriers

Sometimes, the most effective way to find carriers is simply reaching out to them directly. While it can feel old-school, cold calling or emailing still works, especially when targeting carriers who don’t use load boards often or prefer direct partnerships.

Follow these steps to make your cold outreaches effective:

Use carrier databases to look for carriers that match your load requirements and retrieve the contact info of decision makers.
Prepare a script or email template asking if they’re looking for freight opportunities. Include details about the type of load.
Personalize your pitch to increase the likelihood of a better response.
Track your outreach with a CRM or spreadsheet. Many deals come through after a second or third follow-up.

Work With Owner-Operators and Small Fleets

Don’t just focus on large carriers. Owner-operators and small fleet carriers are sometimes overlooked by larger brokerages, but they can be a goldmine for new and growing freight brokers. These smaller operations are typically more flexible, open to building long-term partnerships, and eager to work directly with brokers who can bring them consistent loads.

If you offer fair pay and consistent freight, many small carriers will prioritize your loads and give you the first call when they’re available. Also, you’re often speaking directly to the decision-maker. This speeds up deal-making, eliminates red tape, and helps avoid miscommunication.

Tips for Securing and Building Long-Term Relationships With Carriers

Finding a carrier is only one part of the job. Cultivating lasting relationships with your entire carrier base ensures a dependable network that drives your brokerage’s success.

To build strong partnerships:

Vet the carriers you work with. Start by confirming their MC number to ensure they have active authority with the FMCSA. Also, check that they have the minimum required insurance and review their safety history on the SAFER system.
Provide as many details as possible about the load upfront. When you share key details early, including pickup times, delivery windows, and special instructions, carriers can plan ahead and avoid surprises.
Pay on time. Nothing ruins a relationship faster than delayed payments. Dependable carriers expect fair and timely compensation, and paying them on time builds trust and shows you respect their business.
Offer competitive and transparent rates. Carriers want to work with freight brokers who are fair and honest about rates. Be upfront about what you’re offering and avoid hiding fees. If you pay fair rates, carriers will be more inclined to work with you again, which helps you build a stable network.
Check references. Before bringing on a new carrier, talk to brokers or shippers they’ve worked with. Ask about their reliability, communication, and issues. This way, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect and can avoid working with problematic carriers.
Communicate effectively. Be clear and responsive before, during, and after the shipment. This helps both sides stay on the same page and builds mutual respect.

FAQs

1. How can I tell if a carrier is trustworthy?

Here are some ways to determine a carrier’s trustworthiness:

Check the carrier’s safety ratings via the FMCSA.
Verify their operating authority and insurance coverage.
Review their track record for on-time deliveries and damage-free shipments.
Ask for references from other freight brokers or shippers they’ve worked with.
Ensure they have the proper certifications for the type of cargo they’ll transport.

2. Should freight brokers focus on finding carriers or shippers first?

Both are essential, but we recommend finding shippers and securing loads first. Once you have freight to move, it’s easier to reach out to carriers with the specific loads.

It can feel awkward or even unprofessional to contact carriers without any actual loads lined up. Most carriers want to know what you’re offering right away, and having no information about the load can make you come across as unprepared or not ready to do business.

3. What should a carrier packet contain?

A carrier packet should include the following:

The carrier’s operating authority and insurance certificates.
W-9 form for tax purposes.
Proof of cargo insurance and liability coverage.
A copy of the carrier’s safety ratings and DOT number.
A signed copy of your broker-carrier agreement.
Bank account details for payment processing.

Final Thoughts

Finding reliable carriers is essential to growing a successful freight broker business. With the right strategies, tools like load boards, and strategic networking, you can ensure your business runs smoothly and efficiently, even as you scale.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into mastering the art of carrier sourcing, our 90-Day Freight Broker Course offers comprehensive modules that cover everything from vetting carriers and fostering relationships to negotiating profitable deals.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your existing skills, this course is a valuable resource for taking your freight broker business to the next level.

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