Obtaining the best loads quickly in today’s fast-paced trucking industry could make or break a driver’s day. With the rise of digital load boards, knowing how these algorithms work can be essential for owner-operators and trucking companies alike as these companies will be more profitable with a better understanding of some of the subtleties in load board algorithms that help to get the owner-operator the higher-paying and more convenient loads. This guide will break down the essentials of successful strategies through load boards, thus allowing you to land the best loads faster and maximize your profits.
How Load Board Algorithms Work
Loads boards are algorithmically based so that freight can be matched with available carriers. Such systems will track thousands of data items ranging from load details, down to carrier preferences and routes. Each platform may have a different set of variables that they account for, but most load boards generally rank the following:
- Proximity of the truck to the load pickup location;
- Availability or driver status (e.g., on-duty, off-duty)
- Offered rate per mile for the load
- Carrier rating and comments
- Timeliness of response to load postings
As this algorithm can determine the ranking and the available loads a driver has, it can display to users the most pertinent as based on this rank. Even though simple, complexity in how this system determines what is located on top of this list is what may make all the difference. Optimized profiles and strategies by carriers will be matched better and faster.
How to Optimize Your Profile for Higher Visibility
The first impression you give a load board about your profile will significantly influence how often you are matched to the quality of loads. Pay close attention to the key points in the next section.
1. 100% Complete and Up-to-date Information
Your profile must be 100% complete with the most up-to-date information. The algorithms scanning the load boards favor carrier profiles with verified information, including:
- Size of your fleet
- Types of vehicles
- MCS or DOT numbers
- Cargo insurance coverage
- Preferred lanes and availability
Once this information is updated, the algorithm is more likely to match you up with the best suitable loads for your needs and capacity. This pushes carriers out of the rotation when their information is incomplete or not current. A lack of substantial reviews and ratings can also be removed as a filter.
Many load boards also take into account carrier ratings from previous shippers. A good performance rating—considering timeliness, professionalism, and the safe delivery of cargo—will rank you higher within load board algorithms. To keep your ratings high:
Communicate clearly with shippers.
Deliver loads on time.
Prevent cargo damage claims.
Many times, shippers leave feedback that is then visible to other brokers and customers, and these are some of the things used by load boards to boost visibility or limit visibility.
Timing Is Everything
The moment you commit a “available” on the load board, the algorithms step in to select the perfect load for you. Timing your availability, therefore, becomes crucial in ensuring you obtain the best loads.
1. Respond Quickly
Load board algorithms tend to favor carriers who make it easy to respond promptly when new postings appear. Shippers want to lock in their freight as early as possible, and a driver who can demonstrate that they are available and ready to act is favored over one who cannot so demonstrate. Leverage push-notifications or the apps on your smartphone or tablet to stay current on new load postings.
2. Hitting the Peak Times for Look Postings
There are certain points of the day or week where postings will peak. Typically, there are more loads posted during weekday morning hours when brokers and shippers finish up freight for the week. Being active during peak hours puts you in a position to grab high-value loads before competition.
3. Use dead head time wisely
Deadheading, or driving without a cargo, is one of the most expensive aspects of trucking. Minimize deadheading using load boards to find backhaul loads. Some load boards have the ability to set up returns for alerts, ensuring that you collect full revenue on both legs of any haul.
Capturing High-Yielding Loads with Filters and Preferences
Most load boards have filters that you can use to narrow your search down to only the loads you are looking for, such as rate per mile, pickup, and commodity type. This makes it possible for you to skip past low-paying or otherwise inconvenient loads to check out higher paying ones .
1. Rate Per Mile Thresholds
One of the simplest ways to target loads that have higher pay is through a minimum rate per mile. In this case, the algorithm will show you loads meeting or exceeding that rate and filter those out that do not, saving you time.
2. Prioritize Preferred Lanes
Load boards make it easy to select preferred lanes or regions. By picking lanes that you frequent, the algorithm will prioritize loads in those areas. You will even develop relationships with local shippers or brokers over time, so repeat business will become much easier to obtain.
3. Utilize Search Filters for Specialized Loads
Be sure to have your profile and search settings mirror your preference for a certain type of freight, such as hazmat, temperature-controlled cargo, or oversized loads. Specialized freight tends to pay more, so targeting niches allows you to find opportunities that well-avoided by other drivers.
Lumbering Through Multiple Load Boards to Find More Opportunities
It is simple to remain on one platform, but you may increase your chance of getting a real high-paying load by signing up for multiple options. The algorithm for every load board is unique and some will be better than others based on your location or the type of equipment. That way, you can compare different rates, how competitive they are and the availability of loads in your markets.
How to Outmaneuver Your Competitors
The more people who understand how load boards operate, the more the competition for that top dollar gets heated up. To try to hold onto one’s advantage, consider the following:
1. Relationships with Brokers
While the load boards are efficient, nothing can beat a good relationship with the brokers. It is a pleasure to work with carriers if they are known and trusted. As you build up your relationships, you will be getting loads directly offered to you before it hits the boards, giving you an edge over competition.
2. Be Flexible and Prepared
Flexibility is one of those so key aspects in trucking. To the degree that you are flexible with routes, delivery windows, and what kinds of freight, the more doors you are going to open up. Algorithms on load boards favor the most flexible carriers. Hence, the chances of getting a load when needed are so high.
Beyond knowing how they work, learning the algorithms of a load board is optimizing your profile, increasing your response time to targeted high-value loads, and now leveraging multiple platforms. You will constantly gain better loads, reduce deadhead miles, and build greater earnings. In a competitive market, those with knowledge of the technology behind load boards always get ahead, catching the best loads before everyone else does.