Technology is rapidly changing the transportation industry, and owner-operators can benefit greatly from these advancements. With the help of technology, truck drivers can find customers more easily and efficiently than ever before. In this article, we will discuss how an owner-operator can use technology to find customers, including load boards and other tools.
Load Boards
Load boards are perhaps the most well-known way for an owner-operator to find customers. Load boards are online platforms that allow shippers and brokers to post available loads, and truck drivers can search for loads that match their equipment and availability. Load boards provide a convenient way for owner-operators to find customers, and they can help drivers fill their trucks and stay busy.
One of the most popular load boards is DAT, which claims to be the largest load board in North America. DAT provides a variety of tools for truck drivers, including load searching, rate analysis, and broker credit information. Other load boards include Truckstop.com, 123Loadboard, and Direct Freight.
Telematics
Telematics is another technology that can help an owner-operator find customers. Telematics is the use of wireless technology to transmit data from a truck to a central location. This data can include information about the truck's location, speed, fuel usage, and more. With telematics, an owner-operator can track their own performance and make improvements, and they can also share this information with potential customers.
One example of a telematics system is Motive (formerly KeepTruckin). Motive provides a range of solutions for truck drivers, including GPS tracking, fuel management, and compliance monitoring. With Motive, an owner-operator can track their own performance and share this data with potential customers to demonstrate their reliability and efficiency.
Social Media
Social media is another tool that an owner-operator can use to find customers. By using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, an owner-operator can build relationships with potential customers and promote their services. Social media can also help an owner-operator stay up-to-date with industry news and trends, which can be useful when looking for new customers.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are another technology that can help an owner-operator find customers. Mobile apps can be used to search for loads, track shipments, and communicate with customers. Mobile apps can also provide real-time information about traffic, weather, and other factors that can affect delivery times.
One example of a mobile app for truck drivers is Trucker Tools. Trucker Tools provides a variety of services for truck drivers, including load searching, GPS tracking, and automated payment processing. With Trucker Tools, an owner-operator can find loads that match their equipment and availability, and they can also send real-time alerts about delivery status and potential delays.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another technology that is becoming increasingly important in the transportation industry. AI can be used to analyze data and make predictions about future trends and patterns. With AI, an owner-operator can identify potential customers based on their shipping patterns and preferences, and they can also optimize their routes and delivery schedules to improve efficiency.
In conclusion, technology provides many tools and resources that can help owner-operators find customers more easily and efficiently. Load boards, telematics, social media, mobile apps, and artificial intelligence are just a few of the many technologies that can be used to find customers in the transportation industry. By using these tools, owner-operators can build their businesses, increase their revenue, and improve their overall performance.
There are two major choices when it comes to starting your professional driving career – starting your own trucking business or working as a company driver. There are multiple ways to start your trucking business with different levels of investment, risk, pay, and support. It should be clear by now that it takes a definitive plan. If you feel drawn to the idea of starting your own trucking business, and if you feel you have the inner drive to drive, Soshaul can help! Please check out our free and for-purchase resources, templates, and in-depth courses available on our website.
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Soshaul Logistics LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. It is meant to serve as a guide and information only and Soshaul Logistics, LLC - Copyright 2023 - does not assume responsibility for any omissions, errors, or ambiguity contained herein. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction or operation.
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