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"Find truck loads" is one of the most frequent searches among hauliers across Europe. And it's no coincidence: finding loads efficiently is the key to transforming a transport operation from survival mode to a profitable business. Every kilometre driven empty is money lost, while every load found at the right time is an opportunity seized.
In this guide, we show you how to find loads for your truck systematically, leveraging the digital tools the market offers.
The empty miles problem
According to industry estimates, approximately 25% of trucks in Europe travel completely empty, especially on return journeys. For a haulier covering 100,000 km annually, this means 25,000 km generating no revenue while still incurring costs for fuel, tolls, vehicle wear and time.
Let's do a simple calculation: if your vehicle's operating cost is €1.20/km, those 25,000 empty kilometres cost you €30,000 per year. Reducing empty running by just 50% means recovering €15,000 in margin. Not bad, right?
The problem is that finding loads using traditional methods requires time, contacts and a good dose of luck. Phone calls to freight forwarders, emails, word of mouth: tools that work, but with obvious limitations in terms of speed and geographic coverage.
How to find truck loads today
Several channels exist for finding loads. Let's examine them in detail:
1. Direct customers and fixed contracts
The most stable channel: agreements with companies that regularly need transport. It guarantees predictability but takes time to build relationships and often doesn't cover all journeys, still leaving room for empty return trips.
2. Freight forwarders and intermediaries
Working with freight forwarders provides access to substantial work volumes. The downside: lower margins (the forwarder retains a share) and dependency on third parties for work acquisition.
3. Word of mouth and networking
Knowing other hauliers, attending industry trade fairs, being active in trade associations. It works, but takes years to build a solid network and results are unpredictable.
4. Digital load boards
Online platforms aggregating transport supply and demand in real-time. They allow searching for loads filtered by zone, cargo type, dates and vehicle characteristics. It's the fastest method with the widest geographic coverage.
Why digital load boards are the most effective solution
A digital load board solves the main problems of traditional searching:
- Speed: in minutes you view dozens of offers on your route of interest
- Coverage: access loads from across the country (and often Europe), not just from your contacts
- 24/7 availability: search for loads whenever you want, even at night or weekends
- Transparency: compare multiple offers and understand a route's market value
- Mobile accessibility: search for loads directly from your smartphone, wherever you are
For an owner-operator or small fleet manager, these advantages can make the difference between a sustainable business and one constantly struggling.
How to search for loads effectively
Simply signing up to a load board isn't enough: you need to use it correctly. Here are some practical strategies:
Set up notifications for your routes
Instead of constantly checking the platform, configure automatic alerts for your routes of interest. When a compatible load is posted, you receive a notification and can respond before competitors.
Search for return loads before departing
About to make a delivery 300 km from your base? Before setting off, check if there are loads available for the return. Better still: look for loads that let you "triangulate", passing through a third location before returning.
Be flexible on dates
A load available today might not be there tomorrow (or vice versa). If you have timing flexibility, widen your search window to find more opportunities.
Complete your profile
Shippers also choose carriers based on their profile: vehicle types, certifications, operating area, reviews. A complete, updated profile generates more contacts.
Respond quickly
In the spot market, whoever responds first is most likely to win the load. Having the load board always at hand on your phone lets you be responsive.
Types of loads available
Load boards aggregate different transport types. Here are the main ones:
FTL (Full Truck Load)
Your truck is fully loaded by a single shipper for a single destination. It's the simplest type to manage and often the most profitable per kilometre.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Loads that don't fill the entire vehicle. They can be combined with other loads on the same route (groupage) to optimise space.
Backhaul loads
Loads specifically sought to cover the return journey after a delivery. Even if the rate is below average, it's still better than running empty.
Spot loads
Occasional transports, often urgent, with rates varying based on current demand. They can be very profitable during high-demand periods.
Scheduled loads
Transports with pickup and delivery dates defined in advance. They allow better planning but require absolute punctuality.
Which loads to seek based on your vehicle
Not all loads suit all vehicles. Here's a quick guide:
Vans (up to 3.5t)
Ideal for: parcels, light groupage, e-commerce, urban deliveries, samples. Learn more in our guide to van loads.
Rigid trucks (7.5-18t)
Ideal for: multiple pallets, regional distribution, medium loads not requiring a full artic.
Artics and road trains (over 26t)
Ideal for: FTL full loads, long distances, international transport, bulky or heavy goods.
Specialist vehicles
Refrigerated, tankers, flatbeds, ADR vehicles: each specialisation opens access to market niches with generally above-average rates.
Mistakes to avoid when searching for loads
Accepting any rate
The temptation to accept a load at any price rather than run empty is strong. But accepting below-cost rates (below actual operating costs) means working at a loss. Better an occasional empty run than a series of loss-making transports.
Not verifying the shipper
Before accepting a load from a new customer, verify their reliability. Payment delays or non-payment can cripple your business.
Underestimating time
Loading and unloading time must be factored into profitability calculations. A well-paid load with 6 hours waiting at the warehouse might not be so attractive.
Ignoring ancillary costs
Tolls, ferries, possible overnight stays: all costs that must be considered when evaluating a load, especially on long routes.
How much can you earn by finding loads efficiently
Numbers vary enormously based on vehicle type, routes and optimisation ability. But let's look at a concrete example:
Scenario: artic driver, 120,000 km/year
- Current situation: 30% empty km = 36,000 unproductive km
- Operating cost: €1.30/km
- Cost of empty km: €46,800/year
With systematic load board use:
- Empty km reduced to 12% = 14,400 km
- Km recovered: 21,600 km
- Additional revenue (at €1.20/km): +€25,920/year
Even considering that return loads often have lower rates, net recovery can easily exceed €15,000-20,000 annually. A time investment in searching that pays for itself many times over.
Start searching for loads now
No investment is needed to start. Many load boards are free for carriers. In minutes you can:
- Register on the platform
- Complete your profile with vehicle details
- Set up notifications for your regular routes
- Start searching available loads
The first load you find could already repay the time invested in registration. And from then on, every return load you find is additional margin for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find loads for my truck?
The most effective way is to use a digital load board. You register, enter your vehicle's characteristics and search among available offers filtering by departure zone, destination and cargo type. You can also set up automatic notifications to receive alerts when loads are posted on your routes.
Are load boards free?
It depends on the platform. Some require monthly subscriptions, others charge transaction commissions. However, there are load boards completely free for carriers, where shippers pay for service access. It's important to evaluate the cost model before choosing.
How do I find return loads?
After completing a delivery, access the load board and search for shipments departing from where you are with destination towards your base or next scheduled stop. Modern platforms allow searching by GPS position, showing loads nearest to you at that moment.
Can I search for loads from my mobile phone?
Yes, modern load boards are optimised for smartphone use. You can search for loads, submit quotes and communicate with shippers directly from your phone, wherever you are. Some platforms also offer the option to add an icon to your phone's home screen for even quicker access.
How long does it take to find a load?
With a digital load board, you can view available offers in seconds. The time to actually secure a load depends on route demand, your response speed and how competitive your offer is. On busier routes, loads are assigned within minutes.
How do I know if a shipper is reliable?
Serious platforms conduct checks on registered companies (VAT numbers, company registers) and implement rating and review systems. Before accepting a load from a new customer, check their profile, reviews from other carriers and, if in doubt, ask for references or advance payment.
What documents are needed to transport a load?
Standard documents include: transport order or booking confirmation, delivery note, CMR for international transport. Special goods may require additional certifications (ATP for fresh, ADR for dangerous goods). Digital platforms often allow managing all documentation electronically.
Sources: Italian National Hauliers Register (Albo degli Autotrasportatori), European Commission transport statistics, IRU (International Road Transport Union), industry research on freight transport efficiency.