How to find loads for your box truck.

The three ways to find box truck loads

Every box truck owner-operator finds freight one of three ways: public load boards, freight brokers, or running with a carrier that has its own freight. Each has trade-offs.

1. Public load boards

Boards list thousands of loads, but everyone sees the same freight, rates get bid down, and you're competing with the whole market. They work, but they're slow and you'll spend hours hunting between runs.

2. Freight brokers

Brokers connect you to shippers and handle paperwork — but they take a cut of every load, and that markup comes out of your pocket. You're also at the mercy of whichever broker calls back.

3. Running with an asset-based carrier (the efficient path)

When you run with a carrier that moves its own freight, the loads are real and consistent — no middleman markup chain. TLS is an asset-based carrier with a 6,000+ truck network, so freight moves through the platform every day. You search live loads in the CargoAI app, filter to your equipment and lanes, place a bid, and get confirmed in seconds.

How to actually keep your box truck loaded

• Pick lanes you can run repeatedly instead of chasing one-off loads
• Use an app that filters by distance, weight, and equipment so you bid faster
• Cut the broker markup by running direct with a carrier
• Use QuickPay so cash flow doesn't stall between loads
• Minimize deadhead — empty miles are the silent killer of box truck income

Want the owner-operator details? See box truck loads for owner-operators, learn about box truck work, or read how our box truck dispatch service keeps your truck loaded.

How do I find loads for my box truck?

Use a carrier or platform with consistent freight. With TLS you search live loads in the CargoAI app, filter to your lanes and equipment, place a bid, and get confirmed — instead of juggling multiple public load boards or waiting on brokers.

What is the best load board for box trucks?

Public boards work but bid rates down and cost you hunting time. Running direct with an asset-based carrier like TLS gives you consistent freight without the broker markup, which usually beats chasing boards.

Can I find box truck loads without a broker?

Yes. Running directly with an asset-based carrier removes the broker from the chain, so there's no markup between you and the freight.

How do I avoid empty miles?

Pick repeatable lanes, filter loads to your equipment, and use a platform with dense freight so your next load is near your last drop. Less deadhead means more earnings.