Finding customers
 

Hello, anybody knows how to start looking for customers? I am tired of brokers, I don't blame them, hell no, everybody wants to make some extra money. Do you know where to start? For now I have just one truck and dry van trailer, but in June I will purchase reefer. I live in New York City, so decided it's bit better with a reefer there. I have some friends who are owner-operators and who would be gladly join my company if rates are good. Any advise would be appreciated.
Be safe out there!

I suggest you start knocking on doors. Get a list of potential customers and call or send a letter of introduction along with a business card. Some shippers don't want to do business with a single truck operation. It is easier for them to make a single phone call to a broker or large carrier to get their freight hauled. On the other hand a large carrier may not be able to give the personalized service or have the flexibility as a small carrier. You need to get out and make some sales calls. If you make enough calls you should be able to pick up some business. The problem you may have is getting a load back to your shipper to service his account. You really need to find something on both ends.

It's kinda sad to get just one reply. I was always listening to people how to cut expenses and get ton of replies. I reached a point where cutting more expenses would harm business. So I'm trying to look at the other side of equation which is increasing revenues. People we really need to talk about this.

It is sad to say, but we will have to wait until enough people go out of business. Only then, when capacity
gets tight will we see an increase.

Carriers are hauling for less then operating costs right now. Pretty sad.

Only you can make the difference. Do not haul for the horrible rates being offered.

So you need someone to take you by the hand and show you how to operate a trucking company via the internet ?

The beauty of the forum like this one is to share ideas with people who know the business. Everyone would gain something new. I'm just 3 years in trucking, so at that point more questions than answers.

Asking questions never hurt anybody? you just have to filter through good and bad advice!

Only a Fool thinks he know everything!!

place an ad in trade publications in the industry you wish to serve. For example plastics makers or fish markets or whatever.

It's not easy, you are competing with thousands of professional sales reps, most full time with slick brochures and a company with a history of service.

Landstar has 1200 or more sales people (agents) CH Robinson has thousands, then there are the Schneiders, Hunts and others.Right now the market is tougher than ever. You can do it but it ain't going to be easy. Most company shipping Dept's get many calls a day, so you need to have something to offer.

That right there, say's it all.

You do have to be able to offer something different...something better. Start that offer, by talking to potential customers up close and personal. Walk through the front door and sit down with them one on one and present yourself and your company.

Works way better than cold calls and no face.