Finding Work After a Setback

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with a gentleman who called for advice. He shared his story about a devastating trucking accident a few months ago. A car pulled out in front of him, forcing him to take the ditch, which led to severe damage—his truck was totaled, his trailer ruined, and the front axle and the transmission were completely wrecked. Thankfully, he was unloaded at the time, but the accident left him starting over with his old '90s ride and searching for work.

I suggested a few strategies to help him get back on his feet, and I thought it might be valuable to share them here for anyone else facing a similar situation or just looking for ways to stay ahead in the business.

We all know how to search for loads, but not every load gets posted online. One of the simplest yet most overlooked ways to find work is by posting your available truck. On BulkLoads, you can use the +Truck tab to list your truck availability.

• Set It and Forget It: You can now set your truck to automatically repost for up to 7 days, ensuring it stays visible while you're looking for work away from home.
• Advertise Smart: Brokers and shippers consistently browse these listings. Let them contact you directly—it's essentially free advertising for your truck.

Another powerful tool is the Shippers tab. Select your state and equipment type, and you'll pull up an extensive list of shippers we've compiled since BulkLoads started 14 years ago.

• Reach Out Directly: Use the "Email the Selected Shippers" feature to send a quick message to multiple shippers at once. They'll receive a blind-copied email, meaning only you’ll know who else was contacted.
• Capture Hidden Opportunities: Many shippers might not actively post loads but still have freight to move. This is a great way to connect with potential customers.

If you haven’t downloaded the BulkLoads app yet, now’s the time! You can create custom load alerts to notify you immediately when a load matching your criteria is posted.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve learned that nothing in trucking ever works out perfectly as planned. Success comes from constantly managing and adjusting to find the best loads, routes, and pay that keep your business running efficiently. It’s about staying proactive and making the most of the tools available to you.

If you ever need assistance using these features or want guidance, our support team is always ready to help. Email us at [email protected] or call 800-518-9240.

At BulkLoads, our goal is simple: to provide the best tools and solutions to help your business and family succeed.

I followed up with this gentleman, and within 24 hours, he was in luck—he had lined up good loads and was back on the road. It’s stories like these that remind me why we do what we do. God bless, and stay safe out there!