Trucking Contracts: How You Can Get More Contracts in the Trucking Industry

Do you need help getting more trucking contracts? If so, you're in the right spot. FMCSA Registration LLC’s experts are here to assist. We’ll tell you everything there is to know about trucking contracts. We’re sure you already understand what a standard contract is. It’s a piece of paper that legally binds terms and conditions. Party A provides X and Party B provides Z. Simple, right? The parties sign their names on the dotted line to complete the contract. Well, here’s some news for you. Trucking contracts are not always this simple.

When it comes to the trucking industry, the USDOT Number , the terms and processes of contracts can vary. Every trucking professional must understand the basics of contracts of DOT Authority . Otherwise, it can appear difficult to make consistent revenue. Let’s go over how and why trucking contract terms are unique. The information below also applies to semi-truck contracts and 18-wheeler contracts.

The Three Types of Trucking Contracts

There are three essential types of trucking contracts:

-Verbal agreement trucking contracts.

-Digital or paper trucking contracts.

-Non-solicitation/non-compete trucking contracts.

Let’s go over each type of trucking contract below for Starting a Trucking Company . If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact FMCSA Registration LLC. One of our dedicated trucking experts can go over contracts with you over the phone and help you with Trucking Authority.

Trucking Contract Type #1: The Digital/Paper Contract

This trucking contract is the most common form of contract in the trucking industry. The contract gets written formally and requires a signature and MC Number . There are different levels of obligation when it comes to digital/paper contracts and MCS-150 . A rate confirmation serves as the most common trucking contract you’ll experience. At least, that’s the case while working for a brokerage.

The rate confirmation is an agreement for one load. The agreement specifies an exact rate you’ll receive. It also lists specific conditions referring to the unique cargo. Do you want to learn how to get more contracts for your trucking business and how to do a DOT Audit ? Then it’s best to recognize the importance of digital and paper contracts. Most freight-hauling contracts function as digital and paper contracts.

Trucking Contract Type #2: The Verbal Agreement

A verbal agreement trucking contract doesn’t involve paper. The contract doesn’t involve any sort of physical contact. Instead, there is only mutual understanding from a conversation. That conversation concludes with a handshake. Even though it’s only a handshake, you’re still bound to this trucking contract .

Trucking Contract Type #3: The Non-Solicitation/Non-Compete Contract

This type of trucking contract comes in three forms. There’s a verbal contract or a paper contract. And then there’s also a digital contract BOC-3. So, what’s the purpose of this type of contract? It is to state you won’t compete against the other party. This also applies to hauling contracts in the Motor Carrier Authority.

Here is an example of a non-solicitation/non-compete contract. Say that you make a deal with a broker. The broker gives you consistent loads to haul on behalf of a customer, who is a shipper. In this case, signing a non-compete trucking agreement or contract is best for Driver Qualification File. Why? Because you agree not to go behind the broker’s back. This means that you won’t ask for loads from the shipper on a direct basis.

Another Common Contract in Trucking: The New Carrier Packet

New carrier packets are another common trucking contract. Brokers and shippers provide the packets when they first do business with someone. The contract might include conditions that reference a specific load and OP-1 Form. The wording of the contract might apply the conditions to future hauled loads. This trucking contract could also seem strict and airtight (in a legal manner) for a shipper. The packet is for when you agree to haul goods for a shipper consistently.

It Takes Dedication & Perseverance To Receive Consistent Contracts for Trucking

We understand that there is a lot of information to take in about trucking contracts on this page. But the contract information is important. You’ve got to understand how trucking contracts work. Otherwise, you could struggle to get contracts consistently. Getting trucking contracts and Texas DOT Numbers each month is not that hard. But doing so requires both perseverance and dedication.

Like any business, you must start somewhere and build a foundation. Once the foundation gets built, keep building. Let’s now discuss four key concepts related to trucking contracts. We’ll go over using a load board and bidding on spot freight. Networking and retaining relationships are two other key actions for securing contracts. Also, learn about UCR Registration.

Find New Contracts Using Load Boards

What are load boards in the trucking industry ? They serve as crucial resources when a trucking company begins operations. But their importance remains as a company continues to stay in business. New trucking company owners have to locate loads to haul. Otherwise, they risk going out of business. Plus, the owners must develop customer relationships. Those relationships apply to both brokers and shippers.

Keep in mind that it’s important to revisit trucking load boards. This is so you can find more loads (contracts) and more relationships to develop. Contact our organization today about our free load board. It features thousands and thousands of loads that get posted each week. We can also help our clients run credit checks on brokers and shippers. This can help ensure that you haul with the right trucking professionals. Say that we find a trucking contract perfect for you. We’ll send an email with a subject line like the following. “Trucking Contracts Available” or “Hauling Contracts Available.”

Discover Spot Freight Contract Opportunities

Spot freight in trucking sometimes gets referred to as “spot-buy freight.” This is where a business needs to ship items. To do so, it collects different bids and quotes from transportation companies. Each business needs the items or goods shipped from one point to another. Spot freight rates change all the time; sometimes, even by the hour. Why? Because most freight in trucking is on the open market. This means carriers must make competitive bids. Otherwise, the loads will go to other companies. Say that you do secure a load this way. Next, try to build a relationship with the broker or shipper. This can lead to transporting more trucking loads in the future.

Networking Is Crucial for Securing Contracts in the Trucking Industry

How do trucking companies get contracts from the Motor Carrier Authority? It’s simple. Networking. Networking is part of operating any successful trucking business. Networking is the key how to getting contracts with shippers. You want your team to put themselves in front of all potential customers. Your mission is to further both your reputation and that of your trucking brand. That’s why you must state what you will (and will not do) in a clear manner.

One networking solution is to become a member of online trucking industry groups. Trucking industry groups are a great resource to locate prospective clients. Here is an example. Say that you want to get contracts to haul sports equipment. You could join some sporting goods industry groups. Also, try to put yourself out there on social media. But don't let social media replace old-school contract-generating tactics. Old-school tactics include making calls and shaking hands. The key is to get out there and locate potential customers with contracts.

Create Dedicated Lanes (Working Relationships in Trucking)

Top brokers and shippers are ready to give you business consistently. But first, you've got to build relationships with them. Once you build the relationships and get business, you're now running dedicated lanes. This means you've created a working relationship in trucking. Plus, the relationship helps you profit with contract after contract. The brokers and shippers now know that they can count on you to do things the right way. This can lead to your business growing over time. You now have yourself a trucking contract. Remember- even if the contract is a verbal agreement, it’s still a contract.

Trucking Contracts Lead to More Money in the Bank

Are you beginning to see how important trucking contracts are? They benefit every type of trucking company. And it’s all thanks to the different types of contracts that exist:

• -Verbal agreement trucking contracts.
• -Digital or paper trucking contracts.
• -Non-solicitation/non-compete trucking contracts.

These contracts ensure that trucks stay loaded and tanks remain full. This way, money can go into your bank account consistently. Now, that’s the type of contract that people within any industry would want.

How Do I Get Trucking Contracts?

Every trucking fleet owner must know how to get contracts consistently. Finding the right trucking contracts will help any business flourish. A great first step is to search for freight brokers. Consider hiring a dispatcher for owner-operators. Sure, load boards are powerful. But you cannot only rely on load boards to find contracts. The key is to discover new resources to engage with target clients. Finding well-paying shippers is a challenge. And you can meet that challenge when you search for contracts with different sources.

More About How To Start Getting Trucking Contract After Contract

Once again, it takes time and dedication to get contracts consistently. That’s why you can’t put your eggs in one basket after you receive your CDL. Instead, focus on realistic contracts that you can get ASAP. (And do a great job getting them.) As you secure more lands over time, you can build working relationships. This refers to networking with trucking business owners and shippers.

Concentrate on your cash flow as you navigate through the trucking industry. Keeping up with cash flow in trucking is no easy task. That’s why you might want to consider using a factoring service. This type of service can help you navigate the payment terms that many shippers have. There are options for an owner-operator to get contracts for individual loads. It’s best to start out using load boards. Dispatchers can help you recognize the best loads with the right type of freight. The key is to make sure that freight for your truck is at an ideal price. Otherwise, it will become difficult for your business to reach trucking industry success.

Do You Need More Information About Trucking Contracts? Contact FMCSA Registration LLC Now

Please contact our firm if you have any questions about trucking contracts and CSA Score . We’re ready to provide custom tips to help your trucking company grow. For example, we can help you get haulage contracts or get contract after contract. Our mission is to teach our clients how to get trucking contracts. And we have the tools and resources to do so fast. FMCSA Registration LLC looks forward to serving as your go-to resource for contracts.