Top 3 Ways to Find Return Loads

Delivery trucks returning empty from their destinations are the bane of the haulage industry, which is why getting return loads is almost as important as getting customers—you can’t really afford to have your trucks underutilised. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to effectively ensure your cargo space is fully used up, even on the homeward trips.

Personal Referrals

The easiest way (and one that feels just right) to get return loads is by personal referral: friends, family, acquaintances, your employees’ loved ones, and so forth. Some companies even implement an incentive system based on how many businesses they can refer to the management. Moreover, you can also get referrals from past clients—just make sure that you exceed the expectations of such clients and that they emerge from their experience with you with nothing but great things to say. The more satisfied clients you have, the greater are your chances of having a steady stream of referrals coming to your doorstep (or ringing your phone).

Social Media

These days, every self-respecting business gets out of its comfort zone to stake a place on the Internet. We specifically refer to social media presence (it’s no longer enough to just create your own company website), which involves the creation of accounts on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Google Plus and similar services.

On Facebook, for example, the more "likes" you get, the greater is your influence and the more likely it is for your potential customers to contact you for return loads. Having a strong social media presence also serves your company in many other different ways, although all boils down to marketing. It’s all a new game out there, and haulage companies that fail to keep abreast of these web-based trends and developments might find themselves eating the dust of their more internet-savvy competitors.

Online Marketplace

Thankfully, we currently live in a world that’s much more connected than ever. The same goes for sellers and consumers—the existence of online marketplaces such as Amazon makes it much easier for people to buy stuff they want or avail of services they need. In the haulage industry, a few online marketplaces have earned a positive reputation for the dynamic and fast way they facilitate business and help haulers and clients meet and conduct transactions with one another. For example, a haulage exchange immensely helps those in the transport industry throughout the country find local jobs and fill them—and these sites' services are especially helpful when looking for return loads. With easy interfaces and convenient means of finding potential customers, online marketplaces are expected to further dominate the marketing landscape in the near future.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day haulage jobs and return loads in the express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.