Choosing what to haul and when is a delicate science every independent trucker needs to master. There are a few factors to consider when investigating where to get loads for trucks. If you want to optimize the capabilities of your tuck, you might want to consider hauling multiple deliveries at once. Here is a look at three important variables for tackling this business decision.

How Full Is a Load?

You might be able to double up on a load if you are shipping low-weight items that have a small volume. Certain loads are not compatible, such as those with specific temperature requirements. Ship cold items together to get the most out of your refrigeration unit, if you have one.

What Is Your Truck Rated For?

Certain industrial items require heavy duty trucks capable of withstanding heavy loads without buckling. Not only do you need the right kind of truck, you also need proper maintenance so you know your truck can last for a long haul. You also need to consider how the load you carry affects the roads you travel on. Weight stations let you know if you are overloaded for the roads you want to travel on.

How Do Your Routes Overlap?

When carrying multiple loads, you also need to coordinate pickup and delivery locations. Using Google Maps or some other navigation system is an easy way to handle this. If you can set up a rotation between multiple locations, you can drop off one or more loads on your way to pick up another.

Once you know where to get loads for trucks, you need to know what your truck can handle and the best way to optimize your shipping routes. The size and weight of a load tells you whether you might be able to haul another load with it.