Although obtaining a new Motor Carrier (MC) authority is a difficult task, launching a trucking company is an exciting first step. Establishing trust with freight brokers and scheduling regular loads are two of the most difficult challenges. Many brokers are reluctant to assign freight to carriers with new MC numbers unless they have a track record of success.
However, new carriers can overcome this obstacle, land lucrative loads, and establish themselves as major players in the market with the right tactics and help from seasoned dispatch providers like Extreme Dispatch. Everything you need to know about booking loads with a new MC authority, earning the trust of brokers, and attaining long-term success will be explained in this article.
What Is an MC Authority?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) assigns MC numbers to carriers, allowing them to operate as for-hire carriers in the US. In essence, it is a permit that allows trucking companies to transport goods for a fee.
Getting an MC number is a benchmark, but it also exposes new carriers to scrutiny. Carriers with six months to a year of trouble-free operating history are typically preferred by brokers, shippers, and insurance companies. Because of this, scheduling freight with a new MC authority without sufficient backup is difficult.
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The Challenges of Booking Loads with a New MC Authority
New authority carriers are confronted with several hurdles
- Lack of trust: Brokers won’t want to surrender valuable freight to inexperienced carriers.
- Insurance challenges: New authorities tend to pay more for insurance, which reduces their competitiveness.
- Limited access to load boards: Some load boards limit access or screen out new carriers.
- Cash flow difficulties: Absent reliable loads, drivers to pay, fuel to purchase, and insurance to retain become problematic.
These obstacles are demotivating, but temporary. By clever planning and strategic partnerships, new carriers can begin generating traction fast.
How to Book Loads with a New MC Authority
Following are some effective methods to assist new carriers in obtaining freight, even during initial months:
1. Utilize Dispatch Services
Professional dispatch firms such as Extreme Dispatch deal in assisting carriers with new MC numbers to acquire freight. They possess broker contacts, premium load board access, and industry experience that new carriers do not.
Dispatchers deal with rates, paperwork, and compliance issues, giving the carriers a chance to drive and establish reliability.
2. Utilize Multiple Load Boards
It is prudent to avoid relying on a single load board. Check out several boards like DAT, Truckstop, and niche boards that cover specific lanes or equipment. Dispatch services usually already have access to multiple boards, which saves carriers money on subscription fees.
3. Handle Smaller Brokers First
Large national brokers might be wary of trusting a brand-new MC, but smaller or regional brokers are generally more open. By establishing reliability with smaller brokers, carriers can gain credibility and work towards bigger freight opportunities in the long run.
4. Have Great Communication
Brokers prize carriers who are easy to contact and open. Always give pickup and delivery notifications in a timely manner, flag problems early, and deliver proof-of-delivery documents as promised. Timeliness wins trust quicker than anything else.
5. Be Flexible Early On
New carriers might have to take less-than-perfect loads early on. Though payments may be smaller, moving loads without complications establishes a performance history that gains access to better-paying freight later.
6. Organize Records
Paperwork mistakes are among the quickest routes to broker distrust. Make sure all insurance forms, W-9s, MC authority certificates, and delivery records are up to date and easily accessible. Solutions such as Extreme Dispatch incorporate document management into dispatch processes to ensure carriers are audit-ready.
Establishing Broker Trust as a New Carrier
Trust does not develop overnight, but there are some practical measures carriers can implement to speed up the process.
- Deliver on time, every time: On-time delivery is the key to broker-carrier trust.
- Avoid claims and accidents: Safety records carry significant weight in a broker’s decision to hire you again.
- Provide clean paperwork: Clear PODs and correct billing speak well of your professionalism.
- Communicate delays honestly: Brokers want the truth, rather than an unexpected surprise at the last minute.
- Be consistent: Even smaller brokers will provide more loads to carriers who are reliable.
By always providing quality service, carriers are able to establish a reputation that will decrease the stigma of being a “new MC.”
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How Extreme Dispatch Assists New MC Carriers in Booking Loads
Extreme Dispatch knows how difficult it is for new carriers to find their way into the trucking industry. That’s why they are experts at assisting trucking companies with new MC numbers with freight acquisition, establishing broker relationships, and staying profitable.
Here’s how they assist carriers:
- Broker Relations: They maintain a network of trusted brokers who are willing to provide freight opportunities to new authorities.
- Load Board Access: Extreme Dispatch utilizes top-of-the-line load boards to obtain freight opportunities carriers might not receive on their own.
- Rate Negotiation: They negotiate rates fairly so carriers earn the most revenue, even with a new authority.
- Back-Office Support: From document processing to invoicing and compliance, they take care of administrative work.
- 24/7 Dispatch Support: Brokers are supported round-the-clock, with smooth load booking and issue solving.
As a bridge for new carriers and brokers, Extreme Dispatch enables carriers to get up and running rather than fighting through the usual “New MC” challenges.
Long-term Success Tips with a New MC Authority
Booking loads is merely step one. For carriers to evolve into a profitable and viable trucking company, they need to plan long-term:
- Establish good broker relationships: Work each load as a chance to impress a broker.
- Carefully track expenses: Fuel, insurance, and maintenance cost money fast; keep an eye on profit margins.
- Invest in compliance: DOT compliance, safety audits, and insurance filings never take a back seat.
- Grow strategically: Hiring trucks and drivers too quickly can break the bank.
Have the right support team in place. Businesses such as Extreme Dispatch allow it to concentrate on operations while taking care of back-office functions.
Conclusion
Starting a trucking company with a fresh MC authority can be daunting, but success is within reach with the proper approach. While booking loads and gaining broker trust are the largest challenges, carriers who keep their cool, play consistently, and stay organized get some momentum.
With the help of a reliable partner such as Extreme Dispatch, emerging carriers access freight loads, broker networks, and compliance services that drive their growth. By being highly committed to giving value to the brokers and shippers, ensuring clean records, and offering reliability, new MC carriers can build their reputation as reliable players in the trucking industry.
FAQs
1. Why do brokers shy away from working with new MC carriers?
Since new MCs have no operating history, brokers are wary of possible risk factors like delayed delivery or claims.
2. How quickly can a new MC establish broker trust?
Generally 6–12 months, but regular on-time delivery and businesslike communication can accelerate the process.
3. Can dispatch services actually assist new MCs in procuring loads?
Yes, carriers such as Extreme Dispatch match carriers with brokers willing to work with new authorities and help with rate negotiation and paperwork.
4. What documents should I prepare as a new MC?
W-9, MC authority certificate, insurance paperwork, and proof-of-delivery records are necessary.
5. Can you be profitable with a new MC authority?
Yes, by maintaining costs down, acquiring dependable freight via dispatching services, and emphasizing professionalism, carriers can establish profitability rapidly.
