How Extreme Dispatch Can Help You Book Loads For New MC

Starting a trucking business is exciting, but it also presents many difficulties, especially for operators who have just received their Motor Carrier (MC) number. Finding steady and lucrative loads to book is often the biggest obstacle for new carriers. It can be challenging for new entrants to obtain loads because most brokers and shippers prefer established carriers.

Extreme Dispatch can help in this situation. With years of experience providing trucking support services, we are experts at assisting carriers, particularly those with recently issued MC numbers, in securing loads, negotiating better rates, and cultivating enduring bonds with brokers. This blog post will explain what an MC number is, why it can be challenging for new carriers to book loads, and how Extreme Dispatch can help you get past these challenges.

What Is an MC Number?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) assigns Motor Carrier numbers, or MC numbers. It permits the transportation of regulated freight between states by carriers. It is, in essence, authorization for your trucking company to engage in interstate commerce.

Carriers are not legally allowed to transport freight for hire if they do not have an MC number. Getting this number is the first step, but new trucking companies must ask for it. Once you have the number, the real difficulty begins as you have to start booking loads in order to generate revenue.

Why Is It Difficult for New MC Carriers to Book Loads?

New MC number face some special challenges in the market:

• Issues with Broker Trust: Most brokers steer clear of working with carriers who lack experience in the field. They prefer to work with companies that have been operating for six months to a year.
• Insurance Costs: New carriers are less able to offer competitive quotes because they typically pay higher insurance premiums.
• No Relationships: While new carriers lack connections, veteran carriers already have relationships with shippers and brokers.
• Having Trouble Getting Good Rates: New carriers struggle to get good rates for their loads because they lack experience.

This is where working with a reputable dispatch company, such as Extreme Dispatch, is important.

How Extreme Dispatch Helps New MC Carriers

Extreme Dispatch is aware of the difficulties that come with being a new truck driver. In addition to providing dispatching, they are a business partner that helps carriers locate loads and establish their reputation in the marketplace.

Here’s how we can help:

1. Load Board and Broker Network Access

We have access to reliable broker networks and highly regarded load boards. Extreme Dispatch uses their connections to acquire loads for carriers faster, even though most brokers steer clear of new MC numbers. They give drivers an immediate advantage because they know which brokers are more open to doing business with new carriers.

2. Building Broker Trust

Trust is all in trucking. We handle brokers directly for carriers, providing professional communication, proper paperwork, and timely follow-up. This assists new MC carriers in building credibility much faster than if they did it themselves.

3. Rate Negotiation

One of the most challenging tasks for new carriers is arranging good rates. Brokers could attempt to provide new operators with reduced rates. We leverage their industry expertise and negotiation skills to arrange good rates, ensuring new carriers do not price their services low. 

4. Back-Office Support

Handling invoices, compliance, and paperwork is daunting for small businesses. We take on the back-office work, with the administrative aspect of trucking. This allows carriers to drive and deliver loads while payments and compliance remain up to speed.

5. Consistency in Loads

One of the greatest fears of new carriers is having constant freight. We provide carriers with constant loads to keep them generating a steady income while establishing their reputation in the market.

Why Working With Extreme Dispatch Matters for New MC Numbers

When a trucking company is beginning, it often seems like a battle uphill. Having a good partner like Extreme Dispatch allows carriers to avoid having to go at it alone. We assist in bypassing these key obstacles:

• Earlier Entry into the Market: Rather than waiting months to develop relationships, carriers can book loads immediately.
• Financial Stability: With regular loads, carriers are able to pay for insurance, fuel, and operational expenses.
• Professional Representation: We speak with brokers on behalf of carriers, generating a sophisticated and professional image.
• Scalability: Administrative hassles being eliminated, carriers are free to focus on development and expansion.

Extreme Dispatch Services Outside Load Booking

While assisting carriers in obtaining new MC numbers is among their strengths, We offer a complete set of services that benefit trucking companies at all stages:

• Truck Dispatching Services: Load booking, communications, and scheduling.
• Billing and Invoicing: Paying drivers promptly.
• Compliance and Safety: Assisting carriers in remaining compliant with FMCSA regulations.
• Company Formation: Assisting new carriers with paperwork and setup.
• Accounting and IFTA Services: Easing financial and fuel tax reporting.

All of these services provide Extreme Dispatch as a one-stop-shop for new and seasoned carriers alike.

Tips for New MC Carriers Working With a Dispatch Service

Though we streamline the process, new carriers can also do some extra to prepare themselves for success:

• Have Proper Documentation: Always keep insurance, MC/DOT numbers, and compliance paperwork current.
• Be Consistent with Loads: Initially, it might be prudent to take varied load types to establish credibility.
• Communication Professionally: With brokers or dispatchers, effective communication generates trust.
• Monitor Expenses Closely: New carriers must track fuel, insurance, and maintenance expenses carefully to remain profitable.
• Leverage Dispatching Skills: Leave the dispatch team to negotiate and manage back-office operations with high efficiency.

Conclusion

Obtaining an MC number is only the initial step to begin a trucking venture. The actual challenge is obtaining consistent, profitable loads and earning broker trust. For new carriers, this could prove to be a daunting task in the absence of proper support.

This is where we come in handy. By linking new MC carriers to brokers, negotiating reasonable rates, and offering full back-office support, they enable trucking companies to succeed from the very first day.

For those beginning with a new MC number, working with Extreme Dispatch is not only a shrewd move, it’s the secret to creating lasting success in the trucking business.

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