Finding steady, reliable freight isn’t just about chasing the next load—it’s about building lasting relationships with the right shippers. At Bridgetown Trucking, with over 26 years in the business and operations in Portland, OR and St. Louis, MO, we’ve worked with brokers and carriers long enough to know what separates the has-beens from the ones that prosper.
If you’re a freight broker wondering how to build a book of business that lasts, we’ve got some honest advice to share—some of it straight from our experienced logistics and sales teams, who’ve been around the block more than a few times.
Start With What Shippers Really Want
Let’s keep it simple: Shippers want their freight moved on time, safely, and without hassle. They want communication and consistency. What they don’t want? Excuses.
If your company can provide reliable capacity and keep your carriers sharp, you’ll stand out in an industry full of half-answers and missed pickups.
It’s not about being the cheapest. It’s about being the one who calls back, shows up, and solves the problem.
Build Your Carrier Network First
Before you start calling shippers, make sure you have a carrier base you can trust. That means carriers who know their lanes, show up when they say they will, and don’t disappear when something goes sideways.
At Bridgetown, we’ve spent decades building and maintaining those relationships. Our kind of institutional memory—knowing who’s solid and who’s not—is what helps a broker deliver consistent loads and avoid last-minute chaos.
You can have the best pitch in the world, but if you can’t back it up with trucks that run clean and on time, shippers will move on quickly.
Use Load Boards as a Tool—Not a Crutch
Load boards are a great place to move freight when you’re just getting started, but they’re not a long-term strategy. Use them to:
- Learn the market
- Identify trends
- See which shippers are posting regularly
- Talk to the experts at Bridgetown Trucking
But don’t stop there. Once you’ve moved a few loads for a shipper through a board, pick up the phone. Introduce yourself. Ask about direct opportunities. That’s how you turn spot freight into steady business.
Tap Into Relationships (And Ask for Referrals)
The best way to find shippers? Leverage the relationships you already have. Your carriers, your warehouse partners, and even other brokers can lead you to new business—if you’ve proven yourself reliable.
Ask for referrals. Offer to help with overflow freight. Be the one they call when they’re in a bind. That’s how you earn long-term customers.
People don’t hand over freight to strangers. They give it to folks they trust, like Bridgetown Trucking. That trust doesn’t come from fancy sales pitches—it comes from showing up and following through.
Get Out There—In Person
Real conversations still matter. We’ve made great connections at regional and national logistics events,, from trucking association meetings to local supply chain meetups.
These events are a chance to shake hands, listen, and share what you can do—not just what you charge. In a room full of brokers, your experience and honesty go a long way. Especially when you’ve got a track record of tenured staff, solid drivers, and real logistics know-how behind you.
Use Tech Smartly, but Don’t Rely on It Alone
Sure, CRM tools and freight-matching platforms help keep things organized—but they don’t replace the common sense and real experience of seasoned professionals.. When a truck breaks down, a shipment’s misrouted, or a shipper’s in panic mode, software doesn’t fix the problem—people do.
That’s why we’ve built our business with a team that’s been in the game for decades. Technology supports our strategy—but it’s Bridgetown’s people who deliver for our customers.
Cold Outreach Still Works—If You Respect Their Time
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-written email or an old-school phone call. Just make sure you’ve done your homework. Learn what the shipper hauls, where they ship to, and what kind of freight they move.
Instead of:
“Hey, we’re a brokerage—got any freight?”
Try:
“We specialize in temperature-controlled freight in the I-5 corridor and the 70s corridor. We’ve got trucks in your area and experience moving time-sensitive produce. Can we talk?”
Be clear. Be specific. And follow up—professionally, not pushy. Shippers are busy, but they notice when you’re thoughtful and consistent.
Follow Up Like a Pro
One of the biggest mistakes new brokers make? In our experience, it’s dropping the ball after the first contact. If you want to stand out, follow up regularly—with value, not just noise.
Send rate trends. Share market updates. Offer a quick story about how you helped a similar shipper solve a problem. Being persistent keeps you on their radar without being annoying.
Lean on The Team That’s Been There
At Bridgetown Trucking, our long-time staff doesn’t just know logistics—they live it. They’ve been through Covid, tough winters, fuel spikes, capacity crunches, endless highway revisions, and everything in between. Simply put, we show up.
That’s what makes us different in a very competitive carrier market. We don’t chase every load—we build relationships that last. We move freight the right way, with honesty, reliability, and a handshake that means something.
If you’re a freight broker looking for a reliable carrier network, you’ll find one here. And if you’re a shipper tired of the guessing game, give us a call. We’ll tell you what we can do—and we’ll be straight if we can’t.
No Gimmicks—Just Good Work
Finding shippers isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about building trusted relationships. Show up, follow through, and keep your word—that’s what gets you noticed and keeps the freight flowing.
At Bridgetown Trucking, we’ve built our business the same way we recommend you build yours: through trust, hustle, and people who know what they’re doing.
Looking to move some freight with a carrier that’s got you covered in Portland or St. Louis?
We are Bridgetown Trucking.
And we’ve got you till the last mile!