In a down market like we have today, it’s important to utilize all proper tools and techniques to secure higher paying freight.

One of the easiest ways to increase revenue is to utilize the DAT Hot Market Maps. The Dat Power package enables you to see realtime load to truck ratios and capacity to determine where you want your trucks and where you do not. By utilizing hot maps you can keep your trucks in freight rich areas to maximize revenue and stay out of the dead areas.

For example, if you are in an area that has 250 loads and only 25 trucks (a 10 to 1 ratio of loads to trucks) the demand for a carrier is very favorable. In this situation you have the leverage in the negotiations because there are not enough trucks to cover all the freight. On the other hand, if you are in an area with 10 loads and 100 trucks, you have little to no leverage as demand for the carrier is low.

This is why it is so important to keep your trucks in the freight rich areas and to utilize the DAT Hot Market Maps!

Dat Hot Market Maps

Image from dat.com

About the Author: Jim Metz

A veteran trucker, sharing tales and lessons learned on the open road!

Share this insight with others.