Contract Freight: Contract freight is moved under an agreement between a shipper or broker and a carrier at set rates and volumes for a period, often months or a year.
Why it matters to owner operators
Contract freight can bring steadier work and predictable pricing, but it may pay less than spot in a hot market and it commits your capacity. Read the volume and rate terms carefully.
Example
A carrier agrees to haul a set number of loads each week on a lane at a fixed rate for six months.
Related terms
Brokerage & Loads: Not sure a broker or load is worth your time? We check brokers before we book freight for you, and you always choose which loads to haul. Talk to our dispatch team or browse the full trucking glossary.
Haul smarter with a dispatch team behind you
Nexloads finds loads, negotiates rates and handles paperwork for owner operators and small fleets. No forced dispatch and no long-term contracts.