How to Get Government Freight Contracts

Whether you’ve decided to become a solo owner-operator or lease on with a larger carrier, running a trucking company requires a lot of grit and determination. Successful trucking businesses know the importance of sourcing a steady stream of work from in a variety of ways, which is why government freight contracts are so coveted.

Hauling freight for the government, whether at the federal, local, or state level, comes with consistent work and competitive pay. The downside is that finding and applying for these competitive government trucking contracts can take time. Still, government trucking contracts can open the door to stable, long-term opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll explain what government freight contracts are, what you need to apply for them, where to find them, and how much you can expect to pay. From using government freight load boards to bidding directly on contracts, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make hauling government freight part of your business strategy.

What Are Government Freight Contracts?

Government agencies issue freight contracts to haul goods and materials on behalf of the government. When you secure a government trucking contract, you become part of the supply chain that keeps the government running. These contracts can cover various freight needs, including freight loads like medical supplies, heavy equipment, and essential goods for public projects.

You might think that government freight jobs are only available to large trucking companies, but the government hires small, independent operators, too. However, these agencies often require a competitive bidding process through a government freight load board where companies can submit proposals to win contracts.

Government freight contracts are highly sought because they provide consistent work and competitive pay. Pay depends on a lot of factors, but the government usually pays competitive rates that are sometimes better than what you’ll earn with commercial freight hauling.

While some of these contracts are small, others may involve large-scale projects, such as hauling government freight for military bases, federal relief programs, or infrastructure projects. If you’re looking for high-paying truck loads and consistent work, applying for government freight contracts is a smart strategy for expanding your business.

How Do Government Freight Contracts Work?

Some trucking companies avoid government freight contracts because of the long wait times and paperwork, but consistent effort could pay off with consistent truckloads. Securing government freight contracts is a multi-step process requiring proper registration, compliance with specific government regulations, and participation in a competitive bidding process. Here’s how to get loads for trucks with the government:

• Registration: The government requires you to register with the System for Award Management (SAM), which makes your business eligible for government trucking contracts. You need proper trucking licenses, insurance, and certifications for this, so be prepared to upload the appropriate paperwork.
• Visit load boards and submit bids: Agencies post contracts on government load boards or official government portals like FedBizOpps and GSA’s Freight Management Program.
• Submit government freight bids: When you find a job that fits your expertise, submit a proposal detailing your experience, capacity, and pricing. Hearing back on a proposal can take time, so be patient. Read the fine print for every job to get a better idea of turnaround times.
• Deliver the load: Once you’ve successfully won a contract, you’ll work closely with the agency to manage government freight loads. The government has very high standards, so make sure you deliver goods safely and on time—otherwise, you risk losing your current contract and being banned from working on future government contracts. The good news is that doing a great job can lead to repeat contracts and long-term relationships with government agencies.

What You Need Before Hauling Freight for the Government

Not just any trucking company can qualify for government contracts. You need to meet several requirements to haul freight for the government, including:

• Showing proof of licensing and certification: The Motor Carrier Authority, also known as the Trucking Authority, issues proof of certification for truckers. You must have a valid Motor Carrier (MC) number, USDOT number, and any additional state-specific permits required for government freight jobs. The government will also want to see proof of trucking business registration.
• Obtaining a DUNS number: A Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique identifier is necessary for government contract applications and helps track your business’s performance.
• Getting insurance: Insurance is a best practice for any trucker, but it’s also a requirement for applying for government freight contracts. The challenge is that government contracts often require higher insurance coverage than commercial freight jobs. Typical requirements include liability insurance, cargo insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage.
• Financial stability: This may sound like an odd requirement, but the government needs proof that you can handle the operational demands of government hauling contracts. Government agencies want assurance that you can cover expenses like fuel, maintenance, and staffing before receiving payment, so they may ask for financial documents.
• A proven track record: It’s best to wait to apply for government freight contracts until you have other projects under your belt first. The government prefers vendors with a solid track record, which will help you stand out and earn more government freight opportunities.

How to Get Government Freight Contracts

So, how do you get trucking contracts with the government? Try these five tips to find high-paying government freight contracts.

1. Load Boards

If you’re just starting a trucking company, load boards are one of the best ways to find trucking jobs. They’re also popular for established companies looking for government freight contracts.

Using government freight load boards is one of the most efficient ways to find and bid on government trucking contracts. These platforms list government freight jobs and allow you to browse, bid, and secure contracts that match your capacity and expertise. Some load boards also provide detailed information about each job, including government freight bids, required certifications, and rates.

2. Consult With Freight Brokers

While load boards are popular, they require daily checks and hands-on management, which isn’t always practical for owner-operators who are on the road. That’s why many truckers rely on freight brokers. They act as intermediaries, connecting trucking companies with government freight opportunities.

Working with a broker can help you find government freight loads that match your equipment and capacity, especially if you’re new to hauling freight for the government. A freight broker not only helps identify available contracts but also ensures that you meet the necessary compliance requirements for government freight management. They can guide you through the bidding process for government freight bids, helping you submit competitive proposals and avoid common mistakes.

3. Hire a Dispatcher

If you’re an owner-operator, consider hiring a dispatcher to help you find government freight contracts. Dispatchers mostly help with communications and back-office tasks, but some are also experienced in spotting freight opportunities for you.

While not all dispatchers offer this service, they’re still a great addition to your team if you want to go after government freight contracts.

Hiring a dispatcher—ideally someone who has experience with this type of freight—helps you meet the government’s strict delivery timelines and legal requirements. Since reputation and reliability are paramount to government agencies, a dispatcher is a must-have for delivering on your promises and securing consistent work.

4. Network Through Trucking Associations

Trucking associations have plenty of benefits, including exclusive access to freight contracts not advertised elsewhere. Associations such as the American Trucking Association (ATA) offer resources and networking events that connect trucking businesses with government agencies and other professionals in government freight management. Attending these events and engaging with association members can provide valuable insights and lead to potential partnerships for hauling government freight. Plus, trucking organizations can help you stay informed about changes in regulations, bidding processes, and government freight bids.

5. Bid on Freight Contracts Directly Through Government Websites

Load boards are helpful, but they’re ultimately a middleman between you and government agencies. You can also go directly to the source to bid on government freight contracts. Platforms like SAM.gov and FedBizOpps list available government freight bids and provide detailed information about available contracts.

Bidding directly allows you to bypass intermediaries, giving you full control over the process. However, like a load board, you must check government sites daily for new job opportunities, so set a reminder to check these manually.

How Much Does Hauling Government Freight Pay?

If you’re wondering how much truck drivers get paid for government contracts, the answer depends on many factors. Pay varies depending on the type of contract, distance, and load requirements. Generally, government freight contracts offer higher rates than standard commercial freight because they’re more complex.

For example, some sources say truckers can earn $6,500 to $8,000 for hauling goods for the Department of Defense. Since contracts vary by government agency, urgency, and cargo value, contracts can pay anywhere from $1.35 per mile to $3.25 or more. Ultimately, you can expect to earn more from government freight contracts, although they have competitive bidding processes and stringent requirements that make them a better fit for experienced trucking companies.

In-Summary: Government Freight Contracts

A government freight contract can be a game changer for trucking companies. It offers competitive pay and the opportunity for repeat work. There are plenty of opportunities to haul freight for the government, but you need to understand how to navigate the process.

There are multiple ways to tap into this market, from using government freight load boards and consulting with brokers to networking through trucking associations and bidding directly on contracts. To avoid rejections, make sure you cover your bases first with proper registration, insurance, and other application requirements.

While government freight contracts require more work during the application and bidding process, the higher pay and consistent workload make them a great fit for trucking businesses looking to grow. Stay proactive, be informed, and take advantage of the numerous government freight opportunities available to you.

Government Freight Contracts FAQs

What are government agencies I can haul freight for?

There are plenty of opportunities locally, at the state level, and federally. Many agencies need freight hauled, but some of the most common include the Department of Defense (DOD), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), United States Postal Service (USPS), and General Services Administration (GSA).

How much does government freight pay per mile?

It depends on the contract, load type, and distance. Some truckers report rates of $1.35 per mile to $3.25 per mile or more. Government freight contracts usually pay more than commercial rates.

How do you bid on government freight contracts?

You first need to register with SAM.gov. After registering, check government freight load boards, monitor platforms like FedBizOpps, consult a freight broker, or bid directly on an agency’s website. Review the contract requirements, prepare a proposal that outlines your experience and pricing, and submit it by the specified deadline to bid on the project. There is no guarantee that the agency will accept your bid, though, so highlight your expertise and the value you bring to the table to increase your odds of winning the contract.

Can freight brokers get government contracts?

Yes. Freight brokers act as intermediaries that connect government agencies with trucking companies with the capacity to haul government freight. Brokers must also register with SAM.gov and meet compliance requirements to submit bids. In exchange for their services, brokers get a cut of profits, which truckers should budget for if they use a broker.

Does the federal government use freight brokers?

Yes. The federal government often relies on freight brokers to source competitive rates from the best providers. Freight brokers can also handle communication, compliance, and coordination between agencies and carriers.