Learn how to set up and begin using Blink's Private Load Board to expand your carrier network and access quality transportation services through professional quote requests.
Overview
This guide walks you through your first steps with the Private Load Board, from understanding your network setup to creating your first quote request. By the end of this article, you'll be ready to start expanding your carrier network and accessing new transportation opportunities.
Key Concepts
Network Setup: The initial configuration of carrier groups and access permissions that determine which carriers can see and respond to your quote requests.
Quote Request Workflow: The complete process from creating a service inquiry through carrier selection and booking creation.
Carrier Groups: Organised collections of carriers with similar capabilities, geographic coverage, or service specialisations.
Proposal Period: The time window during which carriers can submit their service proposals for your quote request.
Before You Begin
Prerequisites Checklist
Account Setup
- ✅ Active Blink Premium shipper account with Private Load Board access enabled
- ✅ Team member permissions configured for quote request creation
- ✅ Basic understanding of your transportation requirements and preferences
Network Configuration
- ✅ Carrier groups established
- ✅ Geographic coverage areas defined
- ✅ Service capability requirements identified
Operational Readiness
- ✅ Internal processes for quote evaluation and carrier selection
- ✅ Understanding of your standard service requirements and timelines
- ✅ Communication protocols for carrier relationship development
Understanding Your Carrier Networks
Before creating quote requests, review your available carrier networks:
- Access Carrier Groups: Navigate to Settings → Carrier Groups
- Review Group Details: Understand geographic coverage and service capabilities
- Verify Access: Confirm which carrier groups are available for quote requests
- Assess Coverage: Identify any gaps in your network that require additional carriers
Your First Quote Request: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose the Right Opportunity
Select a job that's ideal for your first quote request experience:
Good First Quote Request Characteristics:
- Standard transportation requirements (not highly specialised)
- Flexible timeline allowing adequate proposal period
- Route where you'd like to expand carrier options
- Job size and complexity you're comfortable evaluating
Avoid for First Attempts:
- Urgent shipments requiring immediate carrier confirmation
- Highly specialised equipment or service requirements
- Routes where you have strong established carrier preferences
- Critical shipments where proven relationships are essential
Step 2: Create Your Quote Request
- Navigate to Load Board: Click "Quote Requests" in your main navigation
- Select "New Quote Request": Begin the quote request creation process
- Enter Job Details:
- An external reference if you use a tracking system alongside
- Timing requirements around collection, delivery and expiry of the Quote Request
- Collection and Delivery destinations and contacts (only basic information will be shared to the carriers during the quoting process, generally postcode and suburb).
- Vehicle details and services specifications (if known, otherwise leave empty)
- Any special requirements or handling instructions in the notes
- Configure Request Settings:
- Select appropriate carrier groups for your job
- Add any supporting documentation in the comments section once the Request is posted
- Review and Publish: Double-check all details before making your request visible to carriers
Step 3: Monitor Proposal Activity
Track Incoming Proposals:
- Check your load board dashboard regularly for new submissions
- Review proposal notifications and updates
-
Monitor carrier questions or communication requests
-
This last step is crucial as carrier might have relevant questions and information might need to be added to the request to make it clearer to all carriers. Use the comment section for that.
-
Proposal Timeline Management:
- Allow adequate time for quality carriers to prepare proposals
- Consider extending deadlines if initial response is limited
- Communicate any changes or updates promptly to participating carriers
Step 4: Evaluate and Select
Review Proposal Details:
- Service capabilities and equipment specifications
- Proposed timeline and collection/delivery windows
- Pricing structure and included services
- Carrier qualifications and performance history
Use Evaluation Recommended Framework:
- Service quality and capability fit (40%)
- Timeline and reliability factors (30%)
- Pricing competitiveness (20%)
- Partnership potential and communication (10%)
Make Your Selection:
- Choose the proposal that best meets your overall requirements
- Consider long-term partnership potential alongside immediate needs
- Communicate promptly and professionally with all participating carriers
Step 5: Transition to Active Booking
Automatic Booking Creation:
- Selected Quote will automatically generate an active booking
- Complete job details and contact information are shared with chosen carrier
- Standard booking workflow begins immediately (skipping usual negotiation)
Relationship Development:
- Confirm service expectations and communication preferences
- Monitor performance for potential ongoing partnership development
Common New User Challenges
Low Proposal Response:
- Ensure carrier groups are appropriate for your job requirements
- Check if timing allows adequate proposal preparation time
- Verify job details are complete and clearly specified
- Consider if requirements are too restrictive for initial network building
Difficulty Evaluating Proposals:
- Develop consistent evaluation criteria before reviewing proposals
- Focus on service fit rather than just price comparison
- Ask questions if proposal details need clarification
Transition Management:
- Plan for the handoff from quote selection to booking execution
- Establish communication with selected carriers promptly
- Monitor early performance closely to inform future selections
Related Features
- Understanding the Quote Comparison Dashboard
- Managing Carrier Groups and Access
- From Quote to Booking: The Transition Process
Troubleshooting
"I'm not seeing any carrier groups available" Contact your Blink administrator to help you configure carrier network access. Carrier groups must be set up before you can create quote requests.
"Carriers aren't responding to my quote requests" Review your job requirements for clarity and reasonableness. Ensure timing allows adequate proposal preparation and consider expanding carrier group selection.
"I'm overwhelmed by proposal evaluation" Start with simpler jobs and develop consistent evaluation criteria. Focus on service fit and partnership potential rather than trying to optimise every detail.
"The selected carrier isn't performing as expected" Use this as learning for future selections. Monitor performance closely and provide feedback. Remember that building your evaluation skills takes practice.
Next Steps
The Private Load Board becomes more valuable as you build experience and develop your carrier network. Start with simple requests and gradually expand your usage as you gain confidence in the process.
Your success with the Private Load Board depends on approaching it as a relationship-building tool rather than just a transaction platform. Focus on finding quality partners who can support your long-term transportation needs.