Free Shipper Call Starter Kit
THE FIRST CALL • FREE RESOURCE
Make your next shipper call with a clear plan.
A practical starting point for carriers and owner-operators: a sample opening script, five discovery questions, and a simple call tracker.
You can also read and print the complete kit below without signing up. No purchase is required.
Read & print the Starter Kit
THE FIRST CALL
Your First Shipper Call Starter Kit
Welcome! Use this kit to prepare for a real conversation with a potential shipper. You do not need a perfect pitch. Start with a relevant question, listen, and agree on a next step.
1. A simple opening script
“Hi, my name is [name] with [carrier/company]. We operate [equipment] in [lanes/region]. Who handles transportation or carrier onboarding for your outbound freight?”
When you reach the right person: “We serve [specific lane/region]. I’m calling to learn whether you work directly with carriers and what your onboarding process looks like. Is now a good time for two quick questions?”
Replace every bracket with accurate information. Only describe equipment, authority, insurance, lanes, and availability you actually have. If it is not a good time, ask when to follow up.
2. Five discovery questions
- Do you work directly with carriers or owner-operators, and who manages those relationships?
- Which origin and destination lanes do you ship regularly?
- What equipment, handling, or appointment requirements should a carrier know about?
- What does your carrier qualification and onboarding process require?
- When would it be useful for me to follow up, and what information should I send?
3. Your call tracker
Copy this entry into a notebook or spreadsheet for each company:
Date/time: __________
Shipper/company & location: __________
Contact name/title & business contact: __________
Source / date verified: __________
Equipment / lanes / requirements: __________
Outcome & notes: __________
Agreed next step: __________
Follow-up date: __________
Do not contact / preference: __________
Your first practice task
Choose three companies that appear to fit your equipment and lanes. Research each one, practice your opening out loud, and record one clear next step after every call. Respect requests not to be contacted.
Bookmark this kit or print it for your desk. Sign up above if you would like follow-up tips from The First Call.
— Aretha
The First Call
Educational guidance only. A prospect is not a confirmed load, contract, or guarantee of income.
Still building your prospect list? Read how to find direct shippers as an owner-operator, then use this kit to prepare your calls.
Choose the support that fits your next step
The First Call e-book — $40 one time: a downloadable guide to researching shippers, reaching decision-makers, and following up.
Community Access — $5.99/month: ongoing resources, scripts, software recommendations, and member discussion.
Free 15-minute mentorship consultation: talk with Aretha about your goals and whether mentorship is a fit.