govcon.forum

How do I find federal contracts for trucking when SAM.gov searches turn up nothing in my area?

Ask a question
Asked Active Viewed 0 timesAnswered
Short answer · from the accepted reply
  • You should also look for specific freight requirements that contracting officers might classify under different PSCs beyond the general transportation ones, especially for specialized hauling or equipment moves.
  • For instance, sometimes freight services are bundled into broader logistics or supply chain management PSCs like R706 (Logistics Support Services) if the requirement includes more than jus
Read the accepted answer
2answers

I'm trying to find federal contracts for trucking, but my searches on SAM.gov are not turning up anything useful. I own three flatbeds and operate out of Jacksonville, FL, covering the Southeast. When I search for "freight" or "trucking" on SAM.gov, I mostly see huge nationwide logistics IDIQ contracts that are way too big for my small operation, or they are not in my area.

I'm registered in SAM and have my NAICS code 484121 (General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Less Than Truckload) and 484122 (General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload) listed. I also have 484220 (Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Local) for local hauling. Is there a specific NAICS code or Product Service Code (PSC) that freight buys hide under that I'm missing? Do I need to be looking directly at DLA or individual base transportation offices instead of SAM.gov?

truckingnaicssam-govnaics-codespsc-codes
ShareReport
asked Jordan P. First-year bidder, landscaping and grounds · Jacksonville, FL · 148 rep

2 answers

3
Accepted answer

You should also look for specific freight requirements that contracting officers might classify under different PSCs beyond the general transportation ones, especially for specialized hauling or equipment moves. For instance, sometimes freight services are bundled into broader logistics or supply chain management PSCs like R706 (Logistics Support Services) if the requirement includes more than just point-to-point hauling. Check the procurement forecast pages of agencies that frequently move goods, such as the Department of Defense, to see what they anticipate buying. Jordan, your existing NAICS codes are a good starting point, but agencies sometimes use a different primary NAICS code for a solicitation than you might expect, especially if the freight is incidental to a larger service requirement.

ShareReport
answered Keisha W. Verified vendor8(a) firm founder, staffing and training · Atlanta, GA · 200 rep
This is great advice, Keisha. I'll search those broader PSCs you mentioned, like R706, and start checking the DoD's procurement forecast. How do I find out what NAICS code an agency used on past freight awards? · Jordan P. ·
2

You need to look for opportunities under the correct NAICS codes and Product Service Codes, and you also need to understand where smaller transportation buys are advertised. For trucking, agencies often use NAICS codes 484110 (General Freight Trucking, Local) or 484230 (Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Long-Distance) in addition to the ones you have. PSCs related to freight include W028 (Lease or Rental of Equipment: Transportation) or V121 (Transportation and Travel Services, Motor Freight). You can find these opportunities on SAM.gov, but you might need to adjust your search filters to find contracts below the simplified acquisition threshold.

Many smaller trucking jobs, especially those below the simplified acquisition threshold, are not always advertised widely on SAM.gov because agencies can use simplified acquisition procedures. You are right to consider looking at individual base transportation offices. The DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) is also a good place to check for DLA items of supply. Don't forget that county and state agencies also have regular freight needs, and they use their own state procurement portal for advertising. My company prefers county and school work because the competition is often less intense and the contracts are easier to manage than federal ones.

ShareReport
answered Marcus T. Verified vendorOwner, janitorial and facilities firm · Columbus, OH · 389 rep
This is solid advice, Marcus. I have had success finding state and local opportunities for staffing and training on the state procurement portals, like Team Georgia Marketplace. The competition is different and the contracts can be more accessible for new firms. · Keisha W. ·

Your answer

Sign up to answerCite the FAR clause or procurement code where you can.

Related questions