Good luck Lucas, I know the feeling all too well, hope you find some regular work soon. I’m not sure what to say other than keep plugging away. Some great advice above. My situation is slightly different in that I have some ‘own account’ work I suppose, which is busy at times but not very regular so I’ve had to fill in the gaps. Like yourself I struggled to get any work with direct approach. I have been able to use contacts from a previous life to get some good, interesting work but it’s only a couple of loads a month. A few jobs picked up from Shiply etc have led to a few more, often ‘nice little numbers’! My wagon and trailers are maintained by a haulier’s workshop and I sub for them on an ad-hoc basis and have got them out of trouble a few times, in return if I’ve had issues with my unit or needed another trailer they have always sorted me a loan.
A year ago I was wondering WTF I was doing but things got better and I had a great November and December. I’ve not been anywhere this week, eased myself in and done some jobs on my trailers ready for a busy few weeks ahead.