Choosing the right load board can make all the difference for trucking businesses and carriers. That's why load boards have become indispensable tools in the industry. Finding reliable and consistent loads is crucial for maximizing profits and keeping your trucks on the road.
In this article, we will explore the top 5 load boards in the United States in 2024 and highlight their features, benefits, and pricing, to help you choose the best option for your business. These load boards are TruckStop, DAT, 123 Load board, Direct Freight, and Trucker Path.
What are Load Boards?
Load boards are online platforms that connect shippers and freight brokers with carriers and trucking companies. They provide real-time access to available loads, helping to reduce empty miles and improve operational efficiency. Load boards can be public or private, and they often come with various features and subscription options.
Benefits of Using Load Boards
Using a load board can provide numerous advantages for your trucking business:
- Increased Efficiency: Load boards help reduce empty miles by allowing you to find backhauls and reload quickly. This means more consistent work and better utilization of your fleet.
- Access to a Larger Network: With a load board, you can connect with a vast network of shippers and freight brokers across the country. This increases your chances of finding suitable loads and establishing long-term partnerships.
- Real-Time Updates and Flexibility: Load boards offer real-time updates on available loads and trucks, allowing you to respond quickly to opportunities and adjust your plans as needed.
- Financial Benefits and Cost Savings: By optimizing your load matches and reducing empty miles, you can save on fuel costs and increase your overall revenue. Additionally, some load boards offer tools like credit checks and fuel advances that can further enhance your financial management.
Criteria for Selecting the Top Load Boards
When choosing a load board, consider the following criteria to ensure you select the best option for your needs:
- User Interface and Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface makes it easier to search for and post loads, manage your profile, and navigate the platform. Look for load boards that offer intuitive and well-designed interfaces.
- Volume of Available Loads: The number of available loads is a critical factor. Higher volume load boards provide more opportunities to find suitable freight quickly.
- Subscription Costs and Payment Options: Evaluate the cost of subscriptions and whether they fit your budget. Some load boards offer different pricing tiers with varying features, so choose one that aligns with your needs and financial capabilities.
- Additional Features: Consider any additional features that the load board offers, such as credit checks, fuel advances, mobile app availability, and integration with Transportation Management Systems (TMS). These features can add significant value to your operations if you don't already have them.
- Customer Support and Service Quality: Reliable customer support can be a lifesaver when you encounter issues. Look for load boards with good reputations for customer service and support.
Top 5 Load Boards
Truckstop
Truckstop is a comprehensive load board founded in 1995 in New Plymouth, Ohio. It offers a wide range of tools and features for freight matching, including advanced search options and real-time updates. Over its three decades of operation, Truckstop has built a trusted network that truckers and carriers can rely on to keep moving forward—and Summar is proud to be part of that network.
| PROS |
CONS |
- Extensive load and truck listings.
- Load searching with advanced filtering.
- Detailed rate insights and analytics.
- Broker and carrier credit reports.
- User-friendly interface.
- Book It Now feature for quick bookings.
- Robust mobile app.
- Strong customer support.
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- It can be more expensive than other load boards.
- Some features may be overwhelming for new users.
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Pricing Details
- Basic: $39/month.
- Advanced: $125/month.
- Pro: $149/month.
- Free trials are available.
Dial-A-Truck (DAT)
Dial-A-Truck (DAT) began in 1978 in Portland, Oregon, and has since become the most popular and diversified truck load board in the United States. Originating from the Jubitz truck stop, DAT now posts over 887,000 new loads daily. Its suite of services includes:
- DAT Power
- DAT Express
- DAT TruckersEdge (Standard, Enhanced, and Professional plans)
- DAT MembersEdge for OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association)
| PROS |
CONS |
- Large volume of available loads.
- Reliable market rate information.
- Credit scores and reviews
- User-friendly interface.
- Mobile App
- Strong reputation
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- Higher subscription costs compared to other competitors.
- Big learning curve for new users.
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Pricing Details
- DAT Power: $149/month (Basic), $235/month (Enhanced), $360/month (Professional).
- DAT TruckersEdge: $39.95/month (Standard), $125/month (Advanced).
- Free trials are available.
Check out our article: Simple Tips To Improve Your Negotiation Skills With Freight Brokers.
123Loadboard
123Loadboard is known for its affordability and ease of use. It offers a variety of tools to help carriers and truckers find loads and manage their operations efficiently.
| PROS |
CONS |
- Load searching with advanced filtering.
- Rate check and comparison tools.
- Broker credit scores and reviews.
- Affordable pricing.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Useful additional tools (e.g., load planner, document management).
- Reliable mobile app.
- Load planner and routing tools.
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- Smaller load volume compared to larger boards.
- Limited advanced features.
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Pricing Details
- Standard: $35/month.
- Premium: $45/month.
- Premium Plus: $55/month.
- Free trials are available.
Direct Freight
Established in 1997, Direct Freight offers a 15-day free trial for new subscribers and access to over 300,000 loads daily. It features an easy-to-read Available Loads Map, providing real-time listings for carriers, owner-operators, shippers, and brokers.
Direct Freight offers a user-friendly load board focusing on simplicity and efficiency. It provides essential tools for finding and posting loads and trucks.
| PROS |
CONS |
- Affordable pricing.
- Easy-to-use and straightforward interface.
- Broker and carrier credit reports.
- Reliable alerts for new loads.
- Mobile app.
- Load posting capabilities.
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- Smaller load volume compared to top-tier boards.
- Limited advanced features.
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Pricing Details
- Basic: $34.95/month.
- Premium: $44.95/month.
- Free trials are available.
Trucker Path
Trucker Path is another leading load board known for its popular truck driver app. This platform offers access to loads along with GPS tracking, digitized document services, and a community of over 600,000 US truck drivers and 100,000 freight carriers.
| PROS |
CONS |
- Load and truck searching with filters.
- Comprehensive mobile app.
- Useful additional tools (e.g., truck stop locator, navigation).
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Community-driven reviews and ratings.
- Navigation and routing tools.
- Fuel price comparison.
- Broker credit reports.
- Mobile app with real-time updates.
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- Smaller load volume compared to larger boards.
- Some features require a premium subscription.
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Pricing Details
- Free: Basic features.
- Premium: $19.99/month or $199.99/year.
- Free trials are available.
How to Choose the Right Load Board for Your Needs
Choosing the right load board for your trucking business depends on several factors. Start by assessing your specific needs and goals. For instance, if you prioritize a large volume of loads and reliable rate information, DAT Load Board might be the best option. If affordability and ease of use are more important, 123Loadboard could be a better fit. Compare the features and pricing of each load board and consider user reviews and testimonials to gauge overall satisfaction. It's also beneficial to take advantage of free trials or lower-tier plans to test the platforms before committing to a subscription.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Load Boards
To get the most out of your chosen load board, take the time to understand the platform and familiarize yourself with its offerings and features. Consider the following tips to make the most of it:
- Regularly Update Your Profile and Preferences: Ensure your profile is complete and up-to-date, including your lanes, equipment, and availability. This helps improve your visibility and relevance in search results.
- Use Mobile Apps for Real-Time Updates: Most load boards offer mobile apps that provide real-time updates and notifications. Utilize these apps to stay informed and respond quickly to new load opportunities.
- Leverage Additional Features: Take advantage of features like credit checks, fuel advances, and rate comparison tools to enhance your operations and financial management.
- Network with Other Users: Building relationships with shippers, brokers, and other carriers can lead to more consistent and reliable load opportunities. Engage with the community and establish connections.
Load Boards and Freight Factoring
Freight factoring can be a valuable financial tool for trucking businesses complementary to the automation Load Boards provides in finding freight loads. Freight factoring involves selling your invoices to a factoring company at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. This will help your business secure the cash flow necessary to keep your business running. It'll allow you to cover operational expenses like fuel, maintenance, and payroll without waiting for shippers or brokers to pay.
Summar Financial offers tailored freight factoring services that provide quick and reliable funding, helping you maintain financial stability and focus on growing your business. Apply to Summar Freight Factoring to get paid quickly and securely. Contact us today!
By integrating load boards with effective freight factoring, your trucking business can thrive. Stay ahead in 2024 by choosing the right tools and partners to streamline your operations.