The Ultimate Guide to Load Boards
Learn everything you need to know about freight boards and how they can help your business
Top 5 U.S. Load Board Companies Compared
Looking for the best freight board for your business? Check out our definitive comparison before making your decision.
Load boards are the perfect way for carriers, brokers, and shippers to connect. They offer a vast array of freight opportunities and can make all the difference when it comes to your profitability.
But with so many load boards out there, how do you know which is best for you? Well, we’ve got you covered with this handy guide where we’ll compare five of the best load boards in the U.S. Then, when it comes time to make your decision, you’ll be better informed on who is the best fit for you.
What is a Load Board?
A load board, also known as a freight board, is an online marketplace where brokers, shippers, and carriers connect to post, find, and book freight. They’re accessible through websites, mobile apps, or transportation management systems (TMS) that centralize key information such as load details and availability. These platforms help carriers maximize trailer capacity, reduce downtime, and improve route efficiency.
Access to a Wide Range of Freight Opportunities
Using a load board grants you immediate access to a huge pool of freight. Whether you’re heading cross-country or staying local, there are thousands of opportunities available daily, just waiting for you to snap them up. With the ability to easily filter by vehicle type, location, cargo, and price, you can quickly filter out freight that doesn’t meet your needs and focus on the ones that are going to turn you a profit.
Real-Time Updates for Smarter Scheduling
Modern load boards offer real-time freight updates, including new postings, cancellations, and rate changes. Because you receive this info as it happens, you can make quick, informed decisions and adjust your schedule on the fly to take on new opportunities. This keeps you agile and profitable even if your plans change at the last second.
Improved Broker-Carrier Communication
Clear, quick communication is crucial in freight logistics. Load boards often include messaging tools or broker contact info right in the listing, so you can get answers, negotiate rates, or confirm details instantly. Streamlining this communication reduces delays and creates a digital paper trail for evidence should disagreements arise.
Cost Savings
Because all parties can connect directly through the load board, this eliminates the need for middlemen and their fees. Some listings are also set up like an auction, allowing you to bid and negotiate to get the best deal possible. This transparency allows you to focus on jobs that are more profitable, improving your margins and saving you from pursuing dead ends.
Faster Load Matching
Before load boards, finding a solid freight match was a grind. Now, with advanced filters—lane, trailer type, weight, origin, destination, and rate—it’s faster and easier than ever.
Matching algorithms take the guesswork out of the process and connect you with ideal jobs quickly. The result? Less time searching, more time hauling, and smarter use of your time and equipment.
Scalable Growth for Everyone
No matter what your role is in the freight chain, load boards are scalable along your operations. For shippers and brokers, you get access to a huge network of verified carriers year-round, even during seasonal spikes. For carriers and owner-operators, you can book jobs when and where you need them, fueling steady growth and helping you scale your business.
Ideal for New Trucking Businesses
If you’re just getting started, then load boards are the perfect way to start getting work. Instead of cold calling and unopened email chains, just create a profile and start browsing. It’s really that simple, allowing newcomers to get their foot in the door, build a reputation, and start forming relationships with minimal work.
Saves Time on Outreach and Negotiation
When it comes to your business, time really is money, and load boards help you save both. Instead of spending hours searching, reaching out, and negotiating, you can now do this with just a few pushes of a button, reclaiming multiple hours each week. Many platforms even offer instant booking or digital rate tools, so you skip the endless back-and-forth and secure loads faster.
Tools and Integrations
Modern load boards will often come with built-in tools like fuel calculators, credit checks, performance tracking, rate benchmarks, and document upload portals for BOLs and PODs. Many also integrate with TMS, compliance, or accounting software, so you can streamline your operations, saving you countless hours.
24/7 Access from Anywhere
Whether you’re on the road, in the office, or at a rest stop, load boards are accessible 24/7. With mobile apps, web platforms, and TMS integrations, you can manage loads on your schedule around the clock. That flexibility is essential for long-haul drivers and dispatchers managing last-minute changes or urgent shipments.
Top 5 Freight Load Boards Compared: Our Verdict
Before we begin, we need to make it clear that this isn’t a ranking table. More so, a comparison with an overview of each provider and what they can offer. That way, when it’s time to make a decision, you’ll have a more objective understanding of what they can do for your business.
| Provider | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| DAT One | Large fleets, dispatchers, and advanced analytics | Largest load board, rate analytics, TriHaul planning, credit checks, all-in-one app |
| Truckstop.com | Carriers wanting strong features & broker network | Instant booking, load management, map tools, custom boards by role, flexible pricing |
| 123Loadboard | Owner-operators & small fleets on a budget | No contracts, broker scores, backhaul tools, instant load alerts |
| TQL Carrier Dashboard | Businesses needing cross-border or multi-freight modes | Multi-mode freight, "Book it Now", live tracking, large network |
| Amazon Relay | Carriers of all sizes seeking Amazon freight | Spot loads, short-term contracts, “Post a Truck”, real-time updates, consistent work |
DAT One
Best for large fleets, dispatchers, and carriers needing high volume and advanced analytics.
- Pros
- Easy to use and navigate, even for first-time users
- Large load and carrier database with reliable matching tools
- Strong market rate tools and broker credit checks
- Mobile app combines 15 tools for convenience and advanced use
- Responsive support and onboarding for new users
- Cons
- Some listings may be outdated
- Pricing can be high for those on a tight budget
- Certain features require higher-tier plans (e.g., rate analytics)
- Mobile app combines 15 tools for convenience and advanced use May not have full rate transparency in all regions or load types
Starting things today, we have DAT One from DAT Freight & Analytics, which operates North America’s largest on-demand freight marketplace. After forming in 1978 (as the less-catchy Dial-A-Truck), DAT actually created the first-ever digital load board, and some may say the original is always the best. Since then, they have gone on to dominate the market, supporting hundreds of thousands of transportation professionals each month, offering real-time access to loads, trucks, fuel prices, and rate data.
Why Choose DAT?
Industry-Leading Load Board Size: They’re the original load board and comfortably the largest in North America. This has led them to gain the trust of 100,000s of monthly users and offer unmatched access to loads and carriers. The sheer size of their user base gives you access to a larger number of fleets at a faster speed.
All-in-One Mobile App: All good load boards should have a world-class mobile app so you can match freight no matter where you are. The DAT One mobile app combines 15 essential tools in a single, user-friendly platform, allowing you to find loads, check fuel prices, plan routes, and manage compliance all in one place.
Actionable Market Intelligence: Because they facilitate $150 billion worth of transactions annually, DAT is bound to have a fair bit of data at its disposal, and it’s all there to benefit you. With just a few pushes of a button, you can check average spot rates by lane and compare trends, allowing you to negotiate with confidence and find the best deal for you.
Custom Solutions for All Fleet Sizes: Whether you’re a single owner-operator or managing a large fleet, DAT offers scalable subscription plans to match your operation’s unique size and business needs.
Trusted Partner Network: Every broker and carrier on the DAT network is subject to background checks and credit monitoring. This offers you an overall better quality of work, improved safety, and helps you avoid any shady characters asking you to carry a mysterious package across state lines.
Truckstop.com
Best for carriers seeking a strong all-around load board with a good mix of features and broker network access.
- Pros
- User‑friendly interface
- Effective load management features with a variety of loads
- Strong search functionality and carrier‑matching capability
- Navigation is generally smooth, helped with map/search tools
- Cons
- Some users believe essential tools are lacking
- Some loads/posts don’t reflect true pricing
- Reports of account lockouts, authentication problems
- Sometimes shows multiple listings for the same load or duplicates
Tracing its roots back to 1995, TruckStop built a load board with two core principles in mind: trust and innovation. From day one, they have taken pride in being a dependable and trustworthy ally for carriers, brokers, and shippers. With over three decades of experience, Truckstop has grown into a comprehensive freight‑market platform without ever losing sight of what drove its growth in the first place.
Why Choose Truckstop.com?
Established Industry Leader: With a legacy dating back to 1995, Truckstop has over 30 years’ worth of freight matchmaking experience. Their large network, deep understanding of what their clients want, and constant innovation help you connect faster.
Comprehensive Load Board Features: With just a few clicks of your mouse or taps of your phone screen, you can easily find loads, post trucks, access real‑time search and route tools, helping to reduce empty miles via backhaul searches. Their “Book it now” feature allows you to instantly book jobs without having to go through phone calls or negotiations.
Tailored Solutions for Carriers and Brokers: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. Whether you’re a carrier, broker, or dual-authority operation, Truckstop offers unique load boards tailored to these specific roles.
Market & Rate Insights: The platform provides in-depth rate data, broker performance metrics, fuel‑cost tools, and instant booking features to help you book quicker and smarter.
Flexible Pricing Tiers: Truckstop offers multiple subscription levels: Basic, Advanced, and Pro. This flexibility allows you to choose a plan that suits your needs and budget, rather than overpaying for a subscription that includes redundant features.
123Loadboard
Best for owner‑operators or small fleets who want an affordable, user‑friendly load board.
- Pros
- Easy to use and navigate, even for beginners
- Affordable pricing structure, making it perfect for all budget sizes
- Helpful and responsive customer support
- Easily filter and sort results effectively, helping narrow down matches
- Cons
- Fewer load listings compared to competitors
- Some users report bugs or performance issues in the mobile app
- Some listings may be outdated or lead to dead ends
- Some users report that fewer brokers or larger carriers are active on the board
Since its founding in 2004, 123Loadboard has committed itself to offering “innovative and affordable solutions with unparalleled support.” This has helped countless carriers, owner‑operators, brokers, and shippers of all sizes across North America find the right freight for them and grow their revenues. Mileage and routing calculators, as well as credit scoring for brokers and shippers, come as standard, giving you a platform that combines trust, efficiency, and cost‑effectiveness.
Why Choose 123Loadboard?
Unlimited Access with Transparent Pricing: 123Loadboard offers membership plans that are billed monthly, with no long‑term contracts. This provides an unmatched level of flexibility, allowing you to pause when you’re too busy and come back during slower periods without expensive cancellation/sign-on fees and paying for inactive months.
Broker Credit Reports and Days-to-Pay Info: All brokers’ credit ratings and payment histories are transparent, so you have peace of mind knowing that anyone you match with is reliable and trustworthy.
Quick Posting and Integration: Whether you’re a broker or shipper, 123Loadboard supports multiple posting methods (API, FTP, email) and a large member base looking for loads/trucks. This enhances your visibility and match rate, improving the overall platform experience.
Mobile app and Backhaul Tools: Carriers and owner-operators can use the mobile app to locate loads on the go, map backhauls, manage compliance, and reduce downtime with more intelligent routing.
Real-Time Load Alerts: Receive instant notifications for loads that match your preferences, so you always stay one step ahead of the competition.
TQL Carrier Dashboard
Best for businesses that want to ship outside of the U.S. border
- Pros
- Access to over 70,000 jobs each week
- Free to use
- Wide geographical and cross‑border reach (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
- Range of freight opportunities available, including air and sea
- Cons
- Access to over 70,000 jobs each week Some users report that the level of service for smaller or niche clients may not match the very top tier
- Lower box truck rates
- Inconsistent broker responses
TQL is one of North America’s leading freight brokerage and third‑party logistics firms, founded in 1997. Their Carrier Dashboard is their dedicated load board that offers users full‑truckload, less‑than‑truckload, intermodal, drayage, air & ocean freight opportunities. Since their inception, they’ve continued to grow and innovate with their core ethos at everything they do: “Do it right, every time.”
Why Choose TQL Carrier Dashboard?
Comprehensive Freight Solutions: TQL offers a full suite of services, including full truckload (FTL), LTL, intermodal, air/ocean, and drop‑trailer logistics. The sheer number of freight types on offer makes them the perfect one-stop shop for overseeing a complex supply chain or those wanting to ship internationally.
“Book it Now” Feature: Don’t waste time calling companies to see if they have any work going. View rates, select lanes, and book it right there and then with the push of a button.
Cross‑Border Capability: TQL supports shipments not only in the U.S. but also in Canada and Mexico. This gives you access to networks north and south of the border, making cross-country shipments easier than ever.
Live Tracking Tools: Get pickup and delivery addresses, directions, and stop information, and track loads, all visible through a dedicated map, available on both the web portal and mobile app.
Large Carrier Network & Load Volume: With one of the largest carrier pools and a high annual load count (millions of shipments), TQL grants you access to a huge market of over 70,000 opportunities per week.
Amazon Relay
Best for carriers and trucking companies (owner‑operators, small fleets, and mid‑sized fleets) looking for a high‑volume load board with free access.
- Pros
- Free to use
- Post A Truck feature that sources freight for you automatically
- Access to Amazon’s large freight network, with thousands of daily loads
- User-friendly mobile tools for check-ins, document uploads, and scheduling
- Consistent work available for predictable forecasting
- Cons
- Lower rates than traditional brokers or other load boards
- Strict requirements for onboarding
- Limited to Amazon freight only
- User-friendly mobile tools for check-ins, document uploads, and scheduling Strict performance expectations that, if not met, can impact access to better freight
And rounding off our list today, we’ve got Amazon’s very own load board, Amazon Relay. Relay is designed for fleets of all shapes and sizes and helps them connect with Amazon’s huge freight network. Whether it’s short-term deliveries or long-term, consistent contracts, whatever you need, Relay can help, and it’s completely free to use.
Why Choose Amazon Relay?
Direct Access to Amazon Freight: Amazon has a huge, global logistics network, and Relay lets you tap into it. The number of opportunities available is countless and just waiting to be snapped up by you.
Multiple Booking Options: Relay supports spot loads, short-term contracts, and a “Post A Truck” feature, which allows you to post your truck in advance and let Amazon automatically match you with suitable freight. This flexibility gives you greater ability to choose the type of work that fits your schedule.
Free Load Board Access: Unlike many other platforms, the Amazon Relay load board is free to use. No sign-up fees, no monthly subscriptions, no long-term contracts. Dip in and out when your demand requires the extra work at no cost to yourself.
Mobile-Friendly Operations: Relay’s mobile app allows for streamlined check-ins, document uploads, and real-time updates, ensuring smoother workflows, faster processing, and more time on the road, making you money.
Contract Opportunities for Steady Work: Amazon offers short-term contracts that provide predictable routes and steady income, which is particularly useful if you’re looking for consistent work.
How to Choose the Right Load Board
Free vs. Paid Load Boards
Free load boards are a great entry point for newcomers because they allow you to test the waters and see what these platforms are all about without forking out on upfront costs. Typically, they will come with all the essentials like load searching and posting.
If you’re looking for something a bit more advanced, however, you’ll likely have to pay. Paid load boards’ features will typically include real-time updates, broker credit checks, rate negotiation tools, stronger security, and TMS integrations. You’ll also often find higher-quality freight on these platforms, so if your budget allows it, it could be worth paying.
Load Volume and Quality
The true value of a load board lies in the freight it delivers. High volume gives you your pick of the bunch on a daily basis, with a wide range of criteria. Equipment type, preferred lanes, schedules, and locations; you name it!
But quantity is worthless without quality. You want live freight that pays well, not expired, duplicated, or sketchy listings that make you peanuts. Find a board that updates in real-time or at least at 60-second intervals to avoid wasting time scrolling through dead listings.
User Reviews and Reputation
Before committing, check out user reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, Google, and industry-specific forums like TruckersReport. These offer you the pros, cons, and insights not showcased on their marketing materials, from real-world customers.
If you see one or two bad reviews, that’s expected. But if you notice the same thing popping up over and over again, then this is probably a true reflection of what the platform offers and should be taken very seriously.
Ease of Use
Even the best platform on the market is useless if you can’t use it properly. Look for a clean, intuitive interface where you can post, search, and book loads with minimal hassle.
Top platforms will have helpful resources like video walkthroughs, tooltips, or a support hub to help with onboarding. Even better if they offer a free trial so you can get some hands-on experience before committing.
Mobile App Features
In today’s fast-paced freight game, mobile access is non-negotiable. The load board app should mirror the desktop’s functionality and include fast load times, push notifications, and easy messaging built in. Other features to be on the lookout for include route planning, instant booking, in-app bidding, and cost calculators.
Advanced Tools and Extras
Look for tools like lane analytics, rate benchmarks, and real-time market data to help you price jobs accurately and attract solid offers. Planning tools reduce empty miles, while document uploads simplify admin by letting you submit PODs, rate confirmations, or receipts directly. Some platforms even sync with fuel discounts, factoring services, or GPS tracking, creating an all-in-one logistics hub.
How to Sign Up For a Load Board
At Commercial Experts, we’ve made it our mission to help American businesses like yours find the best freight board for their business, and we’d love for you to be our next success story!
All you have to do is tap the button on this page and answer a few questions about your business. Then, based on your responses, you will receive a range of load board quotes tailored to your specific needs.
All quotes are 100% free and non-committal, so what are you waiting for? Tap the button below and get comparing now!
FAQs
How do load boards work?
Load boards connect shippers and freight brokers with carriers. Carriers browse posted loads and contact brokers to negotiate rates and details. These platforms streamline freight matching to reduce empty miles and increase efficiency in freight transportation.
Which load board is best?
DAT is widely considered the best load board due to its extensive network, real-time data, and features like rate tools and market analytics. However, every load board has its own pros and cons, and some will be more suited to your business than others.
How much does DAT’s load board cost?
DAT offers three pricing tiers: DAT One Standard at $55/month, DAT One Enhanced at $85/month, and DAT One Pro at $150/month. Each tier includes additional features, with Pro offering advanced tools like market rate data and forecasting.
What load boards are free?
Free load boards include Amazon Relay and TQL’s Carrier Dashboard. Amazon Relay is designed for carriers hauling Amazon freight, while TQL provides a free platform for carriers to access loads posted by its brokerage network.
How can I sign up for a load board?
Just tap the button on this page and answer a few questions about your business. Then, based on your answers, you’ll receive a range of tailored quotes to meet your specific needs. This is a completely free service with no obligation to commit, so just tap below and get comparing now!
