Top 5 Load Boards For Trucking Business Owners

Finding reliable and profitable loads is the backbone of a steady cash flow for trucking businesses. Load boards are essential tools that help carriers connect with shippers and brokers to find loads.

With so many load board options on the market, it can feel overwhelming to choose the best fit for your business. Our team, along with insights from our customers, compiled a list of the top five load boards to help you find and book the best loads for your truck.

1. DAT Load Board
   DAT is one of the most well-known and widely used load board in the industry. Its platform provides access to millions of loads posted daily through various data outlets, like DAT TruckersEdge and DAT Power.
   
   Pros:

• • Extensive network and high volume of loads.
  • Provides market insights and rate forecasting.
  • Includes multiple features like fuel price updates and credit scores for shippers and brokers.

             Cons:

• • Higher cost compared to some other load boards.
  • Can be overwhelming for new users due to the number of options.

           Cost: Ranges from $45 to $299 per month, depending on the plan and features selected.

2. Truckstop.com
   Truckstop.com is another leading load board in the trucking industry. Truckstop.com offers load matching technology that allows carriers to filter loads based on specific criteria like lane preferences, equipment type, and rate expectations.
   
   Pros:

• • Load filtering tools.
  • Broker verification to ensure reputable shippers.
  • Real-time updates on loads and rates.

             Cons:

• • Some users report occasional delays in load updates.
  • Additional features can increase subscription costs.

           Cost: Starts at $42 for basic services and goes up to $159 per month for premium features.

3. 123Loadboard
   123Loadboard is an affordable option that still provides a variety set of features, making it a cost-effective solution for owner-operators and small fleet owners.
   
   Pros:

• • Affordable pricing.
  • Real-time load updates and alerts.
  • Access to credit score information.

             Cons:

• • Some advanced features are only available with higher-tier subscriptions.
  • Smaller load pool compared to DAT or Truckstop.

         Cost: Starts at $39 per month, with higher plans offering more features.

4. Direct Freight
   Direct Freight is known for its user-friendly interface. The platform offers tools like email load alerts, deadhead miles calculation, and credit reports on shippers.
   
   Pros:

• • Simple, easy-to-navigate interface.
  • Credit scores and shipper reviews.
  • Competitive pricing.

            Cons:

• • Limited additional tools compared to other load boards.
  • Fewer loads than DAT or Truckstop.

           Cost: Offers free accounts, but premium account prices start at $34.95 per month.

5. Convoy
   Convoy is a free load board that offers an app for searching and booking loads instantly.
   
   Pros:

• • Instant load booking and transparent pricing.
  • Mobile app with real-time load updates.
  • Fast payments and reduced empty miles.

            Cons: 

• • Smaller load pool compared to traditional load boards.
  • Primarily geared towards digital users.

         Cost: Convoy is free to use for carriers.

Choosing the right load board is key to securing consistent and profitable loads for your trucking business.