Load Board
Also known as: Freight Board, Freight Marketplace, Load Matching
Definition
Load boards connect shippers with available trucking capacity. Brokers and shippers post loads, carriers search for freight that matches their routes—it’s the “spot market” of trucking.
Major Load Boards
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| DAT | Largest, most established |
| Truckstop.com | Full-service platform |
| 123Loadboard | Lower cost option |
| Uber Freight | App-based, growing |
| Convoy | Digital freight network |
How Load Boards Work
For shippers/brokers:
- Post load details (origin, destination, weight)
- Set rate or request quotes
- Receive carrier interest
- Verify carrier and book
For carriers:
- Search by lane, equipment, date
- Filter by rate, distance
- Contact poster
- Negotiate and accept
Load Board Information
Typical posting includes:
- Pickup/delivery locations
- Date and time requirements
- Equipment type needed
- Weight and dimensions
- Rate (posted or negotiable)
- Contact information
Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits:
- Find capacity quickly
- Fill empty trucks
- Price transparency
- Wide market access
Drawbacks:
- Spot rates fluctuate
- Quality varies
- Relationship-free
- Competition on price
Load Board Tips
- Verify carrier authority
- Check safety ratings
- Use rate data for benchmarking
- Build relationships from good matches
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