How to Choose the Right Load Boards in an Oversaturated Market

If you run a trucking business (or are thinking about it), you’ll quickly hear about “load boards.” But with so many out there, how do you know which ones are best for YOU? Let’s make it super easy — so clear a 7th grader could get it — and help you pick the right board to keep those wheels rolling and profits climbing!

What is a Load Board?

A load board is an online tool, like a website or app, where truck drivers and trucking companies can find shipping jobs, and shippers can post loads that need to be hauled. Imagine it like a giant “help wanted” bulletin board, but online—anyone looking to move goods by truck can find or post work there.

Why Are There So Many Load Boards?

There are lots of load boards out there because:

• Trucking is a huge business in many countries.
• Shippers want their goods to move quickly.
• Truck drivers want steady, reliable work.

With so much competition, you might feel overwhelmed by too many choices—this is called an oversaturated market.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Load Board

1. Load Volume

• Why it matters: More loads mean more options and more chances to make money.
• Look for boards that post a high number of loads daily, especially in your preferred lanes (routes).
• Pro Tip: Check how frequently loads are updated. Stale or already-booked loads waste time.

2. Load Quality

• Not all loads are equal — it’s not just about quantity.
• Ask:
• Are the loads posted by reputable brokers and shippers?
• Do they pay well and fairly for the haul?
• Are there broker or shipper ratings/reviews?
• Avoid:
• Loads with low pay
• Brokers with bad reputations
• Loads that sound too good to be true

3. Ease of Use

• A good load board should be simple, fast, and intuitive.
• Look for:
• Mobile-friendly apps/websites
• Fast load search with minimal clicks
• Clear layout and intuitive design
• Features like posting your truck easily

4. Advanced Search Filters & Real-Time Alerts

• Essential to help you find what you need fast.
• Make sure the board allows you to filter by:
• Trailer type (reefer, flatbed, dry van)
• Weight
• Origin/destination
• Rate per mile
• Bonus: Boards that send real-time alerts when loads matching your profile get posted.

5. Rate Information & Tools

• A board should help you understand what a fair rate is.
• Must-have features:
• Average rate per mile for lanes
• Rate comparison tools (e.g., DAT RateView, FreightWaves SONAR)
• Historical pricing trends
• Helps with negotiation and knowing what to charge or accept.

6. Reputation & Trustworthiness

• Only work with trusted, widely-used load boards.
• What to do:
• Read online reviews
• Ask experienced drivers
• Join trucking forums or Facebook groups to see real opinions
• Avoid boards with:
• Reports of scams or fake loads
• No support when problems arise

7. Broker Credit Checks & Safety Tools

• Avoid chasing payments by booking only with verified brokers.
• Look for boards that provide:
• Broker credit scores
• Days-to-pay history
• Dispute resolution support
• This ensures you get paid on time and avoid fraud.

8. Cost vs. Value

• Don’t just go for free — evaluate what you’re getting.
• Free Load Boards: Good for beginners, but often crowded or low-paying.
• Paid Load Boards: ($30–$50/month or more)
• Offer better-paying loads
• More reliable brokers
• Access to premium tools like rate data, alerts, and credit reports
• Pro Tip: Try free trials before committing.

9. Type of Loads & Route Compatibility

• Choose a board that matches your business model:
• Truck type: Flatbed, reefer, dry van, etc.
• Route: Local, regional, long-haul
• Distance preference: Short hauls vs. cross-country trips
• If you mostly haul in the Midwest or Texas, pick a board strong in those regions.

10. Avoiding Scams

• Red flags to watch for:
• Loads that pay much more than the average rate
• No contact information for the shipper
• Brokers with no credit history or unknown MC numbers
• Stick to well-known and verified platforms like:
• DAT Freight & Analytics
• Truckstop.com
• 123Loadboard
• Rand McNally Load Planner

11. Extra Features & Tools

• Value-added tools can save time and money:
• GPS load tracking
• Fuel cost calculators or discounts
• Mobile apps with instant alerts
• Post your truck feature
• Load planning & map integration
• Customer/broker chat options
• Choose tools that fit your workflow and help you operate more efficiently.

12. Trial Options & Flexibility

• Many paid boards offer a free trial period — take advantage of this.
• Use the trial to:
• Test the quality and volume of loads
• Explore user features
• Evaluate customer support response
• If it doesn’t work, move on before committing money.

Top Load Boards to Consider in 2025

Always try out boards using the free trial if possible before paying.

3 Extra Tips for Picking YOUR Best Load Board

• Don’t Sign Up Everywhere: Too many boards = confusion and wasted time. Try two or three to start.
• Look Past the Costs: Sometimes paying $40/month brings you $200 more in income. Value matters more than price!
• Check for Scams: Avoid loads from brokers without credit history, with weirdly high payouts, or missing contact details.

Action Plan (Even for Beginners!)

1. Pick 2–3 boards from the list above.
2. Make free accounts, search for loads in your area, and test the filters and alerts.
3. Track what works: Note which boards give the best loads, prices, and support.
4. Compare results after a week or two and choose your favorite(s) to stick with.

Efficiency = Profitability

The perfect load board:

• Saves you time
• Helps you earn more
• Connects you with good brokers and shippers
• Makes your business run smoother

Keep testing, learning, and upgrading your tools — and your trucking business will go the distance!

Remember: Just like finding good roads, finding the best load board is about using smart shortcuts. Let technology and trusted info help you earn more — and worry less!