8 best load boards for truckers

Trucking is a competitive industry, and it’s usually difficult for start-ups and new owner operators to find loads to transport. Many shippers have developed close relationships with their carriers, and as such, they don’t want to entrust their livelihoods to anyone else, especially strangers. 

Fortunately, newcomers can turn to load boards for truckers when it’s time to locate shipments and build rapport with shippers. This guide will provide useful information regarding the best load boards so that you can decide which ones might benefit your trucking business the most.

Quicklook: Best load boards for truckers

• Best for specialized vehicles or loads: Truckstop
• Best for setting your own rate: uShip
• Best for last-minute loads: Uber Freight – Find Loads
• Best for free load board: TruckSmarter – Find Loads
• Best for expanding companies: Convoy – Find Loads
• Best for cost value: 123Loadboard – Find Loads
• Best for customized features: Direct Freight – Find Loads
• Best for LTL loads: Trucker Path – Find Loads

What is a load board for truckers?

A trucker load board connects shippers to carriers in an online marketplace. Shippers and brokers post their available freight loads in these marketplaces so that carriers can find the loads and then offer to transport them. The majority of these truck load boards allows postings and searches based on specific criteria that match loads with the right carriers.

How does a load board work?

Shippers post available freight as well as the equipment needed (reefer, flatbed, dry van, etc.) to safely move the shipment and any other relevant delivery information. The carrier will then search the trucker load board to find the best option. 

After communicating, the shipper and the carrier will make arrangements to have the shipment picked up and then delivered. That said, there may be negotiations available if the feature is offered on the site or via an app.

Advantages of load boards for truckers

• Load boards provide truckers with access to a wide variety of loads, helping them find opportunities suited to their equipment type and preferred routes.
• They are especially useful for filling empty miles, reducing costs associated with unnecessary travel and fuel consumption.
• New owner operators or small trucking companies can use load boards to establish connections and secure work without needing a pre-existing customer base.
• Real-time updates and notifications help truckers respond quickly to up-to-date opportunities, minimizing downtime.
• Advanced filtering options make it easier for truckers to find the highest-paying loads that align with their schedules and operational preferences.
• Load boards can help truckers build long-term relationships with third-party freight brokers, dispatchers, and direct shippers, potentially leading to consistent, profitable contracts.

Disadvantages of load boards for truckers

• Intense competition on load boards can drive rates down, making it harder to cover costs such as fuel, maintenance, and driver compensation.
• Many loads posted on load boards offer low rates, which may not justify the time and effort involved in transportation.
• Relying solely on load boards can lead to inconsistent work and income, as load availability fluctuates based on seasonality and market conditions.
• Searching for suitable loads and negotiating rates can be time-consuming, reducing efficiency and overall profitability.
• Some load boards charge subscription fees, which add to operational costs without always guaranteeing high-quality opportunities.
• Truck drivers may encounter brokers with poor communication or delayed payments, creating additional financial and logistical challenges.

8 best load boards for truckers

Truck load boards help keep the economy moving by getting the products we need from point A to point B. Here are the boards that are frequently used by truckers looking for their next load. 

Truckstop.com

If you want access to a large quantity of quality loads, this easy-to-use trucking board is the one. It will make it possible for you to see new loads in real time. Truckstop will also let you compare up to ten loads at once so that you can choose the one that works for you. You can even use the app to negotiate directly with brokers. Select from one of the three pricing plans offered by Truckstop and watch your trucking business grow.

Best for: Specialized vehicles or loads

Network size: More than 600,000 load listings

Sort by state: Yes

Unlimited search and posting: Yes

Real-time notifications: Yes, included in the Pro Plan

Company reviews: Yes

View pay cycles: Yes

Company credit score visibility: No, but in-app credit features are available

Special features:

• Reputation of excellence 
• Will help you break into the industry
• Large network

Benefits:

• Hassle-free searching by load type or truck type
• Highly rated
• Fast payment
• Market insights with Pro plan

Disadvantages: Pricing is higher than other load boards

Pricing: Carrier plans start at $42 per user per month for the Basic plan, $135 for Advanced, and $159 for the Pro plan. Broker plans begin at $109 per user per month for Basic, $239 for Pro, and $369 for Premium.

uShip 

If you want control over your freight rates, uShip is an excellent choice for managing your trucking business. This user-friendly platform allows you to set your own rates and negotiate directly with shippers, providing flexibility and autonomy. uShip features a bidding system that helps you secure loads that fit your pricing and schedule. Its innovative app makes it simple to browse loads, communicate with shippers, and finalize deals on the go.

Best for: Setting your own rates and negotiating with shippers

Network size: Hundreds of thousands of shipments annually

Sort by state: Yes

Unlimited search and posting: Yes

Real-time notifications: Yes, included for all users

Company reviews: Yes

View pay cycles: Yes

Company credit score visibility: No

Special features:

• Flexible bidding system
• Direct communication with shippers
• Strong focus on independent carriers

Benefits:

• Allows you to set your own rates
• Great for owner-operators and small carriers
• Easy-to-use app for mobile freight management
• Transparent reviews of shippers and transactions

Disadvantages:

• Competitive bidding process may drive rates down
• Booking fees (match fees) are applied to each shipment
• Limited tools compared to other premium load boards

Pricing: Free to sign up; booking fees apply, ranging from 1% to 15% depending on the shipment type.

Uber Freight

Uber Freight is one of the best platforms available for last-minute loads. Its intuitive mobile app allows carriers to book loads instantly, making it perfect for truckers who need quick and reliable freight options. The platform offers real-time load availability, transparent pricing, and payment within a few days, ensuring efficiency for time-sensitive operations.

Best for: Last-minute loads

Network size: Thousands of shippers and carriers across North America

Sort by state: Yes

Unlimited search and posting: Yes

Real-time notifications: Yes

Company reviews: Yes

View pay cycles: Yes

Company credit score visibility: No

Special features:

• Instant booking without negotiations
• Transparent pricing displayed upfront
• Streamlined app for quick load searching

Benefits:

• Ideal for finding last-minute loads quickly
• Transparent, upfront rates reduce uncertainty
• Payment within 7 days for most loads
• Integrated load tracking for shippers and carriers

Disadvantages:

• Limited negotiation options for rates
• Fewer advanced tools compared to some competitors
• May not offer as many specialized loads

Pricing: Free to sign up; no subscription fees. Uber Freight charges shippers a service fee, while carriers keep the full load payment.

TruckSmarter

For truckers seeking a high-quality load board without subscription fees, TruckSmarter stands out as the best free freight search option. This easy-to-use platform offers access to thousands of loads across North America, with no hidden costs. TruckSmarter combines robust load search tools with free payment management, making it an excellent choice for owner-operators and small fleets looking to maximize profitability.

Best for: Free load board

Network size: Thousands of loads from top freight brokers

Sort by state: Yes

Unlimited search and posting: Yes

Real-time notifications: Yes

Company reviews: Yes

View pay cycles: Yes

Company credit score visibility: Yes

Special features:

• 100% free to use with no subscription fees
• Includes payment management tools
• Access to top broker loads

Benefits:

• Free access to a robust load board
• Transparent broker reviews and credit scores
• Fast payments directly through the platform
• Intuitive design for seamless load searching

Disadvantages:

• May have fewer features than premium paid boards
• Smaller network compared to some competitors
• Lacks advanced routing or rate insights

Pricing: Completely free to use, with no subscription fees or hidden costs.

Convoy

Convoy offers powerful tools and a vast network to help expand operations. This platform connects carriers with high-quality loads from top shippers, providing the consistency and efficiency needed for growth. Convoy simplifies load booking with its app, offers transparent pricing, and includes features like automated reloads, making it an ideal choice for expanding companies.

Best for: Expanding trucking companies

Network size: Thousands of shippers and carriers nationwide

Sort by state: Yes

Unlimited search and posting: Yes

Real-time notifications: Yes

Company reviews: Yes

View pay cycles: Yes

Company credit score visibility: Yes

Special features:

• Automated reloads for back-to-back shipments
• Access to high-volume, consistent loads
• Tools to maximize fleet utilization

Benefits:

• Streamlined app for efficient load booking
• Transparent, upfront pricing to simplify decision-making
• Reduces empty miles with optimized reloads
• Scalable platform ideal for companies adding trucks

Disadvantages:

• Limited options for specialized or niche freight
• Pricing may be less competitive for some loads
• Smaller network compared to some industry leaders

Pricing: Free to use; Convoy takes a service fee from the shipper side, so carriers keep the full load payment.

123Loadboard

For truckers looking for a low-cost load board with robust features, 123Loadboard is an excellent choice. It provides affordable subscription options with access to a wide range of loads, real-time updates, and valuable tools like route optimization and profit calculators. 123Loadboard offers great functionality for a fraction of the cost of many premium platforms, making it ideal for budget-conscious carriers.

Best for: Low-cost access to high-value features

Network size: More than 150,000 loads posted daily

Sort by state: Yes

Unlimited search and posting: Yes

Real-time notifications: Yes

Company reviews: Yes

View pay cycles: Yes

Company credit score visibility: Yes

Special features:

• Affordable pricing plans
• Profit calculator for load assessment
• Tools for route planning and efficiency

Benefits:

• Low-cost access to advanced features
• Real-time load updates and alerts
• Great for small fleets and owner-operators
• Reliable broker credit checks and reviews

Disadvantages:

• Smaller network compared to some competitors
• Advanced tools require higher-tier plans
• Limited tools for managing multiple trucks or fleets

Pricing: Starts at $35 per month for basic features; additional plans offer more advanced tools at competitive prices.

Direct Freight

Established in 1997, Direct Freight is a cost-free platform for posting loads. It offers a user-friendly platform where truckers can tailor searches and alerts to their specific needs. Direct Freight combines flexible load-finding tools with features like email alerts and broker credit reports, making it ideal for those who value personalized functionality.

Best for: Customizable search and notification features

Network size: Thousands of daily load postings

Sort by state: Yes

Unlimited search and posting: Yes

Real-time notifications: Yes

Company reviews: Yes

View pay cycles: Yes

Company credit score visibility: Yes

Special features:

• Customizable load alerts
• Flexible search filters for tailored results
• Broker credit reports and reviews

Benefits:

• Highly customizable tools for specific needs
• Email alerts keep you updated on new loads
• Reliable broker and credit information
• Easy-to-use interface for quick load matching

Disadvantages:

• Limited advanced features compared to premium load boards
• May not offer as many daily loads as larger platforms
• Fewer integrations with other trucking tools

Pricing: Starts at $34.95 per month, with higher-tier plans offering additional features at competitive rates.

Trucker Path

For truckers specializing in LTL (less-than-truckload) freight, Trucker Path is a top choice for finding suitable loads. Its load board offers a wide range of LTL opportunities, combined with tools to optimize routes and minimize empty miles. Trucker Path integrates seamlessly with its trucking-focused features, making it ideal for owner-operators and small carriers seeking efficient LTL operations.

Best for: LTL loads and route optimization

Network size: Thousands of LTL loads across North America

Sort by state: Yes

Unlimited search and posting: Yes

Real-time notifications: Yes

Company reviews: Yes

View pay cycles: Yes

Company credit score visibility: No

Special features:

• Tailored LTL load opportunities
• Route optimization tools
• Integrated trucking services like parking and fuel stops

Benefits:

• Focused load options for LTL carriers
• Easy-to-use app with real-time updates
• Combines load board with trucking tools in one platform
• Helps minimize deadhead miles for LTL operations

Disadvantages:

• Advanced features may require subscription plans
• Limited visibility of broker credit scores

Pricing: Free for basic features; subscription plans start at $19.99 per month for access to additional tools and services.

Paid vs. free load boards

Free and paid load boards both offer opportunities for truckers to find freight, but they differ significantly in features and value. Paid load boards typically provide advanced tools, such as real-time updates, load filtering, and route optimization. These features help truckers save time, reduce empty miles, and maximize profits. Free load boards, on the other hand, offer basic access to available loads but may lack sophisticated functionality and support.

Paid load boards often include higher-quality freight listings, with better rates and reliable brokers or shippers. Their subscription fees, however, can be a drawback for small operators or new truckers with limited budgets. Free load boards are more accessible financially, but factoring in potentially lower rates and higher competition, they aren’t necessarily the best path to profitability.

Research trucking load boards to find the perfect match

A load board can help you find loads to haul and partnerships that align with your truck driver business needs. However, it’s important that you not just choose the first one you find because not all load boards are created equally. 

Start by conducting research, at which point you can compare hauling rates, features, and services. Check the reviews and talk to experienced truckers who were once in the same place.

FAQ