Load Board
A load board is an online marketplace where freight brokers and shippers post available loads, and carriers search for freight that matches their equipment and preferred lanes. Major load boards include DAT and Truckstop.com.
In Depth
Load boards are the primary way independent carriers find spot market freight. DAT's network has millions of loads posted daily across all equipment types and lanes.
Load boards provide market rate data, showing average rates per lane — critical information for negotiating with brokers. A driver knowing the market rate has leverage to push back on low offers.
Usage Example
Example: 'I searched DAT for Chicago to Dallas dry van and saw rates averaging $2.65/mile. The broker's offer of $2.10 was too low.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Broker
A freight broker is a licensed intermediary that connects shippers who need to move freight with carriers who have available capacity. Brokers earn a commission (the spread between what shippers pay and what carriers receive).
Rate Per Mile
Rate per mile (RPM) is the gross revenue a carrier earns per mile driven. It is calculated by dividing the total load rate by total miles (loaded + deadhead) and is the most common profitability metric in trucking.
Deadhead
Deadhead miles are miles driven without cargo — empty miles between a delivery drop-off and the next pickup. Deadhead reduces a driver's effective rate per mile and directly cuts into profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best load boards?
DAT is the largest with 1.9M+ loads posted daily. Truckstop.com is also major. Both offer rate analytics to see what lanes are paying.