Find freight faster with the right load board. We've compared the top platforms to help owner-operators and small fleets locate available loads and keep trucks moving.
By Small Fleet HQ | Published
| Provider | Best For | Free Tier? | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAT Freight & AnalyticsLargest Network | Access to 644,500-700,000 loads posted every business day | Yes | 4.2/ 5 | Compare OptionsFree tiers available |
| 123LoadboardBest Value | Industry-leading mobile app rated 4.9/5 on iOS and 4.8/5 on Android | Yes | 4.3/ 5 | Compare OptionsFree tiers available |
| TruckstopOOIDA Partner | 500,000+ daily loads with strength in flatbed and open deck freight | No | 4.0/ 5 | Compare OptionsFree tiers available |
| Amazon RelayBest Free Platform | 100% free platform with no subscription or per-load fees | Yes | 4.3/ 5 | Compare OptionsFree tiers available |
| CH Robinson NavisphereLargest Free Board | 300,000+ active loads available at any time across all equipment types | Yes | 4.2/ 5 | Compare OptionsFree tiers available |
*Featured prices and terms can be updated. Free offers may include additional terms.
When the truck is empty, nothing else matters until you find the next load. Load boards have become the primary tool for owner-operators and small fleets to locate freight, and the difference between a good load board and a bad one can be thousands of dollars a month in either direction.
The load board market has evolved significantly over the past few years. You have traditional paid platforms like DAT and Truckstop that have been around for decades. You have budget options like 123Loadboard that deliver solid functionality at lower prices. And you have free platforms backed by major companies like Amazon Relay, Uber Freight, and CH Robinson that eliminate subscription costs entirely.
Which one works best depends on your specific situation. How many loads do you need to find each week? What routes do you run? How important is customer support when something goes wrong? These questions matter more than which platform has the slickest marketing.
A load board is a freight marketplace where brokers and shippers post available loads and carriers search for freight to haul. Think of it as a job board for trucking. Brokers post what they need moved, you search for loads that match your equipment and preferred lanes, and when you find something that works, you book it.
Most load boards let you filter by origin, destination, equipment type, weight, and rate. The better platforms include additional tools like rate history data, broker credit checks, and route optimization features. Some offer instant booking where you can secure a load without calling anyone.
The biggest decision most carriers face is whether to pay for a load board subscription or stick with free options. Here is the honest breakdown.
Paid platforms like DAT, Truckstop, and 123Loadboard typically offer more loads, better search tools, comprehensive rate data, and broker verification features. DAT posts over 600,000 loads daily. Truckstop offers the deepest broker intelligence tools. 123Loadboard delivers the best value for carriers watching their budget.
Free platforms like Amazon Relay, Uber Freight, CH Robinson Navisphere, and Loadsmart eliminate subscription costs entirely. The tradeoff is usually lower rates and limited freight options since you are working with a single broker or shipper network. Amazon Relay only has Amazon freight. CH Robinson only has their brokered loads.
Many experienced carriers use a combination. They might have a primary paid subscription for finding the best-paying loads while using free platforms to fill backhauls or gaps in their schedule.
Load Volume: More loads mean more options. DAT leads with over 600,000 daily postings. Truckstop posts 500,000+. 123Loadboard offers around 123,000. Free platforms vary widely.
Rate Data: Historical lane rates help you negotiate from an informed position. Knowing the average rate on a lane tells you whether a broker is offering something reasonable or trying to lowball you.
Mobile App Quality: You are running your business from the cab. The app needs to work well on your phone. 123Loadboard and Amazon Relay have the highest-rated apps in the industry.
Broker Information: Knowing who you are working with matters. Look for platforms that show broker payment history, credit ratings, and reviews from other carriers.
Payment Speed: Some platforms offer quick pay options. Amazon Relay and Uber Freight provide faster payment for qualifying carriers. Most paid boards connect with factoring services.
We evaluated load boards based on real-world factors that affect owner-operators and small fleet owners. Load volume, pricing, app quality, customer support, and user reviews all factor into our ratings. We also consider how well each platform serves different carrier types, from brand new authorities to established operations.
No single platform works perfectly for everyone. A carrier running consistent regional routes has different needs than someone chasing spot market loads cross-country. Our goal is to give you honest information so you can match the right tool to your operation.
Our owner operator starter stack covers load boards, factoring, insurance, and all the essentials, organized into three budget tiers.
Owner operator starter pack →Paid load boards range from $35 to $200+ per month depending on features. 123Loadboard starts at $35/month. DAT ranges from $49 to $199/month. Truckstop runs $42 to $369/month. Several platforms offer completely free access including Amazon Relay, Uber Freight, CH Robinson, and Loadsmart.
DAT has the largest volume with over 600,000 loads posted daily and access to 1.65 million trucks. Truckstop posts 500,000+ daily loads. For free platforms, CH Robinson offers approximately 300,000 active loads at any given time.
Most load boards accept new authorities with no waiting period. DAT, Truckstop, 123Loadboard, Uber Freight, and CH Robinson all work with new carriers. Amazon Relay is the exception, requiring 180 days of DOT authority before you can apply.
Free platforms can provide real value, especially for filling backhauls or supplementing paid subscriptions. The main tradeoffs are typically lower rates and limited freight options since you are working within a single broker network. Many carriers use free platforms alongside paid subscriptions to maximize their options.
Most paid load boards include broker credit check tools. DAT and Truckstop both offer broker verification and credit information. Some free platforms like CH Robinson eliminate this concern since you are working directly with a major, established broker.
Major load boards support all common equipment types including dry van, flatbed, reefer, step deck, and specialized equipment. Truckstop is particularly strong for flatbed and open deck freight. Platform coverage varies, so check that your equipment type is well-represented before subscribing.
DAT offers the largest load volume and most comprehensive rate data. Truckstop has stronger broker intelligence tools and is the exclusive OOIDA partner with member discounts. For flatbed carriers, Truckstop often has better coverage. For maximum load options, DAT typically wins. Many carriers recommend using both if budget allows.
Most paid platforms offer free trials. DAT has a free trial period. Truckstop offers a first month free promotion with the right promo code. 123Loadboard provides a 10-day free trial. Use these to evaluate load quality in your specific lanes before committing.