5 Paid Load Boards for Carriers to Consider

In the fast-paced world of freight, having the right tools can make all the difference. Load boards are essential platforms that connect carriers with available freight, helping to minimize deadhead miles and maximize profitability. With numerous options available, to be profitable, you need to choose a load board that aligns with your specific needs.

What to look for in a load board

Choosing a load board isn’t just about finding freight, it’s about finding the right freight from trusted partners, with features that support your business before, during, and after the haul is booked. The best load boards offer more than a large volume. They offer features like:

• Real-time load updates
• Broker credit checks
• Rate calculators
• Fraud prevention tools

Carriers can also benefit from load boards that help them post truck availability, get paid faster, and vet who they’re working with. Make sure the load board you choose helps you stay efficient, profitable, and protected. We’ve listed five key players below. As always, we encourage you to do your research and compare your options to find the best fit for you.

Why opt for a paid load board?

While free load boards might seem appealing, they often come with limitations such as outdated listings, limited features, and minimal. Paid load boards, on the other hand, typically offer real-time updates, advanced search functionalities, robust support systems (often including anti-fraud tools like multi-factor authorization), and other benefits carriers find essential to running their business. Investing in a paid platform can lead to more load opportunities, enhanced efficiency, and increased earnings.

Five load boards to consider in 2025

1. Truckstop Load Board

Overview:

Truckstop is a veteran in the freight industry known for its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface.

Key features:

• Vast volume of legitimate loads added daily that undergo rigorous quality checks.
• Integrates one-of-a-kind tools for rate forecasting, fuel forecasting, credit checks, and negotiation support.
• Seamless integration with risk management and compliance tools.
• Competitive factoring options are available directly through the platform.
• Features like Authority Match help carriers focus on loads that match their credentials.

Further considerations:

• Known for its strength in flatbed freight, not as well known for its dry van and reefer loads.
• The platform’s rigorous quality checks can make it appear to have fewer load postings.

Pricing:

• Starts at $42/user/month.

Best for:

• Carriers seeking a high volume of quality, up-to-date freight opportunities.

User feedback:

“My favorite aspect about Truckstop is how it gives so much data and information to make an informed decision about the best loads to take.”

— Renault M., Verified User (G2)

2. DAT Load Board

Overview:

DAT is one of the oldest load boards, offering a vast network of freight listings.

According to their website, key features include:

• Extensive volume of posted loads across various freight types.
• A user-friendly mobile app with analytics tools.
• Long-established industry reputation with a large user base.
• Includes an interactive map in the app to assist with route planning and stops for fuel, which can save money.
• Provides insights into market trends and pricing fluctuations due to the data available.

Potential areas for improvement as provided by users on G2:

• Load quality can vary; users claim some listings may be outdated.
• Pricing:
• Starts at $49/user/month.

May be best for:

• Carriers prioritizing volume and a broad range of freight options.

User feedback:

“I love how it makes it easy to verify brokers when searching for loads. Being able to quickly find a load is what keeps me in business!”

— David M, Logistics Assistant, Verified User (G2)

3. 123Loadboard

Overview:

123Loadboard offers a budget-friendly platform with essential features for carriers.

According to their website, key features include:

• Affordable subscription plans with a 10-day free trial option.
• User-friendly interface suitable for newcomers.
• Provides credit score reporting and mileage tools.
• Industry freight rates are available on premium plans.

Potential areas for improvement as provided by users on G2:

• Smaller load volume compared to larger competitors.*

Pricing:

• Starts at $39/user/month.

May be best for:

• Owner-operators and small carriers seeking cost-effective solutions.

User feedback:

“123load board is the ideal platform for load posting, booking, or searching the market. Has a wide range of tools that makes the adapting process very simple but straightforward.”

— Roberto M., Verified User (G2)

4. Trucker Path

Overview:

Trucker Path combines load board functionalities with GPS routing and community-based features.

According to their website, key features include:

• Popular mobile app with real-time GPS routing.
• Community feedback enhances transparency.
• Combines navigation tools with load searching.
• Provides rate checking tools on premium plans.

Potential areas for improvement:

• Lower load volume.*
• Limited advanced features compared to other platforms.

Pricing:

• Starts at $29.99/user/month.

May be best for:

• Small carriers seeking a mobile-friendly platform with integrated navigation tools.

User feedback:

“This app is used by drivers daily and has many very useful features to help with routing and cost savings.”

— Michelle I., Verified User (G2)

5. Direct Freight

Overview:

Direct Freight is a longstanding platform with a simple, easy-to-use interface and essential features like credit reports, weather updates, and instant alerts.

According to their website, key features include:

• 15-day trial for $1.
• Includes full credit reports on brokers.
• Offers trip miles, weather updates, and matching load alerts.
• Streamlined, easy-to-use design.

Potential areas for improvement:

• Fewer available loads than larger competitors.*

Pricing:

• Starts at $39/user/month.

May be best for:

• Independent carriers and small fleets looking for easy tools and shipper data.

User feedback:

“There [are] freight loads that are not other places.”

— Quindabeth W., Account Manager, Verified User (G2)

What about free load boards?

Free load boards can be a good starting point, especially for new drivers or carriers just getting their trucking authority. However, they can come with trade-offs. Free boards often lack real-time updates, offer fewer load postings, and may not provide broker verification or safety tools.

They can serve a purpose of adding more options when used in tandem with a paid load board, so we’ll cover three of the most popular free load boards.

1. TruckSmarter

Overview:

A free load board and payment platform gaining popularity with small carriers and new entrants.

According to their website, key features include:

• 100% free to use.
• Simple, streamlined interface.
• Quick pay integration.
• An in app bid and book option.

Potential areas for improvement:

• Fewer features than paid load boards.
• Limited data on brokers.

May be best for:

• Carriers looking to test the waters or fill gaps when higher-quality freight isn’t available.

2. Trucker Tools

Overview:

Trucker Tools combines load board access with driver tools like GPS tracking, trip planning, and broker visibility.

According to their website, key features include:

• Offers routing, driver visibility, and basic load search.
• Reloads available to reduce deadhead.
• Option to save searches.

Potential areas for improvement:

• Limited to carriers who integrate with their app.
• Smaller volume of freight.

May be best for:

• Carriers who already use Trucker Tools and want added route and visibility features with load access.

3. Amazon Relay

Overview:

Amazon Relay offers carriers access to Amazon’s freight network, focusing on consistent contract work.

According to their website, key features include:

• Direct access to Amazon freight opportunities.
• Predictable lanes ideal for dedicated carriers.
• Most routes are regional, so option to be home more.
• Streamlined onboarding process for approved carriers.

Potential areas for improvement:

• Only available to approved carriers meeting specific criteria.
• Limited to Amazon freight; not a general load board.
• Limited customer service help.

May be best for:

• Carriers interested in consistent, contract-based freight with a single shipper.

Maximize your profits with high-paying loads

Finding the highest paying truck loads requires the right tools, strategy, and adaptability. By using top-tier load boards, negotiating wisely, and targeting high-value freight, you can ensure every mile on the road delivers maximum earnings.

Choosing the right load board depends on your specific needs, whether it’s access to a vast network of loads, budget considerations, or specialized features. While free load boards can be tempting, investing in a paid platform often provides better opportunities, support, and tools to grow your business.

Truckstop stands out for its comprehensive features, reliability, and user satisfaction. If you’re seeking a trustworthy partner to help navigate the freight landscape, consider exploring the Truckstop Loadboard.

* Advertised load volume is lower than other industry players

Sources: DAT, 123Loadboard, Trucker Path, Direct Freight, TruckSmarter, TruckerTools, Amazon Relay