Load boards that specialise in bulk loads allow shippers to find vehicles that can transport goods safely and securely in their loose format. It allows carriers to search for loads that can fill deadhead trips and keep vehicles on the road and earning money.
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The table below shows a quick price comparison of all the load board solutions that we’ve researched:
| Company name | Monthly cost | Free plan |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Freight Services | From free | Free account & free to post loads |
| Truckstop | From $39/mo | No |
| NextLOAD | From free | Free to use |
| Loadup | From free | Free for shippers and some carriers |
| FreightFinder.com | From free | Free to use |
| Harte Hanks | Not stated | No |
| Online Freight Services | Not stated | No |
| Reliant Transportation | Not stated | No |
| Werner | Not stated | No |
| Schneider | Not stated | Free for brokers and shippers, a free three day trial for carriers |
| FindFreightLoads | From $145/mo | No |
| Hoploads | From $50/mo | No |
| Getloaded | From free | Free to use |
| LoadMatch | From free | Free plan and 30 day trial of the paid plan |
| C.H. Robinson | Not stated | No |
| Circle Logistics | Not stated | No |
| Fedex Custom Critical | Not stated | No |
| TQL | From free | Free to use |
*The prices in the table above (where available) come directly from each company’s website and were accurate at the time of writing. Since then, those prices may have changed.
We’ve listed the results of our load board research and the features of each company’s product in a bit more detail below. You’ll be able to see the benefits of their service and some general information about the company as well.
*companies are ranked in no particular order.
Topics
1. Direct Freight Services
Direct Freight Services provides freight services that help bring together carriers, shippers and brokers across the United States to deliver shipments.
- They offer a load board that is free for brokers and shippers
- No account is needed to access the load board
- A free account is also available for carriers so they can connect with shippers and brokers
- Over 300,000 loads are available daily
- They cater for a range of loads including bulk loads
- Loads are searchable using improved filtering and custom columns
- Alerts can be set up by email or text for suitable loads
- Can help with planning and rates through routing and weather forecasts
- Access the load board through the Driver App
- Provides full credit reports and scores
Website: https://www.directfreight.com/
2. Truckstop
Truckstop has created practical solutions that use technology enhancements to support the freight moving lifecycle from bringing together carriers and shippers or brokers through to making payments.
- Their load board caters for carriers, shippers and brokers
- They offer a range of plans from Basic to Pro
- There are over 250,000 active load board users
- Each year over 80 million loads are offered through their load board
- They cater for a range of equipment types including bulk loads
- They provide the facilities to search and post loads
- Can access real-time updates and heat maps
- Their Pro plan includes carrier performance ratings
- Users can access market insight
- Also provides factoring and cargo insurance
Website: https://truckstop.com/
3. NextLOAD
NextLOAD is part of Apex Capital and is their product that provides support to carriers, shippers and brokers with a load board, fuel card and factoring.
- Their load board is free to use
- You can book loads if you have an established credit relationship with Apex Capital
- There are thousands of loads available every day
- Loads can be searched easily using filters to find the best loads
- Drivers and dispatchers can have their own accounts at no additional cost
- Notifications can be set up to alert you about suitable loads
- Loads can be tracked 24/7 through the load board
- Accessible through a desktop, tablet or smartphone
- Offers factoring service for invoices
- Integrations are possible including with TMS platforms
Website: https://www.nextload.com/
4. Loadup
Loadup offers freight services internationally which are covered by two load boards, one that caters for the US and Canada and a second that caters for the rest of the world.
- Their load board is free for shippers to use
- Some carriers may be able to access the load board for free depending on their truck type
- Carriers have to register online and a membership fee may apply
- They cater for a variety of users including private individuals, manufacturers, freight brokers and more
- The load board is searchable
- Members are given unrestricted access, there is no need to bid or take part in auctions and there is no commission
- Email alerts can be set up to notify you of suitable loads
- Tenders can also be accessed
- Allows carriers to communicate directly with shippers and brokers
- Provides a listing in their courier and hauler member directory
Website: http://www.usacanadaloadup.com/
5. FreightFinder.com
FreightFinder.com offers a load board that is integrated with the LoadBoardNetwork and they provide freight services for owner-operators, trucking companies and freight brokers.
- Their load board is free to use
- No account is needed to access the load board
- Access thousands of loads every day
- The load board is secure
- They enable users to personalise their experience
- The load board is searchable by equipment type, origin, destination and radius based searches
- Truck availability can be posted by carriers
- Additional services include routing and mileage services
- They have created an industry directory in which their carriers are included in
- They also provide a refined industry search engine and trucking job site
Website: https://www.freightfinder.com/
6. Harte Hanks
Harte Hanks offers specialist freight management services which include a TMS and a load board with services in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
- They offer a brokerage service for shippers and carriers
- Their carrier network comprises over 9,000 trucking companies
- A range of load types are catered for including tankers for bulk liquid loads
- Claims to offer a cost-effective and transparent service
- The load board is searchable by origin, destination and equipment
- It has been designed to be easy and quick to use
- Provides real-time controls to help manage your loads
- Contact information is available to arrange shipments directly with shippers
- Utilise the load board to help you track your financials
- Improved efficiency can be achieved through process automation
Website: https://www.hartehanks.com/
7. Online Freight Services
Online Freight Services is a freight services company that is backed by Echo Global Logistics and they provide a load board to help manage loads and shipments more effectively.
- Their load board is a self-service portal for shippers and carriers
- It has been designed to be easy to use
- Has a network of over 50,000 carriers
- Their customers have a variety of shipment types and locations
- Claims to offer competitive rates
- The load board is searchable by equipment, origin and destination
- Access out-of-hours support for assistance
- Quick payment options are available for carriers
- Integrates with other apps to help streamline processes and create efficiencies
- Benefit from their TMSPro software to assist with invoices, collections handling and carrier payments
Website: https://onlinefreight.com/
8. Reliant Transportation
Reliant Transportation provides third-party transportation services which cater for independent businesses through to Fortune 500 companies across America.
- They offer a load board for carriers and shippers
- The load board has a large volume and variety of loads available
- Load types include bulk loads such as hopper bottom
- Provides coverage across the US
- Sign up for the load board on their website
- Support from the brokerage team for carriers to book loads
- Their dedicated team will support carriers and shippers
- They aim to help boost efficiency and revenue as well as optimise supply chains
- Provides faster payment solutions through QuickPay
- Access their fuel discount program called FuelPlus
Website: https://reliant-transportation.com/
9. Werner
Werner claims to be one of the five largest US carriers which provides a variety of transportation and logistics services to businesses.
- Their load board called Werner Bridge is suitable for shippers and carriers
- Has a network of over 35,000 carriers
- They cater for a variety of loads which include dry bulk and hoppers
- To join their network you need to complete their online form
- Carriers are vetted to check they meet their standards
- The load board is searchable by equipment, date, origin and destination
- You can find load matches on your lane preferences
- Shippers can get an immediate response for quotes
- Manage your communications and transactions through the load board
- Their dashboard provides load details and shipment tracking
Website: https://www.werner.com/
10. Schneider
Schneider offers logistics and freight brokerage services that are designed to help carriers keep their trucks full and grow their business.
- They offer a free to use load board called Schneider FreightPower
- Thousands of loads are available daily
- Offers loads for a variety of vehicles including tankers for bulk transportation
- Carriers need to register through their website for the load board
- The suitability of carriers is checked before access is granted
- Loads can be searched by enhanced filtering and selecting preferred lanes
- They provide load recommendations
- The load board can be accessed online or through the mobile app
- They provide flexible payment solutions
- Access discounted fuel, tyres, maintenance and roadside assistance
Website: https://schneider.com/
11. FindFreightLoads.com
FindFreightLoads.com helps shippers and carriers to match loads through the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning on their load board.
- They provide a load board called RightNowLoad.com
- Brokers and shippers can access the load board for free
- A monthly fee applies for carriers but a contract doesn’t apply
- Carriers can access a free three-day trial
- The load board is searchable to find suitable loads
- Direct contact is provided between postholders and carriers
- Shippers can utilise bulk upload facilities
- Credit report lookups can be carried out by carriers
- Carriers can access fuel discounts
- Supports carriers with additional services including mileage and routing, weather and load conditions, and factoring
Website: https://findfreightloads.com/
12. Hoploads
Hoploads provides specialist services for hopper bottom trucking companies and those that utilise their services.
- They provide a dedicated load board for hopper bottom trucks and users
- A monthly subscription service applies which starts at $50
- The load board is not a competitive platform
- Trial access is available to the load board
- You can search for loads to find suitable matches
- Load information includes full and partial, product information and contact details
- Easy for shippers to post available loads
- Shippers can send bulk uploads to them for them to be added quickly
- Allows carriers to post their available trucks
- Accessible online and through the mobile app
Website: http://hoploads.com/
13. Getloaded
Getloaded offers support to brokers and truckers to match them with loads which includes them having 400 million posts in 2022 and a third of these being exclusive to them.
- Their load board is combined with the DAT load board
- There is a range of plans to choose from
- All plans have a monthly subscription fee
- Suitable for brokers, small carriers and owner-operators
- Allows you to search for suitable loads and monitor multiple searches
- Plans provide unlimited searches and posts
- Set up alerts for suitable posts
- Access the load board online and through the mobile app
- Provides tools including collaboration tools and credit scores
- Access information such as carrier safety information, load-to-truck ratios and spot market rates
Website: https://www.getloaded.com/
14. LoadMatch
LoadMatch provides a service that brings together carriers and shippers so that they can share information on loads, trucks and equipment.
- Their load board offers a free plan
- A paid plan is also available with advanced features
- A 30-day free trial is offered on the paid plan
- They cater for a variety of carriers, freight forwarders and brokers
- Operates across North America
- Carriers can search for loads and post available equipment
- Shippers can easily post loads
- Includes a free listing in their Intermodal Directory
- Aims to help streamline your processes and operations
- Provides a Jobs and Resumes section on their website
Website: https://loadmatch.com/
15. C H Robinson
C H Robinson provides a transportation platform that handles $30 million of freight each year globally and they claim to be one of the largest logistics platforms in the world.
- They offer a transportation management system called Navisphere
- Three levels of pricing are available
- Has a large customer base of 100,000
- 96,000 carriers form their carrier network
- You will need to register as a carrier on their website
- Designed to help users automate, optimise and manage their loads more effectively
- It enables loads to be tracked, assists with routing and gives access to carrier information
- Shippers are able to manage their quotes, purchases and invoices
- QuickPay solutions are offered to carriers
- Offers a fuel discount scheme
Website: https://www.chrobinson.com/en-gb/
16. Circle Logistics
Circle Logistics provides a freight brokerage and is an asset carrier offering services across the US, Canada and Mexico through their fleet and carrier network.
- Their load board caters for independent carriers
- They aim to assist smaller carriers to access larger opportunities
- Nine offices across the US support their operations
- They cater for a broad range of loads including bulk loads
- Choice of dedicated and traditional broker options
- Allows loads to be searched and filtered by location radius and equipment types
- Shippers can access personalised solutions
- Offers tracking facilities to monitor shipments
- Faster payments are available for carriers
- Can assist with meeting EDI requirements with the latest technology
Website: https://circledelivers.com/
17. FedEx Custom Critical
FedEx Custom Critical is part of FedEx and they are one of the largest time-specific, critical shipment carriers in North America.
- Their load board provides specialist services that offer extra care and attention
- Covers the US, Canada and Mexico
- They offer specialist services including hazmat, temperature-controlled, high security and disaster recovery shipping
- They cater for a variety of equipment types including bulk freight of raw materials, dry and liquid goods
- The load board is searchable to find suitable loads
- Carriers are qualified and dependable
- Dedicated transportation experts support shippers
- Supports users with communication tools
- They offer an owner-operator extranet for their independent contractors
- Their carrier program promotes good service and safe driving
Website: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/custom-critical.html
18. TQL
TQL offers freight brokerage services that operate across North America with 56 offices and they have transported three million loads in a year.
- Their load board is free to use
- A variety of modes are available including FTL, LTL, drayage, intermodal, air and ocean
- Load types include bulk loads amongst many others
- Each week over 65,000 loads are available
- Complete their online form to become a carrier
- Vetting takes place on carriers’ certificates and insurance before access is given
- The load board is searchable and you can find loads on preferred lanes
- Dedicated Carrier Relations Team support users
- Accessible through their web portal and mobile app
- A choice of payment options is available for carriers
Website: https://www.tql.com/
Bulk load board Q&A
What are bulk loads?
Bulk loads in trucking refer to large quantities of goods that are transported unpackaged in large volumes. These goods are typically loaded directly into the trailer of a truck and are not contained in packages, bags, or boxes.
Bulk loads can be divided into two main categories: dry bulk and liquid bulk.
Dry Bulk
Dry bulk refers to solid materials that are transported in bulk form. These materials can include but are not limited to:
- Grain (such as wheat, corn, and soybeans)
- Coal
- Sand
- Gravel
- Cement
- Fertilizers
- Sugar
- Salt
- Animal feed
Dry bulk loads are often transported in specialized trailers such as hopper bottom trailers, which allow for easy loading and unloading of materials through gravity-fed gates at the bottom.
Liquid Bulk
Liquid bulk involves the transportation of liquid goods in large volumes. These can include:
- Water
- Petroleum products (such as gasoline, diesel, and crude oil)
- Chemicals
- Milk
- Liquid food products
Liquid bulk loads require tanker trailers, which are designed to safely transport liquid goods. Tanker trailers are equipped with tanks that can handle various types of liquids, including hazardous chemicals, and are built to prevent leaks and spills during transportation.
Considerations for Bulk Loads
Transporting bulk loads requires specialized equipment and considerations for safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance:
- Equipment: Specialized trailers are necessary for bulk loads. The choice between hopper bottoms, tankers, and other types of trailers depends on the nature of the material being transported.
- Loading and Unloading: Facilities must be equipped to handle bulk loads, whether through pumps for liquids or gravity chutes for dry materials.
- Safety and Regulation: Transporting bulk materials, especially hazardous chemicals or materials, requires adherence to safety regulations to prevent accidents, spills, or contamination. This includes proper labeling, securement, and following specific routes.
- Permits and Licenses: Depending on the type of bulk load, special permits and licenses may be required to transport certain materials, particularly hazardous ones.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: Trailers must be properly maintained and cleaned, especially when transporting materials that can leave residues or when switching between different types of loads to prevent cross-contamination.
Why should you use a bulk load board?
If you are looking to transport large volumes of loose materials or liquids then containerised bulk transportation could be right for you. Industries that typically use bulk transportation are the energy industry for oil and gas, the farming industry for crops and livestock feed, and the mining industry for minerals and ores.
Loading can be easily done by pouring or dropping the loads into the container and they can be safely unloaded into a customised storage unit when delivered by piping or tipping the load, which makes it quicker and more convenient to deliver.
Do all bulk load boards show rates?
Not all load boards in general show the rates for their loads which is the same for bulk load boards too. Many load boards are designed to be a competitive load board that encourages the carriers using their load board to bid for the loads with their best price in order to win the load.
These load boards aim to get the best rates for the shippers and brokers that use their load boards to find carriers. If the load board displayed rates for the loads, it wouldn’t encourage the same level of competition and the shippers or brokers may not get the best rates.
Some load boards understand how hard it might be to decide what rate to charge or how to assess the bids received, so they provide some support. This support can come in the form of a rate calculator or historical rate information.
Which load board pays the most?
Knowing which load board might pay you the most would be useful, however, there isn’t a single load board that pays the most. The load boards don’t set the prices for the loads as the rates are determined by either the shipper or the carrier.
The load boards that show rates allow the shipper or broker to set the rates and carriers can pick which loads they wish to go for. The load boards which don’t display rates expect carriers to quote or bid for loads so the carrier decides what is reasonable for the load and the shipper or broker can select who is the best carrier or choose the best quote/bid for the load.
The load board in these scenarios doesn’t play a part in the rates, but they can impact how much the carrier gets paid. Every load board is set up differently and will have its own charging structure and understanding how this works is important for carriers so that they can factor this into their rates.
Some load boards are free to access, some are free to use, some have subscription fees and others charge a fee on the loads won, and some charge a combination of these.
Are there any restrictions around bulk loads?
Yes, there are several restrictions and regulatory considerations specific to transporting bulk loads, particularly because these loads often involve large quantities of materials that can be hazardous or require special handling. Here are some of the key restrictions around bulk loads:
1. Weight Limits
- Trucks and trailers are subject to federal, state, and local weight restrictions, which vary depending on the roadways used. Overloading can lead to fines, increased wear and tear on infrastructure, and safety risks.
2. Permits and Licensing
- Special permits may be required for transporting certain types of bulk loads, especially if they exceed standard size or weight limits. Hazardous materials (HazMat) also require specific permits and driver certifications.
3. Hazardous Materials Regulations
- The transportation of hazardous materials is tightly regulated to ensure safety. Regulations cover packaging, labeling, documentation, and carrier requirements, including driver training. These regulations are enforced by agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States and similar bodies worldwide.
4. Safety and Environmental Protections
- There are strict rules to protect against spills and leaks, especially for liquid bulk loads or hazardous substances. These might include requirements for secondary containment, specific tank designs, and emergency response plans.
5. Equipment Specifications
- Certain bulk loads require specialized equipment for safe transport. For example, tankers used for chemicals might need different materials or linings compared to those used for food-grade liquids. The equipment must meet specific safety and operational standards.
6. Route Restrictions
- Vehicles carrying heavy or oversized loads, or hazardous materials, may be restricted to certain routes to minimize the risk to public safety and infrastructure. This can affect the efficiency and cost of transportation.
7. Product Compatibility
- Especially relevant for tankers, there must be compatibility between the material of the container and the product being transported to prevent chemical reactions, contamination, or damage to the container.
8. Loading and Unloading
- There may be restrictions or specific requirements on how and where bulk loads can be loaded and unloaded, particularly for hazardous materials. This can include requirements for protective gear, training, and facilities equipped to handle bulk materials safely.
9. Insurance
- Carriers of bulk loads, especially hazardous materials, often face higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk. Insurance companies may impose their own requirements on top of regulatory ones.
10. Cross-border and International Regulations
- When transporting bulk loads internationally, additional regulations and customs requirements come into play. These can include international treaties and agreements, as well as country-specific laws regarding the transport of goods.
Compliance with these restrictions is crucial for the safety of the transport personnel, the general public, and the environment, as well as for the avoidance of legal issues and financial penalties.