If you have never used a load board before you may be reluctant to pay a subscription for one which is why we have collated this list of free load boards or load boards that offer a free trial so that you can try out a load board without commitment and any costs.
When you have been able to spend some time exploring a good load board and have been able to find loads for your truck or fleet, or have posted your first load and had it delivered, you will be able to see its true value. Having sampled what the load boards can offer, you can then decide whether it is worth paying for a load board on a subscription or whether a free load board offers the level of service you require.
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The table below shows a quick price comparison of all the load board solutions that we’ve researched:
| Company name | Type of Free Plan |
|---|---|
| 123 Loadboard | Free trial for 10 days |
| Direct Freight Services | Free account & free to post loads |
| JB Hunt | Free for shippers |
| Trucker Path | Free for brokers |
| Trulos | Free to use |
| NextLoad | Free to use |
| Convoy | Free to use |
| Doft | Free plan |
| DSSLN | Free to use |
| Load Up | Free for shippers and some carriers |
| FreightFinder.com | Free to use |
| FreeFreightSearch.com | Free to use |
| Forest Commodities | Free to use |
| Maverick Transportation | Free to use |
| Schneider | Free to use |
| FindFreightLoads | Free for brokers and shippers, a free three day trail for carriers |
| Flock Freight | Free to use |
| LoadMatch | Free plan and 30 day trial of the paid plan |
| Movers Dispatch Board | Offers a 30-day trial |
| Swift Logistics | Free to use |
| uShip | Free to join, matching fee applies on loads |
| Livestock Haulers Hub | Free to use |
| LivestockTalk | Free to use |
| Livestock Transport Nation | Free plan and 60 day trial of the paid plans |
| Shiply | Free to join with fee applied on loads |
| Motive | Free account and free to Motive account holders |
| Ryan Transportation | Free to use |
| Ivia | Offers a free plan and free trial of the paid plan |
| DumpTruckLoads.com | Free to use |
| Pilot Car | Free plan and 30-day free trial of the paid plan |
| TQL | 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 (October 2023). 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. 123 Loadboard
123 Loadboard provides freight solutions for businesses of all sizes in the US and parts of Canada with offices in Houston, Montreal and Toronto.
- Offers a 10-day free trial on all carrier plans
- They offer a choice of three paid plans for carriers and a plan for brokers
- You can search for loads using city, zip or GPS
- Alerts can be set up for loads that match your criteria
- Services include mileage and routing
- They provide a Rate Check tool to help negotiate rates
- They provide credit checks and compliance checks
- Available through a desktop and mobile app allowing you to search for loads from anywhere
- Document capturing and storage available on some plans
- Plans start from $35 per month after the free trial
Website: https://www.123loadboard.com/
2. Direct Freight Services
Direct Freight Services is a freight solutions company that helps connect shippers, brokers and drivers in making shipments across the US.
- Offers free accounts for all users
- Shippers and brokers can post loads for free
- Provides 300,000 loads daily across the US
- Caters for box trucks, vans, flatbeds and reefers
- They allow unlimited searches
- Offers custom columns and categories to provide improved load filtering
- You can set up email and text alerts for suitable loads
- The load board can assist with route planning and weather forecasts to help with planning
- Allows access to credit scores and full credit reports
- Provides document storage and sending
Website: https://www.directfreight.com/
3. JB Hunt
JB Hunt offers an efficient transportation network that covers North America and is a Fortune 500 company.
- Offers a load board that is free for shippers to use
- Provides JB Hunt 360 platform for carriers and shippers
- Has a network of over 1 million trucks
- Offers services including final mile services, highway services, intermodal, international and managed logistics
- Their load board makes it easy to search, submit quotes and book shipments
- You can post your available trucks
- You can access shipper reviews to help select jobs to quote for
- They provide quick pay options
- Their mobile app allows you to connect on the move and plan routes with fuel stops
- It can help create invoices and send them
Website: https://www.jbhunt.com/
4. Trucker Path
Trucker Path provides support tools for the trucking industry including freight matching services, fleet management, navigational assistance and fleet monitoring.
- Offers a free load board to brokers
- Carriers have a choice of three plans starting at $29.99 per month
- Has over 150,000 loads available daily
- Over 800 brokers posting loads and 600,000 truck drivers
- They cater for over 10 trailer types such as reefers, flatbeds and dry vans
- Loads can be posted via TMS, website integrations, manually or by email
- They help calculate charges and provide planning assistance
- Rate checking tools and credit scores are available on some carrier plans
- Access to information including historical trends, capacity indicators and load density reports
- They also provide an industry leading toolkit for carriers
Website: https://truckerpath.com/
5. Trulos
Trulos offers a load board that tries to make it easier for owner-operators and small fleets to compete with large fleets for loads.
- Their load board is free to use
- They provide thousands of loads every day
- Specialist load board for hotshot, LTL and partial truckloads
- You don’t need to register for access as the load board is open for anyone to access
- They cater for a range of equipment types including flatbeds and dry vans
- The load board is easy to search using truck type and state
- Load posts include rates
- They assist with routing to increase fuel efficiency
- Offers truckers advice on increasing their profitability
- They provide a range of information to assist their users
Website: https://trulos.com/
6. NextLOAD
NextLOAD is a load board which is part of Apex Capital which provides tools to support the trucking industry that also includes factoring and a fuel card.
- The load board is free to use
- To book loads you must have an established credit relationship with Apex Capital
- They offer thousands of loads daily
- They provide a range of filters to help you find suitable loads
- You can set up notifications for new loads that meet your requirements
- You can have as many accounts as you want for drivers and dispatchers
- It can be accessed through a desktop or mobile device
- The Apex Capital blue chevron indicates those where there is a credit relationship
- They offer fast payments
- They also offer factoring solutions
Website: https://www.nextload.com/
7. Convoy
Convoy claims to be one of the leading providers of digital freight networks in America and they aim to help carriers find loads and improve efficiency.
- Provides a load that is free to use with no monthly fees or sign-up costs
- Assists with finding loads, bidding and winning loads 24/7
- Helps fill trucks and maximise loads on preferred routes
- Suitable for carriers of all sizes
- Choice of accepting the displayed load rate or bidding for the load
- Create load alerts for loads that match your preferred routes
- Track fleet locations and arrival times of trucks
- Accessible through a desktop or mobile app
- Offers QuickPay options
- Provides a discount programme for fuel, roadside assistance, tyres, ELD devices and more
Website: https://convoy.com/
8. Doft
Doft offers a load board service which brings together drivers and shippers to deliver loads more efficiently in the US, Canada and Mexico.
- Offers a free plan which provides much of the key functionality of a load board
- They offer a premium plan that provides enhanced features
- Over 150,000 loads are available every day
- Provides an easy to search load board and bidding process
- It is designed to reduce deadhead miles and assist in increasing income
- Set up notifications for nearby load alerts
- Provides rate confirmation on loads won instantly
- Tracking facilities are available on the load board where vehicles have trackers fitted
- Provides a mobile app so you can access the load board from anywhere
- Receive payment for loads as soon as 24 hours
Website: https://doft.com/
9. DSSLN
DSSLN is a freight and logistics provider that offers discount shipping and storage solutions to help shippers and carriers.
- Offers a free to use load board for both shippers and carriers
- You don’t need to register with them to access the load board
- The load board is easy to use and book loads
- Searches are possible using post date, pick-up date, delivery date or expiry date by sorting in ascending or descending order
- You can view contact details for service providers
- They have an extensive database of supply chain and logistics companies
- Covers basic to complex shipping requirements
- Offers load across Canada and North America
- Provides a member area with tools and support
- Offers a range of tools and utilities for shippers and logistics providers
Website: http://www.dssln.com/
10. Loadup
Loadup is a freight company that operates internationally providing several load boards that are tailored for different locations including a US and Canadian load board and an international load board.
- Offers a free load board for shippers
- Some carriers can access the load board for free depending on their truck type
- Carriers need to register and a membership fee might apply
- They provide services to brokers, manufacturers, individuals, house and furniture movers
- You can search for the most suitable loads for your business
- Load information includes details such as vehicle type from 35 different types
- Members can access bidding, auctions and commissions without restrictions
- Tenders are also available to members
- You can set up email alerts for suitable loads
- Provides a listing in their member directory
Website: http://www.usacanadaloadup.com/
11. FreightFinder.com
FreightFinder.com provides freight solutions for trucking companies, owner-operators and freight brokers including a load board that is part of the LoadBoardNetwork.
- Offers an easy to use and free load board
- Offers thousands of loads daily
- The load board is secure and safe to use
- Users don’t need an account to use the load board
- Searches can be done using origin or destination, radius and equipment type
- You can personalise your load board experience
- Carriers can post their truck availability
- Users can access information on mileage and routing
- They offer an industry directory
- Provides additional services such as a refined search engine for the trucking industry and job site
Website: https://www.freightfinder.com/
12. FreeFreightSearch.com
FreeFreightSearch.com is a free load board that claims to be one of the largest free load boards in the world that is designed for carriers, brokers and shippers.
- You can register for free and membership is free too
- They allow unlimited posts and load searches
- Offers thousands of loads from shippers and brokers
- It is quick and easy to search for loads
- You can set up email notifications for suitable loads
- Carriers can also post their trucks when they are available
- You can run unlimited broker credit reports
- They offer quick pay options
- Offers fuel advance loads at 50%
- Provides weekly industry insights in articles
Website: https://freefreightsearch.com/
13. Forest Commodities Board
Forest Commodities Board is a specialist load board provided by the Forest Commodities on behalf of the Forest Industry to support and promote the industry.
- Offers a free load board for carriers
- Carriers need to register for an account and be vetted
- Provides contracts for forestry products only
- Caters for a range of equipment types
- Covers destinations across Canada, the US and Mexico with over 200,000 destinations
- Provides an opportunity for carriers to become a preferred carrier
- The load board is easy to use
- It incorporates automated scheduling and invoices
- Provides a dedicated messaging system to support communication between carriers and shippers
- Includes a secure document transfer facility and allows you to print dispatch sheets
Website: https://www.forcombo.com/lumber-transportation-board.aspx
14. Maverick Transportation
Maverick Transportation offers freight services throughout the US, Canada and Mexico with eight locations across the US.
- Provides a load for carriers and shippers which is free
- This is offered as part of a program called the Internet Truckstop Diamond Broker Program
- They specialise in construction and agriculture
- Offers continuously updated loads
- Caters for equipment including hot shot, flatbed, step deck and RGN
- Provides consistent lanes to help drivers fill their trucks
- Searching for loads is easy by date or sorting by any field
- They also provide advanced search functionality to narrow down searches
- Load details include full or partial load, dates, origin, destination, equipment type, mileage, offers for the load, commodity and weight
- Carriers are checked to meet stringent safety standards
Website: https://www.maverickusa.com/
15. Schneider
Schneider provides freight solutions for shippers and carriers with a load board that helps connect parties to deliver loads more efficiently.
- Provides a free load board called Schneider FreightPower
- Offers thousands of loads daily
- Provides services including power only, truckload and intermodal dray
- You can register to become a carrier easily through their website
- Carriers will be vetted for suitability
- The load board is easy to use and book loads through
- You can access the load board online or through the mobile app
- They offer enhanced filtering and load recommendations
- Provides flexible payment options
- Additional benefits include reduced fuel prices, discounted tyres and maintenance, and roadside assistance
Website: https://schneider.com/
16. FlockFreight
FlockFreight provides a specialist load board that offers smart freight solutions that help carriers maximise their trucks and increase their revenue.
- Offers a free load board for carriers and shippers
- Specialises in partial and LTL truckloads
- Helps to match shared truckloads with carriers
- Shippers benefit from reduced costs of shared loads and reduced carbon emissions
- Simple online sign-up with carrier checks undertaken before access is given
- Easy to search the load board for suitable loads
- Choice of instantly booking the load or submitting a bid
- Offers load suggestions that meet your load requirements
- Caters for box trucks, Sprinters, dry vans and refrigerated trucks
- Available both online and through a mobile app
Website: https://www.flockfreight.com/
17. LoadMatch
LoadMatch helps to connect shippers and carriers enabling them to exchange information on loads, trucks and equipment through a load board.
- Offers two plans which include a free plan and a monthly subscription plan
- A 30-day trial is available of their paid plan
- Their load board covers North America
- They cater for freight forwarders, freight brokers, motor carriers and a range of other carriers
- Shippers can post their available loads
- Carriers can post their available equipment
- They send notifications for new posts
- The load board can help streamline your operations and processes
- Users can be included in their Intermodal Directory
- Their website includes a Jobs and Resume section
Website: https://loadmatch.com/
18. Movers Dispatch Board
Movers Dispatch Board is a specialist load board provider that caters for moving companies that aren’t part of a national van line but need a network to help deliver their services.
- Offers a dedicated moving company load board
- Offers a 30-day free trial of their load board
- Provides a subscription-based service
- Allows moving companies to connect and share work
- Companies can post available loads
- Alerts can be set up by text or email for new loads
- Search for suitable loads and negotiate rates
- The load board’s dashboard allows companies to communicate and assign loads to drivers
- Includes a document sharing function to eliminate paperwork
- Can help moving companies grow their operational areas and business
Website: https://moversdispatchboard.com/
19. Swift Logistics
Swift Logistics is a North American logistics and transportation company that offers a load board with KNX Logistics.
- Their load board is free to carriers and shippers
- There is no contract or fees for the load board
- They have over 2,000 unique customers
- You can sign up easily for the load board on their website
- The load board can be searched for suitable loads
- They provide loads that cover over 10 million miles per day
- They cater for flatbed, reefer, dry van, expedited, intermodal, hazmat and power only
- Offers fast payment options
- Provides 24/7 operational support
- Their Iron Fuel Program can save you money on fuel at over 1,500 fueling locations
Website: https://www.swiftlogistics.com/index.html
20. uShip
uShip is a marketplace designed to help match shippers and carriers in delivering loads and a range of goods.
- Their load board is free to join
- A match fee applies on each load that can be factored into your quote
- Sign-up to the load board can be done on their website
- All carriers are vetted before they can access the load board
- They provide loads on behalf of 41,000 service providers
- They cater for full and partial loads
- They offer services which include moving household items, vehicles and boats, animals, and large items such as heavy equipment, Jacuzzis and waterslides
- Ratings are available on service providers to help decide on which loads to take
- They provide shippers with the ability to compare quotes to select their preferred carrier
- Additional services include shipment tracking, shipment protection and secure payments
Website: https://www.uship.com/
21. Livestock Haulers Hub
Livestock Haulers Hub is a load board that is designed as a self-service platform to bring together haulers and shippers with livestock loads that need moving across the US.
- Offers a free to use load board that specialises in transporting livestock
- Offers no intermediary services, just a self-service system
- Users need to register for an account first
- They have a network of over 5,500 users
- It is designed to help livestock shippers and haulers to connect and build a relationship
- The load board is searchable to find suitable loads
- It provides an interactive map showing the loads available in each state
- You can receive notifications for new loads available
- Loads are booked directly with the shipper not through the load board
- Loads are submitted through a load form and posted for shippers
Website: https://livestockhaulershub.com/
22. LivestockTalk
LivestockTalk offers a load board that is dedicated to the livestock industry and those that haul for the livestock industry across the US.
- Offers a load board that is free to use
- Caters for livestock loads only
- It is designed for livestock owners, brokers and carriers
- The load board is designed to be easy to use
- Searching for loads is easy and you can apply for loads in a few clicks
- Loads can be booked directly with load owners
- You can set up customise alerts for suitable loads
- Shippers can post their loads and receive offers quickly
- Loads can be managed through their load board
- They offer statistics on posts
Website: https://www.livestocktalk.com/
23. Livestock Transport Nation
Livestock Transport Nation offers a load management system that is specifically designed for the livestock industry to assist livestock owners and haulers in managing loads and animal welfare.
- Offers a choice of four load board plans including one free plan
- They offer a free trial of their paid plans for 60 days
- The free plan is suitable for those posting loads
- Carriers need a paid plan to use the load board
- It is designed for truckers, producers, producers, vendors, dispatchers, ranchers, feed lots, shippers, buyers and receivers
- The load board can streamline communications and save time
- It provides load tracking
- It provides invoice and billing capabilities
- It offers storage facilities for records
- You can also manage your inventory on some plans
Website: https://www.livestocktransportnation.com/
24. Shiply
Shiply is an international logistics and transportation company with carriers operating in the US, Canada, Europe, Brazil and Mexico.
- They offer an easy to use load board
- Carriers can access the load board for free
- Fees are charged at 10-15% on top of the amount quoted
- They ship large items such as cars, boats and motorcycles
- They also offer furniture shipping, home moves and freight
- There are thousands of jobs posted every day
- You can register for the load board through the website
- The load board can be searched on location and route
- Email alerts can be created for suitable jobs
- Combined loads can provide competitive rates
Website: https://www.shiply.com/us
25. Motive
Motive provides an integrated platform for fleet operations which includes services such as a load board, ELD compliance, tracking and telematics, driver safety, and spend management.
- Offers free access to the load board for Motive account holders
- You can register for an account for free
- They offer a free demo of the load board
- Their load board is backed by AI
- They offer tens of thousands of loads that aren’t offered elsewhere
- They allow you to search the load board using criteria filters
- The load board includes information on the commodity, weight and rate
- Choice of bidding for loads or using the Book Now feature
- Offers smart load matching for loads based on your preferences
- Access the load board through the Motive dashboard and Motive Driver app
Website: https://gomotive.com/products/ai-load-board/
26. Ryan Transportation
Ryan Transportation is a freight broker and transportation company that is part of the Shamrock Family of Brands that has a large network which covers North America.
- They offer a load board that is free to use
- Their load board is called RTS Pro
- Specialise in construction, agriculture, automotive, food and beverage, chemicals and more
- Offers thousands of available loads every day
- You can search the load board for suitable loads
- Provides a map view for loads with key load details
- The load board allows you to quote, negotiate and book loads
- You can apply online to become a carrier with proof of insurance
- Offers fast payments in 10 days
- Provides discounts and additional services including fuel/maintenance/tyre discounts, factoring and credit data services
Website: https://www.ryantrans.com/
27. Ivia
Ivia is a load board provider that aims to save money and time on load management and shipping by improving efficiency and increasing the visibility of loads.
- They offer two load board plans, one is a free plan
- They offer a free trial of their paid plan
- Has an extensive network of carriers offering on-demand capacity
- Sign-up is simple through the website with basic details and US DOT needed
- The free plan allows unlimited posts and searches
- The paid plan offers unlimited users, reporting and dashboard access
- Advanced tracking is available
- Offers notifications for new loads
- Provides a chat facility to improve communication
- Can provide deep analytics and automated POD
Website: https://ivia.com/
28. DumpTruckLoads.com
DumpTruckLoads.com provides a unique service dedicated to dump truck drivers and contractors through their specialist load board.
- Their load board is free to use
- You need to register to become a member to access the load board
- They operate across the US with services launched in Canada and Mexico
- You can search the load board for suitable loads
- Notifications can be set up by email or text about new loads
- You can create a favourites list for your preferred providers and set up alerts for their loads
- Trucks can also be posted for contractors to search and book
- They have a members directory which lists all members
- They offer insight into the construction industry
- Offers CoverWallet to manage your insurance and make savings
Website: https://www.dumptruckloads.com/
29. Pilot Car Loads
Pilot Car Loads provides a specialist load board for pilot car drivers and pilot car companies operating across the US.
- Offers a load board that is free to join
- They offer a choice of two plans which include a free plan
- 30-day free trial of their paid plan
- Over 1,000 loads are posted each month
- Those posting loads can access the load board for free
- The free plan for pilot car drivers provides basic features
- Premium features include load alerts and unlimited access to the load board
- Directory listing is included with all plans
- Support is provided by email and chat
Website: https://pilotcarloads.com/
30. TQL
TQL provides freight brokerage services to transportation companies across North America and they have 56 offices across North America.
- They offer a free to use load board
- Offers over 65,000 loads each week
- You can search for suitable loads and preferred lanes
- They support modes including full and LTL, intermodal, drayage, air and ocean freight
- They cater for equipment types including flatbed, dry van, open deck, step deck, drop trailer, RGN, refrigerated or temperature controlled, hazmat and final mile
- To become a carrier you need to complete an online form
- Carriers are vetted before getting access to the load board
- The load board is accessible through a web portal and mobile app
- They offer various payment options
Website: https://www.tql.com/
Free load board Q&As
Do all free load boards show their rates?
Not all free load boards show their rates as many of the load boards are designed as competitive platforms to help shippers to get the best rates for their shipments, therefore if they displayed their rates it would be counterproductive.
Some of the load boards will display the rates and allow you to book the load straightaway or negotiate the rate. Some load boards also provide information to help calculate load rates which can include rate calculators and historical data.
Are paid load boards worth the cost?
Paid load boards often provide greater enhancements and functionality than free load boards. This can include helping you to streamline your processes and make efficiencies in handling loads, dispatching, documentation, invoicing and billing. The paid load boards may also vet their network of users better and ensure that they meet the required standards. Some also provide reviews as part of their load boards or provide credit checks to help decision-making.
Some of the paid load boards may also offer a greater number of loads or have a broader range of loads that cater for a wider variety of equipment types. They may also offer notifications for loads that match your criteria or make suggestions for suitable loads. The paid load boards may also offer additional information resources to assist transportation and logistics businesses in improving their services or operations through the provision of market information and insight including rate information and trends.
Whether a paid load board is worth the cost is down to whether you need or will use these extra features or services, or whether they may provide you with additional loads. Trying out a load board through a free trial is one of the ways you can determine if you will benefit from a paid load board.
Can I filter for specific types of loads with free load boards?
Every load board is different and may have different types of filtering to help you find loads that meet your needs. There are a range of different filters that could be applied to the load board which include origin, destination, equipment type, radius from the location, routes, and weight.
Even the most simple load boards tend to have some form of filtering even if it’s just sorting them by origin location or destination, or by equipment type so you can see what is available. Some of the load boards reviewed you can select the state that you want to view before viewing the loads available so that it narrows down the list for you.
Can I use multiple free load boards?
Nothing is preventing you from using multiple load boards but you should be aware of over-committing yourself if you are going to be bidding on multiple loads on several load boards in case you win several bids at once. You will also need to factor in the time to manage several load boards with alerts and time searching for loads across different sites and communications through multiple routes with shippers or brokers rather than just using a single load board.
It is also worth noting that some loads may be posted on several load boards and you may end up competing against yourself for the same load if you aren’t careful through different load boards.
Which free load board pays the most?
No load board in particular pays the most as the rates for the loads are determined by either the carrier or shipper. Carriers can determine the price through the bidding process or negotiating the rates for the load, and this is where they need to set a limit on what they will bid on to retain profitability.
Shippers also determine the rates on load boards that display the rates for the loads but carriers still can negotiate on these and can select whether to take these loads.
Although the load boards may be free to use, there may be charges applied to the loads taken through the load board which may be applied on top to the shipper or taken from the amount agreed. So it is important to understand if any fees or charges apply when bidding or applying for loads so that it can be factored into your rate.