A freight broker can provide a range of benefits both to shippers and carriers by bringing them together to deliver loads more efficiently and cost-effectively.
They can assist shippers in reducing their workload and streamlining their processes. They can also provide a range of benefits to both carriers and shippers to improve their processes and make savings.
Brokers utilise a range of load boards to advertise the loads that they are managing so that they can attract the right carriers and achieve the best price for their clients.
Carriers can often benefit from their experience and additional services and discounts from brokers which make them an attractive proposition.
Disclaimer: Fleetlogging.com is a general business information website only. The material and information on this website should not be relied upon for making any business or legal decisions. We cannot recommend any company and/or product, nor assess your suitability for any product and/or company listed here.
The table below shows a quick price comparison of all the load board solutions that we’ve researched:
Company name | From free | Free for shippers and some carriers |
---|---|---|
DAT Load Board | From $45/mo | No |
Direct Freight Services | From free | Free account & free to post loads |
Omnitracs | Not stated | No |
Truckstop | From $39/mo | No |
Trucker Path | From free | Free for brokers |
Trulos | From free | Free to use |
NextLoad | From free | Free to use |
Convoy | From free | Free to use |
Loadup | From free | Free for shippers and some carriers |
FreightFinder.com | From free | Free to use |
FreeFreightSearch.com | From free | Free to use |
Brokered Loads | Not stated | No |
FindFreightLoads | From $145/mo | No |
Loadmatch | From free | Free plan and 30 day trial of the paid plan |
Movers Dispatch Board | From $199/mo | Offers a 30-day trial |
Central Dispatch | Not stated | No |
LivestockTalk | From free | Free to use |
FR8Star | Not stated | No |
Livestock Transport Nation | From free | Free plan |
Expedite | From $50/mo | No |
Ivia | Free account but fees apply | Free account only |
Pilot Car Loads | From free | Free plan and 30-day free trial of the paid plan |
Trucker Tools | Not stated | No |
Sureway | Not stated | No |
Bennett | Not stated | No |
Full Circle | Not stated | No |
*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. DAT Freight & Analytics
DAT Freight & Analytics provides a selection of freight tools that support freight management and analytics, and they offer one of the largest freight marketplaces in North America.
- Provides a load board suitable for brokers, shippers and carriers
- Offers a choice of plans that are designed for different users
- A large number of loads are available from trusted partners
- They allow unlimited searches and posts
- Utilise automated filters to help you find the most suitable loads
- Search loads by state by inbound or outbound volumes
- Match alerts can be set up for suitable loads
- Provides an easy mobile app so load can be booked from anywhere
- It can be integrated with other apps and tools
- Access market insights and information on market conditions
Website: https://www.dat.com/
2. Direct Freight Services
Direct Freight Services provides freight management services that help bring together brokers, shippers and carriers to deliver shipments.
- Provides a load board that caters for brokers, shippers and carriers
- Offers over 300,000 loads daily
- An account isn’t required to access the load board
- Posts from brokers and shippers are free
- Free accounts are available for carriers to contact brokers and shippers
- Loads can be searched using improved load filtering
- Alerts can be set up by email or text about suitable loads
- Also provides route planning and weather forecasts
- A Driver App is available for remote access
- Access to credit reports and scores are available
Website: https://www.directfreight.com/
3. Omnitracs
Omnitracs provides a range of fleet services tools that enable drivers, back-office teams and customers to connect and improve processes.
- Provides a flexible load board that is open to brokers
- They operate across the US, Canada and Mexico
- Over 26,000 vehicles form their vetted network of carriers
- Two choices of plans are available to meet different requirements
- They cater for a variety of loads including partial, expedited, flatbeds, dry van and refrigerated
- It enables users to manage their operations, dispatch, track loads and manage finances
- Provides a Driver Mobile App which offers a better driver experience
- Allows you to run schedule reports
- You can integrate it with a fuel card
- It can be integrated with third-party apps
Website: https://www.omnitracs.com/
4. Truckstop
Truckstop provides services that support businesses using technology in managing their freight moving lifecycle from matching loads to payment.
- Their load board is designed to bring together brokers, shippers and carriers
- There are over 250,000 active users
- Over 80 million loads are moved per year through their load board
- They offer loads that include LTL, vans, flatbeds, heavy haul, reefer and specialised
- You can choose between plans from a Basic plan to a Pro plan
- It allows you to search for loads and post available loads
- Advanced tools are available such as heat maps and real-time updates
- Pro plan users can also access carrier performance ratings
- Offers cargo insurance and market insight
- They also provide market insight to help users
Website: https://truckstop.com/
5. Trucker Path
Trucker Path offers freight tools to the trucking industry including freight matching services, fleet management, fleet monitoring and navigational assistance.
- Their load board is free to access
- They claim to be one of America’s most popular trucking apps
- Has a network comprising 800 brokers and 100,000 carriers
- Over 150,000 loads are available each day
- They cater for a variety of equipment including flatbeds, reefers and dry vans
- Three plans are available to users
- All users can access help in planning loads and calculating rates
- Credit scores and day rate checks are available on some plans
- A wealth of industry information and reporting facilities are available on the highest plan
- You can access other Trucker Path products through their app
Website: https://truckerpath.com/
6. Trulos
Trulos provides a service for owner-operators and small fleets to connect with shippers and larger companies to transport freight loads.
- Their load board is free to use
- It is an open-access load board with no account necessary
- They provide thousands of loads that are updated live
- They offer a variety of load types including partial, LTL and hot shot which they specialise in
- Loads are suitable for vehicles such as flatbeds and dry vans
- The load board can be searched using the truck type and state
- Rates are included on the posts
- Assistance can be provided to help with fuel-efficient routing
- Support is also available to assist with making your business more profitable
- They offer a range of information to support users
Website: https://trulos.com/
7. NextLOAD
NextLOAD is a load board that forms part of the Apex Capital product range which is designed to support brokers, shippers, carriers and trucking companies.
- Their load board is free to use
- You will need to have an established credit relationship with Apex Capital to book loads
- Thousands of loads are available each day
- The load board has a variety of filters to assist you in finding suitable loads
- Notifications can be set up so you don’t miss suitable loads
- Unlimited accounts are available so that drivers and dispatchers can access it
- Loads can be managed 24/7 through the load board with updates
- Accessible through a desktop, tablet or mobile
- Provides factoring options to allow you to free up cash flow
- Integrations with TMS platforms are available
Website: https://www.nextload.com/
8. Convoy
Convoy has established a large network of carriers to match with shippers and brokers through their load board. They claim to be one of America’s leading digital freight networks.
- Their load board is free with no sign-up or monthly fees
- They support carriers of all sizes
- Designed to help reduce operating costs and keep trucks full
- Choice of two rate types – accept the rates advertised or bid for the load
- The load board is searchable to help you find suitable loads
- Alert notifications can be set for suitable loads or preferred routes
- Tracking facilities and arrival times are available through the load board
- Accessible through a desktop or mobile app
- QuickPay options are available for quicker payments
- Offers members a discount programme for fuel, tyres, roadside assistance, ELD devices and more
Website: https://convoy.com/
9. Loadup
Loadup offers two load boards internationally for managing freight which are split geographically with one for the US and Canada and a second for the rest of the world.
- The load board is free for shippers and brokers
- It is also free for some carriers if they have particular truck types
- They cater for 35 vehicle types
- You will need to register online for an account and a membership account may apply for some carriers
- The load board is searchable for loads that meet your requirements
- Members are given unrestricted access without bidding, auctions and commission
- Also provides access to tenders
- Alerts can be set up for suitable loads
- They allow carriers to have direct access to shippers and brokers
- Provides a member directory with a listing for all members
Website: http://www.usacanadaloadup.com/
10. FreightFinder.com
FreightFinder.com provides a load board that caters for brokers, owner-operators and trucking companies and it is integrated with the LoadBoardNetwork.
- Provides a load board that is free to use
- You don’t need an account to access the load board
- They offer thousands of loads daily
- They cater for vans and flatbeds
- Loads are searchable by origin, destination, radius and equipment type
- It also enables carriers to post their truck availability
- Additional information is available including mileage and routing
- They offer a personalise load board experience
- They have an industry directory which includes members
- They provide industry-specific services including a refined search engine for the industry and a trucking job site
Website: https://www.freightfinder.com/
11. FreeFreightSearch.com
FreeFreightSearch.com offers a load board for brokers, shippers and carriers and they claim to be one of the largest load boards in the world.
- Their load board is free to use
- You can register for a free account on their website
- Over 143,000 registered members on the load board
- Brokers and shippers post thousands of loads
- You can search for suitable loads easily
- Available trucks can also be posted enabling shippers and brokers to book them
- Email notifications can be set up for loads that match your criteria
- Quick pay is available for loads
- Offers 50% fuel advance on loads
- They provide weekly articles with industry insight
Website: https://freefreightsearch.com/
12. Brokered Loads
Brokered Loads provides a load board in partnership with ATS Logistics and Sureway Transportation Company.
- They provide a real-time load board with closed access
- They offer a variety of loads which include full and partial loads, flatbeds, step decks, reefer, vans, double drop, RGN, power only and hot shot
- Registration is required on the website to access the load board
- They provide a vetted network of carriers
- It is a self-service booking system
- The load board can be searched by origin, destination, radius, date, load size and equipment
- Loads need to be sent to them to be loaded onto the load board
- Loads can be tracked through the load board in real time
- Documentation can be stored and accessed through the Customer Portal
- They can help process paperwork quicker by integrating with Transflo
Website: https://brokeredloads.com/
13. FindFreightLoads.com
FindFreightLoads.com utilises artificial intelligence and machine learning in its load board to help carriers find loads.
- Their load board is called RightNowLoad.com
- Brokers and shippers can access the load board for free
- They charge a monthly fee to access the load board but there is no contract
- A free three-day trial is available for carriers
- The load board is searchable for suitable loads
- They allow direct contact between carriers and post owners
- A bulk upload facility is available for shippers’ loads
- Credit report lookups are available to carriers
- Factoring solutions are available
- Provides benefits for members including fuel discounts, mileage and routing, weather and load conditions
Website: https://findfreightloads.com/
14. LoadMatch
LoadMatch offers a load board that brings together brokers, shippers and carriers to help them exchange information on loads, trucks and equipment.
- Offers a load board that includes a free plan
- The monthly subscription plan includes more features
- A free 30-day trial is available on their paid plan
- Their loads cover North America
- They cater for freight brokers, forwarders, motor carriers and a variety of other carriers
- Shippers are able to post their available loads
- Carriers can also post their available equipment
- Includes a free listing in their directory
- They aim to assist you in streamlining your operations and processes
- They also provide a Job and Resumes section on their website
Website: https://loadmatch.com/
15. Movers Dispatch Board
Movers Dispatch Board is a specialist load board that caters for those who are moving household goods and aren’t part of a national van line but need to connect with a network to deliver their services.
- It is a dedicated load board for moving companies
- Caters for moving companies, brokers and carriers
- It operates on a subscription-based service
- Offers a free 30-day trial
- The load board helps businesses make connections
- Supports moving companies to expand their operations
- Carriers can search for loads and negotiate rates
- Alerts can be set up for email and text for suitable loads
- Loads can be assigned through the load board and communication delivered
- Document sharing facility is available to reduce paperwork
Website: https://moversdispatchboard.com/
16. CentralDispatch
CentralDispatch provides a load board specifically for vehicle shippers and carriers and is one of the largest real-time auto transport marketplace providers.
- Their load board is exclusively for vehicle transportation
- Over 16,000 carriers are on their database which is most of the US car carriers
- The load board covers North America
- They cater for thousands of brokers, manufacturers, dealers, auctioneers and other industry professionals
- You need to apply on their website for an account
- Users can search millions of loads
- Their posts include origin, destination, shipping date, vehicle description, company name and contact information
- Shippers and brokers are able to post available loads
- They help transporters streamline their processes
- Carriers details and qualifications are available to be checked by shippers and brokers
Website: https://www.centraldispatch.com/
17. LivestockTalk
LivestockTalk provides a specialist load board for the livestock industry that helps move livestock across the US.
- Their load board is free to use
- It provides a single platform for sharing livestock loads
- Services are available to brokers, livestock owners and carriers
- Loads can be searched easily
- You can apply for loads in a few clicks
- Carriers can also contact load owners directly by phone
- Shippers and brokers can post their loads quickly
- Customised load alerts can be set up
- The load board allows you to manage loads
- Statistics are available on posts
Website: https://www.livestocktalk.com/
18. FR8star
FR8star provides a trucking marketplace with qualified transportation companies, shippers and brokers.
- They offer a load board that caters for carriers, shippers and brokers
- Their loads cover the US
- Three tiers of plans are available
- Loads include flatbeds, open decks, premium oversized and hot shot
- You can search for suitable loads by location, special load requirements, load/unload method and shipment type
- All bids must be transparent and have no hidden costs
- It assists shippers to build their loads
- Freight experts can help plan, book and fulfil loads
- Offers a range of information and insight for the industry
- It can be connected to other platforms to expand its capabilities
Website: https://www.fr8star.com/
19. Livestock Transport Nation
Livestock Transport Nation caters for the livestock industry and livestock haulers through their load board which helps them with managing animal welfare loads.
- They provide a load board for the livestock industry only
- Four plans are available including a free plan
- Carriers need to purchase a plan to use the load board
- A free 60-day trial is available on paid plans
- Plans are suitable for brokers, shippers, receivers, buyers, producers, processors, dispatchers, vendors, ranchers, feed lots and truckers
- Notifications can be set up by SMS and email
- Tracking facilities are available for loads
- It can provide assistance with invoicing and billing
- Records can be stored on the load board
- It can assist with coordinating inventory (Enterprise plan)
Website: https://www.livestocktransportnation.com/
20. Expedite
Expedite provides a specialist load board provider that caters for expedited loads in the US and Canada.
- Offers a dedicated load board for expedited loads with over 70,000 loads per month
- Their network comprises over 2,000 carriers and brokers
- They cater for freight companies, small expediting companies and independent contractors
- Their loads are most suited for small vehicles such as box trucks, Sprinters and cargo vans
- Two plans are available catering for different needs
- It operates on a simple bidding system to win loads
- Carriers will be vetted to check they meet the minimum requirements
- It is accessed through either the web or mobile app
- Posts can be easily posted by brokers
- Support for users is available by email
Website: https://expediteloadboard.com/
21. Ivia
Ivia provides a load board that has been designed to increase the visibility of loads and help improve their efficiency allowing users to save time and money.
- Their load board offers free access
- Free accounts are available on their website
- Two plans are offered including a paid plan
- A free trial is available of their paid plan
- It provides an extensive network of on-demand capacity
- All plans allow unlimited posts and searches
- The load board provides notifications and chat facilities
- Advanced tracking facilities are available
- A dashboard and reporting facilities are available on advanced plans
- Deep analytics and automated POD functions are available
Website: https://ivia.com/
22. Pilot Car Loads
Pilot Car Loads is a load board that specialises in pilot car companies and pilot car drivers that cover throughout the US.
- Their load board is dedicated to pilot cars only
- It is free to join the load board
- Two plans are available
- The free plan is suitable for load managers
- A free 30-day trial is available for their paid plan
- Over 1,000 loads are posted each month
- Loads can be searched and alerts set up for suitable posts
- The load board enables you to manage your posts and loads through the board
- Support is provided by chat and email to customers
- Directory listings are available on all plans
Website: https://pilotcarloads.com/
23. Trucker Tools
Trucker Tools provides a suite of freight management tools which include TMS, ELD, telematics, dispatch and load board.
- Their load board is called Book It Now
- They have an extensive network of 165,000 carriers and 13 million truckers
- Sign up for the load board on their website
- Search for suitable loads
- You can find loads on preferred lanes and save your preferred brokers
- Carriers can easily send a quote for a load and negotiate rates
- It offers recommendations for loads based on your preferences
- The load board allows you to view and manage your loads
- Tracking facilities are offered on the load board
- Additional tools can be accessed to support truckers
Website: https://www.truckertools.com/
24. Sureway
Sureway is a trucking company that is a division of Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) and claims to be one of America’s top 25 freight brokerage companies.
- Their load board caters for carriers of all sizes and owner-operators
- They have a network of over 150,000 carriers
- They have over 1 million trucks that cover the US
- A few thousand loads are available
- Loads include flatbed, reefer, dry van, heavy haul, inter, specialised and LTL
- Complete their online form to become a carrier
- You can search for loads and book them
- Consistent freight options are available
- Carriers are regularly reviewed to ensure they have the required paperwork
- Quick payments are available in three to five days
Website: https://www.sureway.com/
25. Bennett
Bennett provides logistics and transportation services through their network of owner-operators, agents and employees which covers North America.
- Their load board is designed for carriers and owner-operators to find loads
- Load types include small parcel, LTL, partial loads, expedited final mile, specialised, heavy haul, flatbed, dry van, step deck, temperature-controlled and government loads
- Over 3,000 carriers form their network
- The load board is searchable for suitable loads
- It is available on the app and loads can be emailed to you
- A personal contact is available to provide assistance
- Those transporting five or month loads per month receive a free ELD device
- Provides load tracking technology and proof of delivery
- Offers a quick pay program in three days
- Access faster payment solutions with a processing fee
Website: https://www.bennettig.com/
26. Full Circle
Full Circle provide software solutions that help automate operations and increase profitability which includes TMS, ELD and load board.
- Their load board specialises in hot shot and expedited loads
- The load board is included in all the TMS plans
- Suitable for Sprinters, cargo vans, straight trucks and tractor-trailers
- Register on their website to become a carrier and access the load board
- You can search the load board for suitable loads
- Carriers can bid for suitable loads
- Shippers and brokers can post loads
- Post owners can manage and award loads through the load board
- Auto-dispatch is available to help confirm rates and send notifications for unsuccessful bids
- Offers a friend facility to allow you to friend/unfriend partners
Website: https://fullcircletms.com/
Broker load board Q&A
What are freight brokers?
A freight broker acts as an intermediary between shippers who have goods to transport and carriers who have the capacity to move those goods. Their role is critical in the logistics and transportation industry, facilitating the efficient movement of cargo across various modes of transport, including road, rail, air, and sea. Here are some key aspects of what a freight broker does:
- Matching Shippers with Carriers: Freight brokers use their extensive networks to find reliable carriers for shippers who need to transport goods. They take into account the specific needs of the shipment, such as the type of goods, required delivery timeline, and budget constraints.
- Negotiating Rates: They negotiate rates with both shippers and carriers, aiming to secure favorable terms for both parties. By doing so, they ensure that the shipper receives cost-effective shipping solutions and the carrier maximizes their load capacity and profitability.
- Coordinating Logistics: Beyond simply matching shippers with carriers, freight brokers coordinate all aspects of the transportation process. This includes scheduling pickups and deliveries, managing shipping documents, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Tracking Shipments: They provide updates and tracking information to shippers, ensuring transparency and peace of mind throughout the transportation process.
- Problem-Solving: Freight brokers often act as problem-solvers, addressing any issues that may arise during transit, such as delays, damaged goods, or rerouting needs. They work to quickly resolve these issues to minimize impact on delivery times and costs.
- Ensuring Compliance: They ensure that all aspects of the transportation process comply with relevant regulations, including safety standards, environmental regulations, and legal requirements for the transport of specific goods, such as hazardous materials.
- Providing Expertise: Freight brokers bring valuable expertise and advice to both shippers and carriers, helping them navigate the complexities of logistics and transportation. This can include advising on the best transportation methods, packaging requirements, and insurance needs.
Freight brokers typically earn a commission for their services, which is a percentage of the total shipping cost paid by the shipper. To operate legally, they must obtain a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the United States and comply with specific insurance and bonding requirements.
Their role is instrumental in creating efficient, reliable, and cost-effective shipping solutions, making them a vital component of the global supply chain.
Why should you use a broker?
Using a broker can offer advantages as they provide services which can assist both the shipper and the carrier.
They help shippers by taking responsibility for shipment and streamlining processes to get shipments delivered with less effort from the shipper so they can focus on other things. They can provide better pricing and access volume discounts. They also offer additional support services to help shippers.
Carriers can benefit from being able to access additional services such as payment processing, factoring and discounts on services like fuel cards, tyres, services and more.
Do all broker load boards show rates?
All load boards vary, and they don’t all show rates for their loads, in fact, most load boards don’t show rates.
A lot of load boards have been created to encourage competition between transportation providers so that shippers can get the best rates for their shipments. If the load board contained the rates for these loads the carriers wouldn’t compete for them and the best rates may not be achieved.
Depending on the load board you may be able to get some help in calculating your load rates which includes a load calculator and historical rates. These are not just useful for carriers to calculate rates but also for shippers and brokers to assess the quotes they receive as a benchmark.
Which load board pays the most?
As mentioned all load boards are different but generally they have very little influence on the price of the load. Load boards are normally a platform for advertising available loads to carriers and they are posted in one of two ways – as load that can be bid on or quoted for, or with the rates set by the shipper or broker.
In neither of these scenarios does the load board get involved in setting the rates or influence the rates.
However, there is a small impact that a load board can have on the payment and that is the charges or fees that might be applied. Many load boards have charges or fees but the way they are applied can vary.
So for example, you may have a free to access load board which charges a fee for loads won, others may have a monthly subscription fee and no charges for loads won. Whatever the fee structure, you should understand what the charges will be so that you can factor this in when you apply or bid for loads.
Are there any restrictions around using a broker?
The use of freight brokers is subject to several regulations and restrictions, primarily governed by federal law in the United States under the authority of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Here are some of the key regulations and restrictions:
- Licensing and Registration: Freight brokers must be licensed by the FMCSA. To obtain a license, they must fill out the FMCSA’s OP-1 Application for Motor Property Carrier and Broker Authority and pay a fee. They are assigned a Motor Carrier (MC) number, which is required to operate legally.
- Surety Bond or Trust: Freight brokers are required to have a surety bond or trust fund in place, with a minimum amount of $75,000. This requirement is intended to protect shippers and carriers against fraud or failure to pay by the broker.
- Carrier Agreements: Brokers must have written agreements with carriers. These agreements typically outline the terms and conditions of the transportation services, including payment terms, liability for freight loss and damage, and other essential terms.
- Records Keeping: Freight brokers are required to keep detailed records of their transactions, including information about the shippers and carriers they work with, the rates charged, and the details of the shipments. These records must be kept for a minimum of three years.
- Insurance Requirements: While freight brokers are not required to carry cargo insurance (since they do not actually transport the goods), they often carry contingent cargo insurance to cover claims in case a carrier’s policy fails to fully cover a loss. They must also have general liability insurance.
- Ethical and Legal Conduct: Brokers must adhere to ethical and legal standards, avoiding practices that would constitute fraud, misrepresentation, or unfair practices. The FMCSA can revoke the license of brokers who engage in illegal or unethical practices.
State and Local Regulations
In addition to federal regulations, there may be state and local regulations that affect how freight brokers operate. These can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another and might involve additional licensing requirements, taxes, or business regulations.
Industry Certifications
While not a legal requirement, many freight brokers choose to pursue certification through industry organizations such as the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). These certifications can demonstrate a broker’s commitment to professionalism and adherence to industry best practices.
Overall, while there are several restrictions and regulations governing the operation of freight brokers, these are primarily focused on ensuring that brokers operate fairly, ethically, and in a manner that protects the interests of both shippers and carriers.