There are a huge range of companies that provide moving services and furniture moving but often these companies need to work with other companies to deliver these services across the country and a network is required. Finding companies that offer compatible services can be difficult and time-consuming.
This is where load boards can be useful in helping to connect carriers with shippers and other carriers to deliver services. Loads can be posted easily and carriers can search for suitable loads to keep them busy and earning. Some load boards also provide services directly to the householder.
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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 |
---|---|---|
Loadup | From free | Free for shippers and some carriers |
Movers Dispatch Board | From $199/mo | No |
Arcbest | Not stated | No |
uShip | Free to join | Free to use, matching fee applies |
Shiply | From free | 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. Loadup
Loadup offers two load boards that have been established to cater for different geographical areas, one for the US and Canada, and the second for the rest of the countries.
- Offers a load board that caters for a range of users including house and furniture movers
- The load board is free to access for shippers
- Some carriers can also use the load board for free
- Carriers will need to register to access the load board and a membership fee may apply
- The load board has no bidding or auctions and no commission applies
- You can search for loads that best match your needs
- Load information includes detailed information such as vehicle requirements
- Email alerts can be set up for suitable loads
- They enable direct communication between all parties
- They have a courier and hauler member directory that users can be included in
Website: http://www.usacanadaloadup.com/
2. Movers Dispatch Board
Movers Dispatch Board provides a specialist moving load board that caters for moving companies that aren’t part of a national van line but require other companies to help them deliver their loads.
- Caters only for moving companies
- Offers a subscription service only
- A 30-day trial is available for free
- It is designed to help companies make connections to deliver their loads
- Through the load board moving companies can expand into new areas and grow their business
- The load board is searchable and rates are displayed but negotiable
- Users can easily post their loads
- Alerts can be set up by text and email for loads that match your needs
- They enable users to communicate effectively through the load board
- Features include document sharing and the ability to assign drivers through the dashboard
Website: https://moversdispatchboard.com/
3. ArcBest
ArcBest is a global logistics company that provides managed logistics and a load board in the US, Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
- Their load board caters for a variety of businesses including moving companies
- The load board offers over 5,000 unique loads daily
- Operates a carrier network for owner-operators under Panther Fleet
- LTL solutions are available
- Join them by completing their online form
- Loads can be searched by location, date, equipment and shipment type
- They aim to help carriers operate more efficiently
- Provides around-the-clock driver support
- Offers weekly settlements for owner-operators
- Access discounts on fuel and maintenance services
Website: https://arcb.com/
4. uShip
uShip has created a marketplace for carriers and shippers which helps to connect them so that they can deliver goods effectively.
- Their load board is free to join
- A matching fee is charged for each load
- They have a network of 41,000 service providers
- They specialise in moving a wide range of goods including household items, home moves, animals, vehicles and boats
- You can sign up for the load board on their website
- They vet carriers before giving them access
- Carriers can bid and manage loads
- Alerts can be set for loads that match your preferences
- Shippers can post loads, compare quotes and select their preferred carrier
- There are feedback ratings available for their service providers
Website: https://www.uship.com/
5. Shiply
Shiply provides international transportation and logistics services with its network of carriers that spans the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, India and Australia.
- Their load board is interactive and easy to use
- No subscription or sign-up fees apply
- A fee is charged on all quotes at 10-15%
- Over 150,000 carriers and several million customers use their load board
- New jobs are posted every 30 seconds with thousands posted daily
- Offers services from moving companies with personalised quotes
- They cater for large deliveries such as home moves, cars and boats
- Join their load board on their website
- Loads can be searched by location and routes
- Email alerts can be set up for suitable jobs
Website: https://www.shiply.com/us
Moving load board Q&A
What are moving load boards?
Moving load boards are a very specific load board in some cases that focuses on providing support to moving companies in delivering moves outside their operating areas by sharing the load with another provider. Some load boards that offer a broader range of load types may not offer the same level of support as a load board that is completely dedicated to moving companies.
Some of the load boards may offer moving services directly to individuals or businesses who want to move furniture or household contents.
Load boards fill a gap in the market where a moving company is not part of a national or international van line if they need to deliver services outside their operational areas. These load boards enable moving companies to share their loads to get them to their final destination.
Why should you use a moving load board?
You should consider using a moving load board or services if you want to move furniture or household goods as they are trained to protect your belongings in transit and have the materials to securely protect them.
They will provide the correct vehicles and staff to move your belongings and will secure them safely within their vehicles to protect them from damage.
As a moving company, some moving load boards can provide an alternative to joining a national or international van line as they can provide the alliances that are required to operate across larger geographical areas. This can assist moving companies in growing their operational areas and their business whilst making them more efficient.
Do all moving load boards show rates?
Not all load boards show the rates, many expect the carrier to submit a quote or bid for the load. Opening up the loads for bids or quotes drives competition for the loads which can help reduce the cost of shipping load. The shipper can then compare the quotes or bids and select the most appropriate offer. If the load board included the rate, shippers may not achieve rates that are as competitive for the loads.
Which load board pays the most?
Working out which load board will pay you the most might seem important, but load boards don’t really determine the rates that are offered. There are two ways that load rates are decided which include the shipper advertising the load with a rate and this could be negotiated by the carrier.
The second method is that carriers bid or quote for load and the shipper selects which carrier they want to contract with.
The load board can make a difference to the price if they charge a commission on winning loads, but not all load boards charge this. You may also want to factor in any subscription charges that apply to using the load board.
You may want to understand these charges before you sign up to the load board and compare them as well as factor them into your rates.
Are there any restrictions around using a moving service?
There are some restrictions on what you can include in your belongings when you are moving and these include items such as explosives, flammable gases and toxic substances.
This surprisingly includes items like household cleaning products, garden chemicals, candles, ammunition and automobile batteries. Many movers will also not move animals or plants, but some moving companies do offer specialist moving services for animals and pets.
Other considerations that apply to moving services are the size of the vehicle being used and whether the vehicle is big enough for your move or can fit your largest items. Many moving companies will complete an in-person or virtual survey of your home or items to ensure that they can accommodate them and have the appropriate materials to pack them if they are providing packing services.
The other consideration is the size and weight of the items in terms of being able to handle them and if special equipment may be needed to move them.
If you are contracting with another moving company to complete a move on their behalf they may have standards and requirements that you have to meet in order to carry out the load for them.