Are you looking for a vehicle to deliver your small loads or parcels? Are you a Sprinter van driver looking for additional loads to keep your van busy and keep you earning? Then using a load board to help connect with carriers, shippers or brokers might be the answer for you.
Load boards provide a quick and easy way to match shippers or brokers with carriers. It provides shippers and brokers with a platform to have carriers reach out to them with quotes or bids for their loads and to get competitive rates. Carriers get to choose which loads they are interested in and bid for them so that they can fill their trucks making them more efficient and increase their revenue.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Relay | Not stated | No |
| Landstar | Not stated | No |
| Atlantic Logistics | Not stated | No |
| Flock Freight | From free | Free to use |
| Expedite | From $50/mo | No |
| Ivia | Free account but fees apply | Free account only |
| Group One Inc | 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. Amazon Relay
Amazon Relay is a carrier network provider that is the delivery arm of Amazon providing parcel delivery services for them and other third-party companies.
- Provides a load board that specialises in small loads
- Their loads cater for small vans such as Sprinters and box trucks
- They offer thousands of loads every day
- Extensive network of carriers and drivers
- They offer contract opportunities for single or multiple weeks
- Be alerted about changes to assigned loads in real-time
- Download their app to benefit from commercial navigation and fast on-site check-in
- Utilise the app to plan routes with stops for fuel, food and parking
- They offer fast payments for carriers
- They provide a discount scheme and reward program for drivers and carriers
Website: https://relay.amazon.com/
2. Landstar
Landstar offers technology-enabled transportation solutions that are asset-light and integrated which includes a load board.
- Provides a load board for a broad range of loads including Sprinter vans
- Offers thousands of loads each day
- Caters for independent agents and owner-operators
- Provides coverage across the US and to Canada and Mexico
- You can search the load board for loads that meet your needs
- Allows carriers to also post the availability of their trucks
- You can let loads come to you through load alerts
- Access the load board through the app
- Provides market insight including pricing, capacity and in-depth analytics
- Access their back-office support and resources
Website: https://www.landstar.com/
3. Atlantic Logistics
Atlantic Logistics provides a load board that aims to help improve supply chains by helping shippers find carriers.
- Provides a load board with a large network of carriers
- They offer a range of loads including LTL and small loads suitable for Sprinter vans
- They operate across North America
- They have completed over 250,000 shipments
- You need to register with them and be vetted before gaining access to the load board
- The load board can be searched and filtered using load origin, destination, mileage, dates, rate and equipment requirements
- Advanced technology aids with accepting and scheduling loads
- Fast payments available through the Quick Pay program
- Provides a dedicated support team to assist users
- They were named top freight broker for the 5th time in 2021
Website: https://www.shipatlantic.com/
4. FlockFreight
FlockFreight provides smart freight options that cater for partial and less than truckloads as well as truckloads through their load board.
- Offers a load board that caters for smaller loads
- Designed to help small vehicles like Sprinters and box trucks
- Assists carriers in finding shared loads to fill their vehicles
- The load board is free to use but online registration is required
- Certifications are checked before access is granted to the load board
- You can search for appropriate loads easily
- Loads can be booked instantly or you can bid on them
- The load board will offer possible load matches
- Available through the mobile app and online
- Shared loads offer shippers reduced costs and carbon emissions
Website: https://www.flockfreight.com/
5. Expedite
Expedite provides a specialist load board that offers expedited loads only and they cover the US and Canada.
- A load board that is dedicated to expedited loads
- Provides services for small expediting companies, independent contractors and freight companies
- Their loads are suitable for Sprinter vans, cargo vans and box trucks
- They have a network of 2,000 brokers and carriers
- Two plans are available catering for different vehicle types
- To access the load board you need to meet their criteria
- They provide a simple bidding system
- Loads can be posted quickly
- Email support is available to help users
- The load board can be accessed over the web and mobile app
Website: https://expediteloadboard.com/
6. Ivia
Ivia offers transportation solutions that aim to improve efficiency and save money through the use of a load board.
- Offers a load board with free accounts
- They cater for two levels of access with two load board plans as fees apply for using it
- They offer a free trial of their paid plans
- They provide on-demand capacity through their carrier network
- You need to register for an account on their website
- Provides unlimited searches and posts on all plans
- They offer advanced tracking facilities
- Chat facilities and notifications are available
- Advanced plans also offer a dashboard and reporting facilities
- They offer automated POD and deep analytics too
Website: https://ivia.com/
7. Group One Inc
Group One Inc is a logistics and transportation company that offers freight services with its own fleet and carrier network.
- Provides a load board that caters for carriers and shippers
- They offer a range of services including tradeshows and events, customised logistics, driveaway, flatbed and heavy haul, and warehousing
- They offer loads suitable for Sprinters, transit vans, box trucks, flatbeds and heavy loads
- They operate across the continental US and Canada
- An account is needed to book loads
- Carriers are vetted before they get access to the load board
- The load board is easily searchable
- Posts include all key details such as origin, destination and instructions
- Carriers can make requests for loads and shippers approve these requests
- Aims to help make shipments more cost-effective and efficient
Website: https://grouponetransport.com/
8. Bennett
Bennett provides logistics and transportation services in North America with a combination of employees, agents and a network of owner-operators.
- Offers a load board that caters for owner-operators and carriers
- Provides a network of over 3,000 carriers
- Offers a variety of loads including small parcels, LTL and expedited loads suitable for Sprinter vans
- The load board can be searched to find suitable loads
- Those transporting five or more loads per month receive a free ELD device
- Offers advanced technology to provide shipment tracking and proof of delivery
- Available loads can be emailed to you
- Download the mobile app to access the load board from anywhere
- Provide quick pay options that pay in three days with no fees
- Offers faster payment solutions with a fee
Website: https://www.bennettig.com/
9. Full Circle
Full Circle provides transportation software solutions that assist the transportation industry to automate and improve their profitability through a TMS, ELD and load board.
- Provides a specialist load board for hot shot and expedited loads
- Caters for small vehicles like Sprinters, cargo vans and straight trucks
- They offer TMS plans that include the load boards
- You need to register to use the load board
- The load board is searchable and allows you to bid for loads
- Shippers and brokers can post their loads easily
- It offers auto load dispatches to the selected bidder
- Can send notifications to unsuccessful bidders
- Enables you to friend and unfriend partners in the network
- Provides other useful tools in the plans including TMS, CRM and dispatch
Website: https://fullcircletms.com/
Sprinter van load board Q&A
What are Sprinter vans?
Sprinter vans are a lightweight commercial vehicle which is a vehicle produced by Mercedes-Benz but has also become a blanket term that is used to describe commercial cargo vans. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans like many cargo vans are available in different lengths which can include lengths of 233.5”, 274.3” and 290”.
Sprinter vans tend to sit either two or three passengers depending on the van configuration and the rear cargo compartment is accessible from the front of the vehicle.
The Sprinter style of van is popular with carriers and tradesmen as they are comfortable vehicles that provide durability and flexibility. These vans can be easily customised and tend to be eco-friendly in terms of fuel efficiency in comparison to other options.
What are the differences between sprinter vans, cargo vans and box trucks?
Sprinter vans, cargo vans, and box trucks are all versatile vehicles used in the transportation of goods, but they differ significantly in design, capacity, and intended use. Understanding these differences is crucial for businesses and individuals to choose the right type of vehicle for their specific transportation needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
1. Sprinter Vans:
- Design: Sprinter vans, a specific brand of cargo vans made by Mercedes-Benz, are known for their tall roofs and long wheelbases, offering more interior height and length compared to many standard cargo vans. This allows for standing room inside and more storage space.
- Use: Ideal for delivery services, tradesmen, and conversion into passenger vans or mobile homes due to their versatility and drivability. They are also favored for their fuel efficiency, especially in diesel models.
- Capacity: While offering significant cargo space, Sprinter vans are generally designed for payloads that are less than what a box truck can handle but more than a standard cargo van, depending on the specific model and configuration.
2. Cargo Vans:
- Design: Cargo vans are enclosed vehicles with a cargo space separated from the cab, designed to transport goods. They come in various sizes but typically have less interior height compared to Sprinter vans. They do not have windows in the cargo area sides, ensuring privacy and security for the cargo.
- Use: Used by delivery services, contractors, and for commercial purposes where goods need to be transported securely and efficiently. They are maneuverable in urban environments, making them ideal for city deliveries.
- Capacity: Cargo capacity can vary widely, but they are generally used for smaller loads compared to box trucks. The lack of a high roof in many models limits the size of cargo that can be easily loaded and unloaded.
3. Box Trucks:
- Design: Box trucks feature a separate, box-shaped cargo area mounted on a frame, with a distinct separation between this area and the cab. They often have a roll-up rear door for easy loading and unloading. The cargo box is typically larger and taller than the cargo areas of Sprinter or standard cargo vans.
- Use: Suited for larger deliveries and moving larger items that wouldn’t fit in a cargo or Sprinter van. Common uses include furniture delivery, large appliance transport, and commercial freight.
- Capacity: Box trucks can handle a much larger volume and weight of cargo, making them suitable for heavier commercial transportation needs. They can carry larger payloads, but their size can make them less maneuverable in tight city streets.
Summary:
- Sprinter Vans are a type of cargo van with a specific focus on height and length, offering good fuel efficiency and versatility.
- Cargo Vans are more compact, offering secure and efficient transport of goods, with better maneuverability in urban settings.
- Box Trucks are designed for larger cargo loads, with a separate, larger cargo box, suitable for heavy-duty transportation needs but with reduced maneuverability in tight spaces.
Choosing between these vehicles depends on the specific needs, including the volume and weight of the cargo, the type of cargo, the driving environment (urban vs. long-distance), and the need for maneuverability and fuel efficiency.
Why should you use Sprinter van services?
Sprinter vans are more suited to small loads and courier style services as they don’t have the capacity to carry as much as other types of vans such as box trucks, flatbeds and dry vans. Sprinter vans provide a practical solution for urban delivery services as they are more compact than other vehicles which means they can be driven more easily in built-up areas.
Sprinter vans are most suited to couriers, expedited, hot shot and final mile loads as these tend to be for smaller loads and packages that don’t require a large vehicle to transport them. Demand for these types of services has increased recently as more sales have gone online and more home delivery services are needed. For these types of loads, Sprinter vans are more economical as they have lower operating costs and they are more fuel efficient.
Do all Sprinter van load boards show rates?
Load boards do not generally show the rates for loads as this can be counterproductive to their aims as many of the load boards are designed to be a competitive platform. Many load boards are created with the intention of carriers bidding for the loads competitively so that the shipper or broker gets the best possible price for the load.
Therefore including a rate on the post would prevent competitive bidding for the load. However, some loads aren’t competitive platforms and they do include the load rates.
Some load boards give their users support in calculating the rates which include the use of rate calculators and historical rate information. This is designed to help carriers calculate more accurate and competitive rates, and assist shippers in creating a benchmark to assess bids against.
Which load board pays the most?
It is difficult to say which load board pays the most and whether one pays more than others as load boards do not set the rates. On most load boards the carrier is in control of what the shipper or broker is being charged for the load as they select which bids they want to go for and submit a bid for it. Ultimately this means that the carrier decides how much they make for each load and what level of profit they get.
However, the competitive nature of some of these load boards does tend to drive the price down.
The impact that the individual load board can have on your profitability is the cost of using the load board and the fee structure for each load won. Each load board is different and therefore you will need to examine the costs and weigh up which will be the most cost effective for you.
For example, some charge a monthly subscription fee and no fees for bids won, and others are free and fees apply on bids won.
Are there any restrictions around using a Sprinter van?
Sprinter vans are smaller vehicles than most delivery vehicles so they are by their nature restricted by their size. This restricts them in the goods they can carry in terms of size, volume and weight.
The amount of goods is limited by the cargo space and the size of individual items is restricted by the dimensions of the cargo area. There is also a weight limit on the amount of goods that they can carry as well.
Sprinter vans can vary in length with several sizes available including 233.5”, 274.3” and 290” in length and 95.5” wide. Weight limits for Sprinter vans can vary depending on the model but this can be from 1,024 – 1,413kg. The dimensions and weight limit will need to be factored in when booking a load with a Sprinter van.