Step deck trailers provide a flexible transportation solution for larger loads, particularly for taller loads that might be subject to restrictions and permit requirements. The design of step deck trailers as a split-level platform with a lower base allows them to accommodate taller loads and they are suitable for a variety of construction equipment and vehicles.
Finding suitable trailers for your loads can be difficult which is where a load board can help shippers and brokers find suitable trailers for their loads. They are also great for carriers who are seeking loads for their fleet or trucks to keep them busy and for fulfilling return journeys.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| DAT Load Board | From $45/mo | No |
| 123 Loadboard | From $39/mo | Free trial for 10 days |
| Direct Freight Services | From free | Free account & free to post loads |
| Landstar | Not stated | No |
| Truckstop | From $39/mo | No |
| Trucker Path | From free | Free for brokers |
| Trulos | From free | Free to use |
| Loadup | From free | Free for shippers and some carriers |
| FreightFinder.com | From free | Free to use |
| Brokered Loads | Not stated | No |
| Buchanan Logistics | Not stated | No |
| Jones Logistics | Not stated | No |
| Maverick Transportation | Not stated | Free to use |
| Mercer Transportation | Not stated | No |
| Online Freight Services | Not stated | No |
| Tennessee Steel Haulers | Not stated | No |
| Bridgeway | Not stated | No |
| Werner | Not stated | No |
| FindFreightLoads | Not stated | No |
| Coyote Logistics | Not stated | No |
| LoadMatch | From free | Free plan and 30 day trial of the paid plan |
| ATS | Not stated | No |
| FR8Star | Not stated | No |
| C.H. Robinson | Not stated | No |
| Shiply | From free | Free to join with fee applied on loads |
| Circle Logistics | Not stated | No |
| RXO | Not stated | No |
| BNSF Logistics | Not stated | No |
| Trinity Logistics | Not stated | No |
| Trucker Tools | Not stated | No |
| Sureway | Not stated | No |
| TQL | From free | Free to use |
| Bennett | Not stated | No |
| Globaltranz | 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 has created a range of freight tools to aid freight management and analytics and they claim to be one of the largest North America freight marketplaces.
- They offer a load board with a choice of packages
- A large number of loads are available from their trusted partners
- Users can access unlimited searches and posts
- You can search for loads using automated filters
- Load volumes can be viewed by state both inbound and outbound volumes
- Load alerts can be set up for matching loads
- They provide tools to help plan and optimise trips
- The load board is accessible through their mobile app from anywhere
- They allow integration with other apps and tools
- Access to market information is available such as insights and conditions
Website: https://www.dat.com/
2. 123 Loadboard
123 Loadboard provides specialist load board solutions and freight services across the US and parts of Canada for businesses of all sizes.
- They provide a simple freight matching service
- Offers a range of plans that cater for carriers and brokers
- Carriers can access a free 10-day trial
- Offers a demo of their software
- Find loads that match your needs by searching by city, zip or GPS
- Access their Rate Check tool to help negotiate the best rates
- Have suitable loads sent to you by setting up alerts
- Offers tools to assist with routing and mileage
- The load board is available through their mobile app
- Offers additional support with credit checking and compliance services
Website: https://www.123loadboard.com/
3. Direct Freight Services
Direct Freight Services offers freight services and a load board that operates across the United States to bring together shippers, brokers and carriers.
- Their load board caters for a broad range of vehicles including step decks
- Shippers and brokers can use the load board for free to post loads
- A free account is also offered to carriers to enable them to contact shippers and brokers
- No account is needed to access the load board
- 300,000 loads are searchable each day
- Find loads using their improved load filtering
- Alerts can be set up by email or text for suitable load matches
- Tools to aid with routing and planning are available
- Access the load board through the Driver App to search for loads remotely
- Offers access to full credit reports and scores to users
Website: https://www.directfreight.com/
4. Landstar
Landstar offers transportation solutions that have been designed to be technology-enabled and asset-light to support businesses in delivering freight.
- Their load board comprises a network of independent agents and owner-operators that have over 108,000 vehicles
- Access thousands of loads each day
- Loads are available across the US and into Canada and Mexico
- Offers loads suitable for a variety of equipment including step decks
- They offer both long and short-haul opportunities
- They allow carriers to search for loads and post their available trucks
- Notifications can be set up to alert you to suitable loads
- Their app allows you to access the load board from anywhere
- They offer resources and back-office support
- Provides real time information such as in-depth analytics, capacity and pricing
Website: https://www.landstar.com/
5. Truckstop
Truckstop has designed their services to support the freight lifecycle from the initial matching of loads to payments which they do using technology enhancements.
- They provide a load board that assists with connecting carriers, shippers and brokers
- The load board has over 250,000 active users
- Each year they offer over 80 million loads
- Their plans range from Basic to Pro
- Loads are available for a variety of equipment types including step decks
- Allows you to search and post loads easily
- Access real time updates and heat maps as part of their advanced tools
- Performance ratings for carriers are included in the Pro plan
- Supports users with market insights
- Offers additional services to users which include factoring and cargo insurance
Website: https://truckstop.com/
6. Trucker Path
Trucker Path has designed a range of trucking tools to assist the trucking industry which includes freight matching services, fleeting management, fleet monitoring and navigational assistance.
- Their load board is free to access for carriers
- They claim that their app is one of America’s most popular trucker apps
- Three plans are available which are tailored to different needs
- They have a large network of over 100,000 carriers and 800 brokers
- Each day over 150,000 loads are available
- They offer loads suitable for over 10 different trailer types which include step decks
- You can search for loads, get assistance with planning loads and calculating charges
- Credit scores and day rate checks can be accessed on some plans
- Some plans provide industry information which includes historical trends, load density and capacity indicators
- You can access other Trucker Path services through their app
Website: https://truckerpath.com/
7. Trulos
Trulos offers a load board that caters for owner-operators and small fleets which is designed to aid them in competing with larger companies for loads.
- Their load board is free to use
- It is an open access load board and no account is required
- Their loads are updated live with thousands of loads available daily
- They offer loads suitable for a range of equipment including step decks
- Specialist loads are available which include hot shot, LTL and partial loads
- Loads can be searched by state and truck type
- Load rates are displayed on the posts
- Fuel-efficient routing services are available
- They also provide a range of information to support users
- They try to assist truckers in increasing their profitability
Website: https://trulos.com/
8. Loadup
Loadup provides international freight services through the provision of two load boards, one that covers the US and Canada, and the second for the rest of the world.
- The load board is free for shippers
- Some carriers can also use the load board free depending on the equipment type
- Carriers need to register on their website and a membership fee may apply
- The load board is designed for brokers, individuals, manufacturers and moving companies
- Members can access the load board with no need to bid or enter auctions and no commission is charged
- The load board is searchable to find the most suitable loads
- Posts include detailed information
- You can set up alerts by email for loads that match your requirements
- Carriers can get direct access to the shippers and brokers they are working with
- Members are included in their courier and hauler member directory
Website: http://www.usacanadaloadup.com/
9. FreightFinder.com
FreightFinder.com like the name says helps trucking companies and owner-operators to find freight through their load board which is integrated with the LoadBoardNetwork.
- They offer a load board that is free and easy to use
- An account isn’t needed to access the load board
- Every day they have thousands of loads available
- A wide range of load types are available including step decks
- The load board can searched by equipment, origin, destination and radius
- Truck availability can also be posted by carriers
- Access tools that can assist with mileage and routing
- The load board can be personalised to provide a better experience
- An industry directory is produced by them
- Offers additional industry services including a refined industry search engine and trucking job site
Website: https://www.freightfinder.com/
10. Brokered Loads
Brokered Loads provides freight brokerage services and a load board in partnership with ATS Logistics and Sureway Transportation Company.
- They offer a load board that is closed access
- It is a self-service booking platform
- They cater for a variety of loads including step decks
- Register for the load board on the website
- Carriers will be vetted before they can access the load board
- Loads can be searched to find the best loads for your needs
- Loads are added on behalf of shippers to the load board
- A Customer Portal allows users to view documents
- Loads can be tracked in real time
- You can also integrate it with Transflo to help with paperwork
Website: https://brokeredloads.com/
11. Buchanan Logistics
Buchanan Logistics provides logistics services across the US, Canada and Mexico which are designed to help carriers keep their trucks full and on the road.
- They offer a load board that is a state-of-the-art
- Their network of asset-based carriers comprises 9,000 carriers
- Their load board supports a variety of load types including step decks
- To access the load board you need to register with the required documentation
- Loads can be searched to find the best matches
- Provides 24/7 dispatching and after-hours support
- They provide assistance with bids and RFQs
- Access a dedicated support team
- You can conduct credit checks
- They monitor the quality of delivery
Website: https://buchananlogistics.com/
12. Jones Logistics
Jones Logistics offers a range of freight services including managed transport, dedicated operations, freight brokerage and more, and they claim to be one of the US’ top 10 flatbed transporters.
- Their load board is designed to help maximise carrier loads
- Their network has over 26,000 carriers
- To access the load board you will need to be approved first
- Loads can be searched and filtered by equipment, location and date
- Posts include detailed information about the requirements
- Their load board supports communications between parties
- They aim to help shippers optimising freight spending and access trusted carriers
- A tracking facility is available through the load board
- The load board can aid schedule management, billing and claims management
- Faster payments available through Quick Pay
Website: https://www.joneslogistics.com/
13. Maverick Transportation
Maverick Transportation offers freight services that include a load board that operates across the US, Canada and Mexico.
- They offer a load board that is called Internet Truckstop Diamond Broker Program
- It is free to use for carriers and shippers
- Loads are available and continuously updated
- They provide a specialised service for the construction and agriculture sectors
- Caters for a range of equipment types including step decks
- They provide a network of vetted carriers that have met their safety standards
- The load board can be searched by any of their fields to find suitable loads such as equipment type and location
- Advanced search facilities are available
- Detailed load information includes equipment type, date, load offer, origin, destination, commodity, mileage and weight
- They provide a variety of loads including consistent lanes
Website: https://www.maverickusa.com/
14. Mercer Transportation
Mercer Transportation offers shipping services and a load board across North America and they claim to be one of the largest flatbed, heavy specialised and dry van carriers in the US.
- Their load board offers a network with over 30,000 carriers
- Each year over 500,000 loads are delivered
- You need to register with them to access the load board
- Vetting takes place for carriers which includes safety and insurance
- The load board can be searched for matching loads
- You can access their Personal Load Coordinators for support in managing loads
- Support is provided to shippers by local agents or Regional Sales Managers
- Loads can be tracked in real time
- Provides faster payments for carriers
- Offers a range of discounts to users including fuel, tyres and services
Website: https://mercer-trans.com/
15. Online Freight Services
Online Freight Services has designed freight systems that provide a load board that helps manage loads and shipments more effectively.
- Their load board is a self-service web portal
- It is an easy to use platform for carriers and shippers to find each other
- They have built a network of over 50,000 reliable carriers
- They claim to offer competitive load rates
- Their customer base is varied with a wide variety of locations and shipment types
- Posts can be managed and posted easily through the load board
- Users can access out-of-hours support
- Carriers can benefit from quick payment solutions
- Integrations are possible which can make efficiencies and streamline processes
- Access their TMSPro software for support with issuing invoices, collection handling and carrier payments
Website: https://onlinefreight.com/
16. Tennessee Steel Haulers
Tennessee Steel Haulers (TSH) provides trucking and haulage services through their load board which includes short and long hauls as well as international loads delivered by their drivers and carrier network.
- Their load board provides loads in real time
- A wide range of loads are available which include step decks
- To access the load board you will need to register with them
- A vetting process takes place to approve carriers
- The load board can be searched by origin, destination and radius
- Posts include details such as origin, destination, commodity, weight, miles and notes
- They can offer in-cab scanning to help reduce paperwork and payment times
- Carriers are paid through daily settlements by Direct Debit, EFS or check
- They provide a training program for drivers
- Carrier members can access a driver bonus scheme and fuel discounts
Website: https://tenh.com/
17. Bridgeway
Bridgeway offers freight services which they deliver through an extensive carrier network of owner-operators, agents and third parties. They are one of the largest American specialty transportation providers.
- They offer a purpose built load board for shippers and carriers
- They have a large network of 100,000 freight professionals
- A variety of load types are offered including step decks
- Claim to offer competitive load rates
- Shippers can find safe and reliable carriers
- They have experienced teams who provide a personalised service
- They can handle the toughest transportation challenges
- Carriers are required to register with them to get access to the load board
- Carriers can search and manage loads through the load board
- Users can access discounts on fuel and equipment
Website: https://bridgewayconnects.com/
18. Werner
Werner offers a range of transportation and logistics services internationally using a wide variety of freight, and they claim to be one of the US’ five largest truckload carriers.
- Offers a load board called Werner Bridge
- Over 35,000 carriers form their carrier network
- Their load board facilitates a variety of load types including step decks
- An online registration form needs to be completed
- Carriers will be vetted before access is granted to ensure they meet the required standards
- Loads can be searched by equipment type, origin, destination and date
- You can find matches on preferred lanes
- The load board can assist in managing transactions and communications
- They offer immediate responses to quote requests from shippers
- Access a dashboard that provides real time information on shipments
Website: https://www.werner.com/
19. FindFreightLoads.com
FindFreightLoads.com provides a freight load board that has utilised artificial intelligence and machine learning to aid the process of matching carriers and shippers.
- Their intelligent load board is called RighNowLoad.com
- Access is free for shippers and brokers
- A monthly fee applies to carriers but a contract doesn’t apply
- Carriers can access a three day free trial
- Suitable loads can be easily found by searching the load board
- They offer a bulk upload for shipper’s loads
- Direct contact between carriers, shippers and brokers is enabled
- Each month carriers can carry out a limited number of credit checks
- Additional services are available such as factoring, mileage and routing, weather and load conditions
- Also offers fuel discounts to users
Website: https://findfreightloads.com/
20. Coyote Logistics
Coyote Logistics offers a variety of freight services across the US, Mexico and Europe which includes network optimisation, transportation RFP management, fleet optimisation, reporting and analysis, and more.
- Their load board is called CoyoteGO and has been designed to be easy to use
- They provide a broad network of 100,000 carriers
- Each day 10,000 loads are handled
- Register with them to access the load board
- They vet carriers before providing them with access
- They enable carriers to search for compatible loads, negotiate rates and book loads
- In addition they can support invoicing
- Load tracking is provided for users
- Accessible online and through the mobile app for flexibility
- Members can access a reward program with financial benefits
Website: https://coyote.com/
21. LoadMatch
LoadMatch offers a load board that has been created to bring together carriers and shippers so that they can share information on loads, trucks and equipment.
- They offer a load board that has a free and a paid plan
- A 30-day free trial is offered for their paid plan
- Operates across North America through its carrier network
- Suitable for a range of carriers, motor carriers, freight brokers and freight forwarders
- Carriers search for loads and can post their available equipment
- You can set up notifications for new loads matching your needs
- Shippers can easily post their available loads
- Their load board is designed to aid the streamlining of processes and operations
- Offers an Intermodal Directory which members are included in
- They also provide a Jobs and Resume section as part of their website
Website: https://loadmatch.com/
22. ATS
ATS (Anderson Trucking Service) is a shipping services company that provides a load board which assists carriers in finding additional loads for their fleet or truck easily.
- Their load board is called ATS FreightMatch
- Over 5,000 customers utilise their load board
- They facilitate a broad range of load types including step decks
- Complete their online form to join the load board
- Posts can be searched to find suitable loads
- You can filter posts by rate per mile, total pay, length of haul and trailer type
- Post information includes full load details for delivering the load
- Booking loads has been made simple
- They provide a user-friendly app to access the load board remotely
- The load board has been designed to reduce overheads by simplifying logistics
Website: https://www.atsinc.com/
23. FR8star
FR8star has created a marketplace for freight and truckers that enables shippers to find qualified carriers for their loads.
- Their load board caters for shippers and carriers
- Provides three levels of plans
- Offers a variety of loads including large loads suitable for step decks
- Their carrier network operates across the US
- They require carriers to provide transparent bids with no hidden costs
- The load board can be searched based on shipment type, location, loading/unloading methods and any special requirements
- Shippers can easily build a post for their loads on the load board
- You can access their freight experts to help with planning, booking and fulfilling loads
- Offers industry information and insight to support users
- Can be connected to other platforms
Website: https://www.fr8star.com/
24. C H Robinson
C H Robinson provides a transportation platform that operates globally handling $30 million of freight annually, and they claim to be one of the largest logistics platforms in the world.
- Their transportation management system is called Navisphere
- Offers three different programs for users
- Provides a large customer base of 100,000
- They have built a network of 96,000 carriers
- Register on their website to become a carrier
- Carriers can search for loads as well as automate, optimise and manage loads
- The load board enables the management of purchases, quotes and invoices
- Shippers can access information on carriers including details, routing and tracking loads
- Provides carriers with faster payments with QuickPay
- Users can benefit from fuel discounts
Website: https://www.chrobinson.com/en-gb/
25. Shiply
Shiply is an international logistics and transportation company that operates carrier networks in the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia and India.
- Their load board has been designed to be interactive and easy to use
- They specialise in the movement of large items which includes vehicles
- Other shipping solutions include LTL, freight, furniture and moving homes
- Access thousands of loads through the load board
- No subscription fees apply for carriers
- Fees are added to quotes at 10-15%
- Join their load board on the website
- Loads can be searched by location and route
- Set up email alerts by subscribing so you get suitable loads to your inbox
- Combined loads can achieve competitive rates as savings can be made
Website: https://www.shiply.com/us
26. Circle Logistics
Circle Logistics operates as an asset carrier and a freight broker who provides services across the US, Canada and Mexico through their fleet and carrier network.
- Their load board caters for independent carriers
- Designed to help smaller carriers get access to larger opportunities
- Caters for a broad range of equipment types including step decks
- Choose between dedicated and traditional brokerage solutions
- Their nine offices based across the US deliver support to their fleet and carrier network
- Filter and search for loads by location, radius and equipment type
- Shippers can access personalised solutions
- Tracking facilities are offered to increase the visibility of loads
- They offer faster payment solutions for carriers
- Utilise the latest technology to help you meet EDI requirements
Website: https://circledelivers.com/
27. RXO
RXO is a transportation company that offers a brokerage service through their load board. They claim to be one of the leading American transportation brokers.
- They provide a load board called RXO Connect
- Their services are available across North America
- Provides a network of 100,000 independent carriers
- Offers on-demand capacity to shippers
- Loads are suitable for a range of vehicles including step decks
- Search for suitable loads by equipment and location
- Enables users to bid and book loads in real time
- Access the load board from anywhere using the mobile app
- Market information is available on conditions, capacity and spot rates
- Access their exclusive rewards program to save money on fuel
Website: https://rxo.com/
28. BNSF Logistics
BNSF Logistics provides logistics and supply chain solutions across North America with 25 offices servicing their network of carriers.
- They offer a load board in partnership with Trucker Tools
- Offers a freight matching service for shippers and carriers
- Over 300,000 truckloads are completed each year
- Together they have developed a network of qualified and trusted carriers
- Registration is required with supporting documentation about qualifications and safety
- They provide automated booking facilities
- A dedicated account manager is available to support shippers
- Freight tracking is offered in real time
- The load board provides facilities to monitor invoices and offers faster payments
- Utilise the load board to store and control documents
Website: https://www.bnsflogistics.com/
29. Trinity Logistics
Trinity Logistics provides support with logistics and supply chain solutions for businesses and they have been ranked as one of the US’ top 20 freight brokerage companies.
- Their load board aids carriers in finding loads
- Thousands of shipments are available
- A variety of equipment is accommodated including step decks
- They have created a large network of authorised carriers
- Carriers need to join the load board but they will be vetted first
- Loads can be searched and viewed by approved carriers
- Carriers can submit quotes and book loads that they are interested in
- Available equipment can be posted by carriers
- Fast payment options are available through TruimphPay
- Carriers can access their carrier reward scheme for benefits
Website: https://trinitylogistics.com/
30. Trucker Tools
Trucker Tools has created a range of freight management tools which include a TMS, load board, ELD, telematics and dispatch systems.
- They provide a load board called Book It Now
- Their extensive network includes 165,000 carriers with 13 million truckers
- Sign up on their website to become a carrier
- Carriers can easily search and book loads
- Loads can be found on preferred lanes and preferred brokers can be saved
- Quotes can be submitted and rates can negotiated quickly
- The load board can provide recommendations for you based on your requirements
- The load board is designed to allow you to view and manage your loads
- Loads can be tracked via the load board
- Utilise more of their tools to aid your business
Website: https://www.truckertools.com/
31. Sureway
Sureway provides trucking services across the US and they claim to be one of the top 25 freight brokers in America.
- Their load board caters for carriers of all sizes including owner-operators
- They have created a large network of over 150,000 carriers
- You can access a couple of thousand loads
- Over one million trucks provide coverage across the US
- Their loads cater for a variety of vehicles including step decks
- Join their carrier network by signing up online
- The load board is searchable and easy to book loads
- Consistent freight options are available
- Regular reviews will take place on carriers to ensure they have the required paperwork
- Carriers can access faster payments which can happen in three to five days
Website: https://www.sureway.com/
32. TQL
TQL offers transportation and brokerage services across North America with 56 locations providing support to carriers who together deliver three million loads per year.
- Their load board is free to use
- Provides access to over 65,000 loads per week
- Supports a range of modes such as FTL, LTL, ocean, air, intermodal and drayage
- Loads for a variety of equipment types are offered which include step decks
- Complete their online registration form to become a carrier
- Vetting of carriers will happen and will include certificates and insurance
- Loads can be searched and preferred lanes can checked
- Their Carrier Relations Team provides support to carriers
- The load board can be accessed through a web portal and mobile app
- They offer a choice of payment options
Website: https://www.tql.com/
33. Bennett
Bennett offers transportation and logistics services through their load board that operates across North America utilising a network of employees, owner-operators and agents.
- Their load board has been designed to cater for carriers and owner-operators
- Their network of carriers comprises 3,000 carriers
- They support a range of equipment types which include step decks
- Loads can be searched to find matching loads
- A personal contact is provided to assist users
- The load board can be utilised to track shipments and provide proof of delivery
- Loads can be found on the mobile app or can be emailed to you
- They offer free ELD devices to carriers that deliver five or more loads each month
- Offers fast payments that can be received in as little as three days
- For a fee, you can receive payments even faster
Website: https://www.bennettig.com/
34. GlobalTranz
GlobalTranz offers freight and logistics services designed to support shippers of all sizes through all modes of transportation across North America.
- Their load board has been created for drivers and dispatchers to use
- Their carrier network has over 85,000 carriers
- Their customer base is formed of over 121,000 customers
- Supports a wide range of equipment types such as step decks
- Complete an online application to register as a carrier
- Loads can be viewed and managed in real time
- Performance can be monitored through reports and real time tracking
- Support is provided by a dedicated carrier relations team
- They enable all payments to be carried out online
- They offer faster payment solutions through Quick Pay which can be paid in 24-48 hours
Website: https://www.globaltranz.com/
Step deck trailer load board Q&A
What are step deck trailers?
Step deck trailers can also be known as drop deck or lowboy trailers, and they are designed as an alternative to flatbed trailers where the load is too tall to be transported on them.
Step deck trailers are an open sided platform that was designed to be lower to the ground than traditional trailers so that they can carry taller loads without requiring permits as they don’t exceed the legal height limit.
The height difference based a flatbed and step deck base is 20 inches, so loads can be as high as 10 feet 2 inches on a step deck.
They are called step decks as they have a split-level deck with a lower and upper deck. This lower deck offers greater forklift safety as there is reduced lifting required to get the load onto the trailer which can reduce the strain on the forklift and make it more efficient.
Why should you use a step deck trailer?
You should consider choosing a step deck trailer if you have a large load that may exceed the height limit that is allowed on traditional trailers such as a flatbed trailer, as they can accommodate taller loads. This means that permits may not be needed and expense detours may not be necessary.
Step deck trailers are particularly suitable for transporting a range of vehicles, construction equipment and other large items due to their versatility and size. They are ideally suited for oversized loads and non-standard loads as they have a flexible and open platform that can accommodate a wide range of loads.
Do all step deck trailer load boards show rates?
Typically you will find that most load boards don’t display the rates for loads, although there are some that do. Many of these load boards are set up as a platform that allows shippers or brokers to advertise their loads in order for carriers to submit their quotes or bids for the load. This means that carriers will compete for the load to win the load so will offer their best price.
If these load boards display the load rates, the shippers or brokers may not get the most cost-effective rate for their loads.
If you are unsure what rate you should expect or what to submit then some load boards offer support. You can look for historical load information and rate calculators on the load boards to see what similar loads have cost or are expected to cost.
Which load board pay the most?
It isn’t necessarily the load board that will pay you the most as they don’t decide how much the loads pay. Shippers, brokers or carriers are the ones that decide the load rates and who decides it depends on how the load board works. If the load board displays the load rate, then the shipper or broker decides the rate, although the carrier may negotiate the rate.
If the load board requires carriers to submit a quote or bid then the carrier can decide what they want to submit. The shipper or broker will then decide which carrier they want to contract with.
The load board has little impact except for the charges they place on using the load board. The charges vary for each load board on the amount and structure of the charges. So for example some load boards are free to use and others charge a subscription fee.
Other charges can include a fee on all loads won but not all load boards charge this fee. Some load boards will charge a combination of these charges. The best thing to do is check out the charges before signing up and ensure you are happy with them and work out how you want to factor them into your rates.
Are there any restrictions around using a step deck trailer?
Yes, there are several restrictions and considerations to keep in mind when using a step deck trailer, mainly related to size, weight, and load security regulations, as well as specific route limitations. Here are some key restrictions and considerations:
- Weight Limits: Like all commercial vehicles, step deck trailers must adhere to federal and state weight limits, which generally cap the gross vehicle weight (GVW) at 80,000 pounds in the United States, including the weight of the trailer and its cargo. Specific limits can vary by state and by the number of axles on the trailer.
- Height Restrictions: Although step deck trailers are designed to transport taller items than flatbed trailers, there is still a maximum height limit to consider, which is typically 11 feet 6 inches for the cargo on the lower deck. This is to ensure the load can safely pass under overpasses and bridges.
- Length and Width Limits: The standard legal limits for trailer length are typically 48 to 53 feet, with the width limit at 8.5 feet. Loads exceeding these dimensions may require special permits and are subject to additional restrictions.
- Load Securing: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific requirements for securing cargo on trailers, including step deck trailers. These regulations dictate how cargo should be anchored and braced to prevent shifting and falling during transport.
- Permits for Oversized Loads: If the cargo exceeds standard size or weight limits, an oversized or overweight load permit will be required. These permits can come with additional requirements, such as travel during certain hours, escort vehicles, and specific routing.
- Route Restrictions: Certain roads, bridges, or areas may have restrictions that impact the ability to use step deck trailers, especially for oversized loads. This can include low clearance bridges, weight-restricted roads, or urban areas with tight turns.
- Insurance Requirements: There might be specific insurance requirements for hauling certain types of cargo or operating in certain regions.
- State and Local Regulations: Besides federal regulations, each state and local jurisdiction may have its own set of rules and restrictions affecting the use of step deck trailers.