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Looking to keep those box trucks on the move and make sure they are never empty? Look no further because load boards are what you need. Pay attention to these platforms which are like treasure maps, showing you where the goods are and helping you fill up that cargo space.
If you have a box truck, you can easily browse through these listings and choose the ones that fit your route and truck size. The interesting part is that this tool makes it incredibly simple for you and shippers to communicate in real time, streamlining the process of finding and securing freight shipments. In the end, It’s a win-win situation – shippers can move their items, you keep your truck busy, and everyone’s happy with on-time deliveries.
1. DAT
9.9/10
Keep in mind that DAT stands as the largest load board in the industry, posting over 400 million loads every year. It offers a wide variety of features for you as a box truck driver, including real-time load updates, credit scores for shippers and brokers, and the ability to book loads directly through the platform.
- Provides real-time updates on load availability, rates, credit scores, reviews, and more.
- Allows you to post your truck or load and get exposure to thousands of potential partners.
- Helps you find the best loads or trucks for your needs.
- Has a reputation for quality and reliability.
- Has a competitive marketplace, where you have to compete with many other brokers and carriers for the best loads.
- Relies on user-generated data, which may not always be accurate or up-to-date.
- Charges a monthly fee of $34.95 for its basic plan, which includes unlimited load searching and posting, rate view, broker credit data, and more.
- Has over 1 million new loads posted every day, making it the largest and most diverse load board in the industry.
- Allows you to customize your search parameters, and filter by distance, rate, weight, length, and more.
>>>MORE: DAT Load Board vs Truckstop
2. Truckstop
9.7/10
Consider Truckstop, a load board that connects you with shippers and brokers who need to transport goods. Guess what? Truckstop is one of the leading load boards in the industry, with over 350,000 loads posted daily. Truckstop also provides other features and services for truck drivers, such as broker credit data, rate insights, fuel discounts, and more.
- Offers more than just a load board.
- Helps truck drivers with other aspects of their business, such as transport management systems, load tracking, invoicing, and more.
- Does not impose strict rules on its factoring process.
- Receives many positive reviews from its users, who praise its customer service, functionality, speed, and flexibility.
- Experiences difficulty in finding good loads, especially if you are a new driver because it is highly competitive.
- Includes fraudsters posting fake loads or trying to steal drivers’ personal information.
- Has a user interface that can be difficult to use especially if you are a new driver.
- Offers features like carrier management, broker management, IFTA reporting, and instant load booking.
- Pays truck drivers within 24 hours of submitting their invoices.
- Charges a factoring fee is slightly higher than average.
3. Trucker Path
9.6/10
Pay attention to Trucker Path which serves as a complimentary load board for box trucks. It offers a basic set of features, including the ability to search for loads, view load details, and contact shippers and brokers. If you’re a box truck driver looking for a free and easy-to-use load board, Trucker Path is a good option for you.
- Has a large community of over 1 million truckers who share reviews, ratings, and parking availability for truck stops, weigh stations, rest areas, and more.
- Enables you to comply with FMCSA and DOT regulations by tracking your hours of service, fuel tax, vehicle inspection, and fault codes.
- Integrates with other apps and devices, such as Trucker Path ELD Pro, Google Maps, Waze, Siri, and Alexa.
- It may not be compatible with some older devices or operating systems.
- It may not have accurate or updated information for some locations or routes, especially in rural areas or outside the US and Canada.
- It may have bugs or glitches that cause the app to freeze, crash, or display incorrect data.
- It may drain your battery or use up your data if you use it for a long time or in areas with poor signal.
- It may not offer all the features or functions that you need or want, such as voice control, offline mode, lane guidance, or custom routing.
- Offers truck-specific GPS navigation that takes into account your vehicle size, weight, and load type, as well as traffic and weather conditions.
- Gives the opportunity for free download and use, with optional premium features for a monthly fee.
- Shows you the real-time parking availability at truck stops.
4. 123 Loadboard
9.2/10
You can use 123 Loadboard as an alternative free load board for box trucks. It provides comparable features to Trucker Path, allowing you to search for loads, check load specifics, and contact shippers and brokers. If you’re a box truck driver seeking a straightforward and user-friendly load board, 123 Loadboard is a viable choice
- Has a fuel optimizer tool that helps you find the cheapest fuel prices along your trip.
- Possesses a credit check tool that lets you verify the credit history and payment terms of any broker or shipper.
- Provides excellent customer service and support, with live chat, phone, and email options.
- Lacks as many features or functions as some other apps, such as GPS navigation, hours of service tracking, vehicle inspection, or fault codes.
- Experiences some technical issues or errors that affect the app performance or data accuracy.
- Receives some negative feedback or complaints from some users who are dissatisfied with the app or the company.
- Has a free trial period and a low monthly fee for premium features.
- Provides a user-friendly interface and a fast and reliable app for both iOS and Android devices.
- Has a lot of loads available from various sources, including DAT, Truckstop, and direct shippers.
- Possesses a rate check tool that shows the average market rates for any lane or route.
>>>PRO TIPS: GoShare Delivery Business Review
5. GoShare
9.0/10
Check out GoShare, it is a load board specifically for you if you’re a box truck owner and delivery professional. It focuses on last-mile delivery, middle-mile delivery, LTL freight, and hot shot box truck deliveries.
- Offers high hourly pay.
- Allows flexible schedules, where drivers can choose when and where they want to work and accept or decline projects as they wish.
- Provides customer service and support for drivers, as well as liability insurance for up to $1 million per incident.
- Provides strict vehicle requirements.
- Has limited availability and some areas may have low demand or competition for projects. Drivers may need to travel far or wait long to find a suitable project.
- Offers a variety of services, such as last-mile delivery, middle-mile logistics, home and office moves, junk hauling, and courier service.
- Provides a variety of features for box truck drivers, including the ability to book loads directly through the platform, access to a network of local businesses and consumers, and the ability to track your earnings.
Overview of Load Boards for Box Trucks
When you’re looking for load boards for box trucks, you can find online platforms that connect you with available freight. The interesting thing is that these boards allow you to search for shipments that match the size and type of your box truck. You can view details like the pick-up and delivery locations, payment, and shipment type. The truth is load boards can be a great way for you to find and secure loads efficiently. Just keep in mind that some load boards might require a subscription or fee to access certain features or a higher number of loads.
How to Choose Load Boards for Box Trucks
When choosing load boards for box trucks, consider factors like geographic coverage, load types, payment terms, user reviews, and ease of use. Look for platforms that match your truck’s capacity and routes, offer reliable payment terms, and have positive feedback from other truckers. Additionally, prioritize load boards with user-friendly interfaces and good customer support to streamline your operations.
Pros and Cons of Load Boards for Box Trucks
Pros
- Provides a convenient platform to find available loads, allowing box truck owners to quickly locate potential shipments and maximize their truck’s capacity.
- Offers a range of loads to choose from, giving box truck operators the flexibility to select shipments that fit their schedule, preferences, and capacity.
- Helps minimize empty backhaul trips, as they enable truck owners to find return shipments or loads along their planned routes, reducing wasted miles and maximizing profitability.
- Allows box truck owners to secure shipments quickly, allowing them to generate revenue without the need for lengthy negotiations or business development efforts.
- Offers communication tools that streamline interactions between shippers and carriers.
- Provides valuable market insights, helping box truck operators stay informed about prevailing rates, demand trends, and competitive factors.
>>>GET SMARTER: Truckstop Load Board Review
Cons
- Experiences uncertain or delayed payment from brokers or shippers, which can be frustrating and impact cash flow.
- Requires constant access to technology and the internet, which could be a challenge in certain situations.
- Has the potential of hauling low-quality or even fraudulent freight.
- Focuses on short-term, one-off transactions, making it difficult to establish and maintain long-term business relationships.
What to Watch Out For
When using load boards for box trucks, pay attention to the credibility of the platform, user reviews, payment terms, and any hidden fees. Look for load boards that provide accurate and up-to-date information, offer good customer support, and have a user-friendly interface. It’s also important to verify the legitimacy of the posted loads and the brokers or shippers involved. Additionally, pay attention to the type of freight, distance, rates, and any specific requirements for your box truck. Always prioritize safety and legality when selecting loads from load boards.
Pro Tips
- Set Preferences: Customize your load board settings to match your box truck’s specifications, including size, weight capacity, and preferred routes. This helps you find the most suitable loads quickly.
- Real-time Updates: Opt for load boards that provide real-time updates on available loads. This helps you grab opportunities as soon as they appear.
- Filter Wisely: Use filters to narrow down your search based on factors like distance, rate, and load type. This prevents you from wasting time on irrelevant options.
- Check Reviews: Look for load board platforms with positive user reviews and a good reputation. This increases the likelihood of finding quality loads and reliable partners.
- Negotiate Rates: Don’t hesitate to negotiate rates with shippers or brokers. If you can demonstrate your reliability and efficiency, you might secure better pay for your services.
- Avoid Deadhead Miles: Try to minimize empty miles by finding backhauls or return loads. This maximizes your earning potential and reduces fuel costs.
Recap
You can see how valuable load boards can be for you if you’re a box truck operator or freight carrier. These platforms help you streamline the process of finding shipments, optimizing routes, and maximizing efficiency. With load boards, you can better utilize your box trucks, reducing empty miles and increasing revenue. Remember to choose reputable load boards and consider rates, distance, and load compatibility to ensure a successful partnership. As the logistics industry evolves, leveraging load boards can greatly contribute to your success in a competitive market.
