What is a Load Board? And Other Helpful Tips

In today’s tech-savvy world, load boards are taking the trucking industry by storm. It’s a no-brainer as to why. Both shippers and carriers benefit greatly from the fast access business that load boards provide. 

But, what exactly is a load board?

Think of a load board as a Match.com, except you’re matching freight to the carrier. Load boards are websites that allow shippers and truck drivers to connect and do business. 

For example, if a shipper has freight that needs to be moved ASAP, they can post the details on a load board. An owner operator looking for a load can browse posts on a load board and take their pick.

There are actually several different types of load board services used in the logistics industry. Some are free while others offer packages for purchase. Here are the most common.

• Financing loads from specific shippers
• Credit reports on the shipper or broker
• Mobile optimization
• Match driver to freight

Pro tips for using load boards

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You might be ready to jump headfirst into the world of load boards. Before you do, remember that there are hundreds of service options, so doing your research is pertinent to making the most lucrative choice.

While doing your homework, consider these 4 important tips.

1. Load boards are useful for owner operators or small fleet owners, but it’s not a good idea to rely on load boards for all of your jobs. Competition is fierce with low margins, so you’ll want to be aware of who you work with- especially brokers. You don’t want to lose any more profit than you need to.

2. With load boards you’ll be connecting with shippers, brokers and carriers you don’t know very well. It helps to run a credit check before conducting business to ensure you get paid when all is said and done.

3. Using a load board to further your business can go 2 ways. Either you take a bunch of different jobs and don’t worry about building relationships or, you continue to pursue relationships with jobs that were successful. 

By hanging on to the jobs that were lucrative and efficient, you can narrow down your load selections to those that you already know are reliable and pay on time.