A dry van load board is an online marketplace where owner-operators find available freight, review broker ratings, and negotiate rates, all without waiting for a dispatcher to call. DAT and Truckstop are the two largest networks, with DAT posting more than 500,000 loads daily across all equipment types.
Key Takeaways
- DAT is the largest load board network, posting more than 500,000 loads daily and giving dry van owner-operators the widest selection of available freight.
- Truckstop has been in business for over 25 years and is a trusted platform for connecting carriers with brokers, with more than 250,000 active loads posted per day.
- The best load board depends on your priorities. DAT leads on volume and market data, Truckstop is strong on broker vetting and rate transparency, and uShip is a solid option for spot freight and niche loads.
- Paid plans unlock the most valuable features. Rate analytics, heat maps, and broker credit scores are typically reserved for mid- and higher-tier subscriptions.
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We reviewed freight platforms for brokers, owner-operators, dispatchers, and small fleets, evaluating factors like load volume, freight quality, pricing structure, search and filtering tools, coverage areas, and overall value. We also analyzed carrier feedback to see how these platforms perform in practice, from ease of booking and rate visibility to broker communication and support.
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Best Dry Van Load Boards
Check out our picks for the best load boards, which are the top options for dry van owner-operators based on network size, freight quality, pricing tools, and broker transparency.
| Load Board | Network Size | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAT | 500,000+ loads/day | ~$40/month | Load volume & market data |
| Truckstop | 250,000+ loads/day | $39/month | Industry reputation & broker vetting |
| uShip | Marketplace-based | Free to bid | Spot freight & niche loads |
| Trucker Path | 150,000+ loads/day | $199.99/year | Mobile app & on-the-road tools |
| 123 Load Board | 100,000+ loads/day | $35/month | Value & routing tools |
DAT Load Board
DAT is the largest load board in North America, posting more than 500,000 loads per day across all equipment types, including dry van. Owner-operators get access to real-time rate data, broker credit scores, lane history, and heat maps that show where freight is moving and what it pays. DAT’s network includes more than 183 million loads posted annually.
DAT Load Board Pros & Cons
Pros
- Largest load volume in the industry, with more than 500,000 loads posted daily
- Rate analytics and lane benchmarking tools on paid plans
- Broker credit scores and payment history
- Heat maps show supply and demand by lane
Cons
- Most advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Can feel overwhelming for first-time users
DAT Load Board Pricing
DAT offers several plans for carriers and owner-operators. Pricing below reflects standard carrier plan tiers.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| DAT One Basic | ~$40/month | Load search, basic rate data |
| DAT One Standard | ~$100/month | Rate analytics, broker scores |
| DAT One Advanced | ~$160/month | Heat maps, lane history, full market data |
Best for: Dry van owner-operators who want the highest load volume and the most detailed market data
Pro tip: Use DAT’s rate analytics to benchmark what a lane is actually paying before you negotiate.
Truckstop Load Board
Truckstop is one of the most trusted names in freight matching. The carrier load board posts more than 250,000 active loads per day and gives dry van drivers detailed broker ratings, rate comparisons, and route insights. Truckstop’s reputation is built on transparency, with a platform that lets you see broker payment history and carrier reviews before you commit to a load.
Truckstop Load Board Pros & Cons
Pros
- 25+ years of industry trust and broker relationships
- Detailed broker ratings and payment history
- Heat map and multi-trip planning tools on higher-tier plans
- Real-time load updates and notifications
Cons
- Basic plan has limited functionality
- Higher cost relative to some smaller competitors
Truckstop Load Board Pricing
Truckstop offers tiered plans for carriers. All plans include unlimited searches and load posting.
| Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic | $39/month |
| Advanced | $125/month |
| Pro | $149/month |
Best for: Experienced dry van owner-operators who prioritize broker transparency and want rate data to back up their negotiations
uShip Load Board
uShip operates as an open marketplace where shippers post freight and carriers bid on it directly. It’s a strong option for dry van drivers who want access to spot loads outside the traditional broker model. uShip includes a carrier rating system and lets you set your own rates, making it especially useful for finding one-off loads that fill gaps in your schedule.
uShip Load Board Pros & Cons
Pros
- Direct shipper connections with no broker middleman
- Bidding model lets carriers set their own price
- Strong for niche and spot freight
- Carrier rating system builds long-term reputation
Cons
- Lower load volume than DAT or Truckstop
- Bidding process can be time-consuming for high-frequency operators
Best for: Dry van carriers looking to fill schedule gaps with spot loads or build direct relationships with shippers
Trucker Path
Trucker Path is one of the fastest-growing load boards on the market, built around a mobile-first experience. With more than 150,000 loads posted daily, you can filter down to dry van only and start searching in seconds. Beyond load matching, Trucker Path includes round trip and capacity ratio data, truck stop reviews, and live load updates.
Trucker Path Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top-rated mobile app with an intuitive interface
- 150,000+ active loads posted daily
- Round trip and capacity ratio data help you plan profitable lanes
- Large carrier network with comprehensive industry info
Cons
- Many features are locked behind the Essential plan and above
- Truck stop reviews vary in reliability
Trucker Path Pricing
Trucker Path is priced annually. All plans include unlimited load searches and real-time notifications.
| Plan | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Essential | $199.99/year |
| Preferred | $399.99/year |
| Ultimate | $899.99/year |
Best for: Dry van owner-operators who want a full-featured mobile experience with strong load volume and lane planning tools
123 Load Board
123 Load Board is an independent platform built around giving carriers the best freight matching at the lowest price. It posts more than 100,000 active dry van loads per day and includes mileage, routing, and toll calculations built into every search, so you know your cost per mile before you call the broker. A free mobile app and fuel card are included on all paid plans.
123 Load Board Pros & Cons
Pros
- Calculates mileage, routing, and tolls on every load
- 100,000+ active loads posted daily
- Free mobile app and fuel card included on paid plans
- Down-to-the-minute load updates
Cons
- Some users report issues with the PC desktop app
123 Load Board Pricing
123 Load Board offers a limited free tier and three paid plans. All paid plans include unlimited searches and real-time notifications.
| Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Limited | Free |
| Standard | $35/month |
| Premium | $45/month |
| Premium Plus | $55/month |
Best for: Cost-conscious dry van owner-operators who want solid load volume, built-in routing tools, and a low monthly rate
Pro tip: Always check a broker’s credit score and average days-to-pay before booking a load.
What Is a Dry Van Load Board?
A dry van load board is an online platform where freight brokers and shippers post available loads, and carriers and owner-operators search for and claim them. “Dry van” refers to the most common trailer type in trucking: an enclosed, temperature-stable box used to haul general freight like consumer goods, electronics, and packaged foods.
Load boards are the primary way independent owner-operators find consistent work outside of dedicated carrier contracts. Instead of waiting for a dispatcher to assign loads, you can search available freight by origin, destination, rate, and equipment type, then contact the broker directly to negotiate and book.
How Does a Dry Van Load Board Work?
When a broker or shipper has freight that needs to move, they post a load listing with details like pickup and delivery location, weight, equipment requirements, and the offered rate. As a dry van carrier, you search those listings, compare rates against what the lane typically pays, and contact the broker to claim the load.
Most paid load boards also let you post your truck’s available capacity so brokers can find you. The best platforms include broker credit scores, payment history, and rate benchmarks so you can evaluate a load before committing.
What To Look for in a Dry Van Load Board
- Network size and load volume: The more loads posted daily, the more options you have
- Rate data and market analytics: Rate benchmarks let you know what a lane is actually paying before you negotiate, and heat maps show where freight is moving and where it’s scarce
- Broker credit scores and reviews: The ability to see a broker’s payment history and carrier reviews before booking protects you from slow-pay or no-pay situations
- Real-time notifications: Real-time alerts that match your equipment, preferred lanes, and minimum rate save time and help you act before the best loads are claimed
- Route and mileage tools: Some platforms calculate routing, tolls, and mileage to help you estimate your cost per mile and evaluate whether a load is worth running
- Unlimited searching and posting: Some free and entry-level plans restrict how many loads you can search or post
FAQ
What is the best dry van load board?
DAT is the largest dry van load board by volume, posting more than 500,000 loads daily. Truckstop is the second-largest with 250,000+ loads per day and is well-regarded for broker transparency. For mobile-first operators, Trucker Path posts 150,000+ loads daily with a top-rated app. The best option depends on your priorities: DAT for volume and market data, Truckstop for broker vetting, Trucker Path for mobile use, and 123 Load Board for value.
How much do dry van load boards cost?
Paid load boards typically start between $35 and $40 per month. Truckstop starts at $39 per month, DAT’s entry plan starts around $40 per month, and 123 Load Board starts at $35 per month. Trucker Path is priced annually, starting at $199.99 per year. Some platforms like uShip are free to use for bidding on loads.
Are free load boards worth using for dry van freight?
Free load boards can work for filling gaps in your schedule, but they generally offer lower load volume, fewer broker vetting tools, and no rate benchmarking. For active dry van owner-operators, a paid plan on DAT or Truckstop typically pays for itself quickly by helping you negotiate better rates and avoid bad brokers.
Which load board pays the most for dry van freight?
No load board guarantees the highest-paying loads; what matters is having access to the most loads and the rate data to negotiate effectively. Building a roster of reliable brokers over time is how most experienced owner-operators consistently land better rates.
Can I use more than one dry van load board at the same time?
Yes, and many owner-operators do. It’s worth evaluating whether the additional load volume justifies paying for multiple platforms.
