A livestock load board connects shippers with specialized carriers who have the right trailers, animal-handling experience, and compliance credentials to transport live animals safely. The best livestock load boards let you post a load, collect quotes, and compare carriers in one place, and we’ll recommend our six top picks below.
Key Takeaways
- With more than 41,000 service providers, uShip is the best choice for shippers who want the largest carrier network.
- Livestock Network is the most tool-rich platform, offering a load board, feedlot atlas, classified ads, and more.
- Livestock Transport Nation (LTN) is the strongest option for animal welfare compliance.
- Livestock Haulers Hub and LivestockTalk are both free to join and offer a simple way to connect with haulers, without a premium subscription.
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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.
Our in-house team regularly reviews and updates this content to ensure it remains accurate, current, and genuinely useful for brokers, operators, and owner-operators.
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6 Best Livestock Load Board Options
Check out our breakdown of load boards that can connect you with carriers who have the proper trailers, animal-handling training, and permits to move live animals across state lines.
| Platform | Best For | App | Free to Join | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| uShip | Large carrier network | iOS & Android | Yes | A+ |
| Livestock Network | Tools & features | No | Limited | N/A |
| Livestock Haulers Hub | Instant hauler connections | No | Yes | N/A |
| LivestockTalk | User-friendly interface | No | Yes | N/A |
| FR8Star | Accurate estimates | iOS & Android | Yes | A+ |
| Livestock Transport Nation | Animal welfare compliance | No | Yes (post loads) | N/A |
uShip
uShip gives shippers access to one of the largest provider networks in the livestock transport space. Post your shipment, collect competing quotes from more than 41,000 carriers, and compare them side by side before committing.
uShip Pros & Cons
Pros
- 41,000+ service providers nationwide
- Side-by-side quote comparison
- Carrier profiles with reviews and ratings
- Ship with Confidence Guarantee
- Secure payment held until delivery is confirmed
- Live customer support
- Real-time shipment tracking
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
Cons
- Pricing varies and can be expensive for short-distance hauls
uShip Rates
Livestock transport through uShip generally costs $0.86 per mile for long-distance hauls and $1.35 per mile for shorter routes. Final cost depends on animal type, shipment size, distance, and current fuel prices.
Best for: Shippers who want the widest selection of livestock carriers and the ability to compare multiple quotes before booking
Pro tip: Before booking on uShip, review each carrier’s profile for livestock-specific experience, trailer type, and completed shipment history.
Livestock Network
Livestock Network has been in the business since 2000, making it one of the most experienced platforms in this space. Beyond a standard load board, it includes a truck board, industry forum, feedlot atlas (Beefspotter), and classified ads.
Livestock Network Pros & Cons
Pros
- Operating since 2000 with a well-established carrier base
- Load board and truck board in one platform
- Beefspotter feedlot atlas for locating feedlots nationwide
- Industry forum and classified ads
- Carrier rating system based on real shipment history
- Free basic membership available
Cons
- Full load board access requires a paid membership
- No mobile app
Livestock Network Rates
| Plan | Access | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Limited | Free |
| Premium | Full access | $35/month or $350/year |
Best for: Experienced shippers and haulers who want a full toolkit beyond a basic load board, including industry directories, forums, and a feedlot mapping tool
Livestock Haulers Hub
Livestock Haulers Hub offers free access to a network of more than 5,500 independent haulers. An interactive map lets you see carrier and load locations at a glance, making it one of the fastest platforms to get connected on.
Livestock Haulers Hub Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5,500+ independent haulers nationwide
- Interactive load map for visual search
- Free to register and use
- Direct communication with haulers, no broker in between
Cons
- Basic feature set compared to more robust platforms
- No mobile app
Livestock Haulers Hub Rates
Livestock Haulers Hub is free to register and use. There are no subscription fees or per-load charges to connect with haulers through the platform.
Best for: Shippers who want to connect directly with haulers quickly and at no cost, especially for straightforward regional hauls
LivestockTalk
LivestockTalk is a clean, straightforward load board with load alerts that notify shippers and drivers automatically when matching hauls become available. It covers the basics well and costs nothing to join.
LivestockTalk Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
- Load alerts for automatic notifications
- Load filtering to narrow results quickly
- Company directory included
- Free to sign up
Cons
- Limited features compared to more robust platforms
- No mobile app
LivestockTalk Rates
LivestockTalk is free to sign up and use. There are no fees to post or search loads on the platform.
Best for: Shippers and haulers who want a no-frills load board that’s fast to learn and free to use
FR8Star
FR8Star’s built-in freight rate calculator gives shippers a transparent estimate before they post a load, so there are no surprise charges at delivery. It’s one of the few livestock load boards with a mobile app on both iOS and Android.
FR8Star Pros & Cons
Pros
- Instant freight rate calculator with transparent pricing
- Request bids and review competing offers
- Custom filters to find the right carrier for your load
- Carriers vetted for handling in varying weather and temperatures
- Active customer support
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- BBB rated A+
Cons
- Platform software and support have received mixed user feedback
FR8Star Rates
Registration is free. Request a quote directly through the platform for current rates on your route.
Best for: Shippers who want a firm cost estimate before posting a load and prefer a platform with a mobile app for on-the-go tracking
Pro tip: Use FR8Star’s freight rate calculator before posting your load.
Livestock Transport Nation (LTN)
Livestock Transport Nation is built around animal welfare compliance. It partners with BQA-T (Beef Quality Assurance Transportation) to ensure every carrier on the platform meets a documented handling standard. Its software suite also covers dispatch, billing, and facility management for larger operations.
LTN Pros & Cons
Pros
- BQA-T compliance required for all carriers on the platform
- Real-time load tracking and status updates
- Full dispatch and billing software included
- Facility flight board for tracking movements across locations
- Free to post loads as a producer
Cons
- Tiered pricing model can be confusing for new users
- No mobile app
LTN Rates
| Plan | What It Covers | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Produce loads | Post loads to live board for bidding | Free |
| Haul loads | Bid on live load board | $50 per awarded load (5% of freight, max $50) |
| Basic dispatch | Manage and automate load assignments | $300 per load pack (20 loads), pay as you go |
| Enterprise dispatch | Full coordination from inventory through payment | $2,500/month for first 500 loads; custom bulk rates available |
Best for: Producers and operations that need documented animal welfare compliance and more than a basic load board
What Is a Livestock Load Board?
A livestock load board is an online marketplace that connects shippers and specialized carriers for the transport of live animals. Unlike the top freight load boards, the best livestock load boards filter for carriers with livestock-specific trailers, animal-handling training, and the state permits required for interstate transport. Livestock trailers are structurally different from standard dry van or flatbed equipment and are a legal requirement for most live animal shipments.
How Does a Livestock Load Board Work?
Shippers post their load requirements, including animal type, quantity, origin, destination, and timing, directly on the board. Qualified livestock carriers browse open loads, contact shippers, and submit quotes or bids. Most platforms let shippers review carrier profiles, ratings, and past shipment history before making a selection. The result is a faster, more transparent process than sourcing carriers on your own.
What To Consider With Livestock Load Boards
Before committing to a platform, evaluate it on the factors that matter most for live animal transport.
- Location coverage: Carrier availability varies by region. A platform with a large national network, like uShip with more than 41,000 service providers, gives you more options regardless of where you’re shipping from. Finding a carrier close to your origin point is worth prioritizing.
- Scheduling flexibility: The best load boards let you post and book without waiting days for a response. Look for platforms with real-time carrier availability. For example, Livestock Haulers Hub’s interactive map shows available haulers by location the moment you log in.
- Real-time updates: Livestock is a live load, so a platform that doesn’t update in real time can lead to missed shipments. LTN’s real-time tracking and Livestock Haulers Hub’s live map are both built around current data.
- Carrier vetting and animal welfare standards: Live animals require specific trailer types, regulated rest stops, trained handlers, and in some cases temperature controls. Confirm that any platform you use vets its carriers for livestock-specific qualifications. LTN’s BQA-T compliance requirement enforces handling standards rather than leaving verification to the shipper.
Do Livestock Carriers Require Special Permits?
Yes, livestock carriers typically need a permit from the state agriculture department, particularly for interstate transport. Most states also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), issued by a licensed veterinarian confirming the animals are healthy and disease-free before the shipment begins.
Proof of vaccination against common livestock diseases is usually required. Depending on the state and animal type, carriers may need a specific commercial license for livestock hauling. Additional regulations often govern rest stops, vehicle type, temperature controls, and driver training.
Non-compliance can result in fines or shipment delays. Shippers should confirm all state-specific requirements with their carrier before booking, particularly on interstate routes. The FMCSA and your state’s department of agriculture are the authoritative sources for current permit requirements.
Our Take
The right livestock load board saves time, protects your animals, and connects you with carriers who know what they’re doing. uShip is the best starting point for most shippers thanks to its carrier depth and quote comparison tools. Livestock Network is the better fit if you want a full suite of industry tools. For operations where animal welfare compliance is non-negotiable, LTN is a solid option to explore.
FAQ
Do cattle herders have to run log books?
No. According to the FMCSA, those transporting livestock are not required to use an ELD, or electronic logging device. This exemption applies specifically to livestock and insect haulers under current federal hours-of-service rules.
How do you start hauling cattle?
To start hauling cattle, you’ll need a high school diploma and a valid CDL. Most operations also expect prior experience handling livestock or working in agriculture, since managing live animals during transport requires more than standard driving skills.
Is hauling livestock hard?
Yes. Livestock hauling is one of the more demanding trucking jobs. Because you’re transporting live animals, hauls take longer than standard freight runs. Loading, unloading, and in-transit care all require patience and hands-on experience throughout the trip.
What is the best livestock load board?
uShip is the best livestock load board for most shippers because of its carrier network size (41,000+ providers) and side-by-side quote comparison. Livestock Network is the better choice for users who want a deeper toolset. LTN is the strongest option for operations that require documented animal welfare compliance through BQA-T certification.
How much does it cost to ship livestock?
Livestock shipping costs typically run $0.86 per mile for long-distance hauls and $1.35 per mile for shorter routes when using a platform like uShip. Final cost depends on the type and number of animals, distance, trailer requirements, and current fuel prices.
