Power-only loads connect carriers with preloaded trailers that need a tractor and driver. Power-only load boards make those connections faster by sharing verified opportunities and enabling direct communication with shippers and brokers. Explore our top four picks for load boards to find the right one for you.
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We reviewed dozens of load boards, evaluating factors like load volume, freight quality, pricing transparency, search and filtering tools, coverage areas, and overall cost. We also analyzed real-world carrier feedback to see how these platforms perform in practice, from ease of booking and rate reliability to broker communication and support.
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Best Power Only Load Boards
The best power-only load boards help owner-operators and fleets connect with the right freight fast. Explore the top options and what they offer.
Power-Only Load Boards at a Glance
Here’s a side-by-side look at the top power-only load boards:
| Load Board | Cost | Published Load Volume | App | Best for | Broker Info/Vetting Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAT | Paid subscription | 291M+ loads and trucks posted annually | DAT One | Largest power-only network and detailed load-type filtering | Broker credit data, reviews, market data |
| Truckstop | From $42/user/month | 100,000+ loads | Truckstop Go | In-app tools and broker vetting | Credit and vetting tools, rate insights, load comparison |
| uShip | No monthly subscription; transaction/match fees may apply | Marketplace listings nationwide | uShip mobile app | Setting your own rates and bidding on loads | Shipment details, marketplace profiles |
| Uber Freight | Account-based carrier access | Not positioned as power-only | Uber Freight Carrier | Reducing downtime with app-based booking workflows | Facility ratings, load suggestions, in-app workflow tools |
DAT: Best Overall
Part of the DAT One marketplace, DAT Load Board gives carriers access to more than 291 million loads and trucks posted annually. For power-only work, DAT supports searching specifically for Power Only (PO) freight, including Power Only Towaway (PT) (towing an empty trailer) and Power Only Load Out (PL) (hauling a loaded trailer).
A DAT Load Board subscription includes the DAT One mobile app, which combines load search with trip-planning tools and an interactive map for finding truck stops, parking, weigh stations, rest stops, and fuel prices. Additional tools like market data, credit scores, and reviews are available depending on plan level.
Special Features
- Power-only load types supported, including PO, PT, and PL
- Power-only carriers can access broker credit data
- DAT One mobile app included with a DAT Load Board subscription
- Trip-planning map with truck stops, truck parking, weigh stations, rest stops, and fuel price information
- Tools and data like credit scores and reviews (availability varies by plan)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dedicated power-only load types (PO/PT/PL) help you narrow searches to tractor-only opportunities
- Mobile access via DAT One makes it easier to search and plan routes on the road
- Plan-dependent tools like market data, reviews, and credit info
Cons
- Feature access varies by plan tier, so some tools may require a higher-level subscription
- Power-only results depend on selecting the correct load type (PO/PT/PL) when searching
Truckstop: Best In-App Tools
Truckstop stands out with decision aids and workflow features that help you stay productive on and off the road.
Special Features
- Decision tools (truck-to-load ratio; truck activity by origin/destination)
- Book loads instantly
- Credit and vetting tools
- Load comparison
Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time updates
- Rate insights
- Best-paying loads search
- Mobile app available
Cons
- Per-user plan structure can add costs for larger teams
- Some features lack robust support
uShip: Best for Setting Your Own Rate
uShip is a shipping marketplace rather than a traditional load board, and it lets carriers set rates and negotiate directly with shippers. Real-time notifications and a streamlined mobile app help you grab the right loads on your schedule.
Special Features
- Filter loads by shipment type, locations, and dates
- Save filters and get real-time notifications
- “Along Your Route” tool to avoid deadhead and backhauls
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Set your own rates
- Thousands of loads daily
- Find shipments that match your equipment
- Streamlined mobile app
Cons
- Customer service can be inconsistent
- Market bidding may not yield optimal pricing
- While uShip does not charge a monthly subscription, you may pay transaction or match fees on booked loads
Uber Freight: Best for Maximizing Drive Time
With Powerloop and a slick booking experience, Uber Freight makes it simple to find and book power-only loads fast, helping eligible carriers reduce downtime.
Special Features
- Custom alerts for ideal loads
- Post Truck feature so you never miss a match
- Uber Freight Plus rewards program
- Smart load suggestions
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Clear, upfront pricing and availability
- 24/7 customer support
- Facility ratings
- Mobile app available
Cons
- Issue resolution can take time
- Occasional app errors
- Powerloop availability depends on region; currently operates only in selected states
What Is a Power-Only Load Board?
A power-only load is when a carrier supplies the tractor and driver to haul another company’s trailer. On a power-only load board, shippers and brokers post these loads, and carriers search and book the lanes that fit their equipment and hours. Unlike general boards, power-only boards emphasize trailer types and hookup requirements such as dry van, reefer, flatbed, drop-and-hook, or live-load. That way, you can target work that matches your operating authority and experience.
Because these boards function as online marketplaces, they typically include tools to verify company profiles, view lane history, and message dispatchers directly. Some platforms also offer document and payment workflows so you can keep everything in one place instead of juggling multiple apps.
How Does a Power-Only Load Board Work?
Both shippers (or their brokers) and carriers create accounts. Shippers post the lane details, such as pickup and delivery points, dates, trailer type, and special requirements. Carriers then search and filter for loads by trailer type, distance, rate, and timing. Once you find a match, you can request the load, negotiate the rate, and confirm the dispatch inside the platform or by contacting the poster.
Here are the steps most carriers follow:
- Set up your profile: Complete your company details, authority, insurance, and preferred trailer hookups
- Filter for the right freight: Use filters for power-only loads, trailer type, pickup radius, and earliest/latest times
- Vet the counterparty: Review ratings, on-time performance notes, and payment averages before you accept
- Book and confirm: Message to clarify accessorials (detention, layover, driver assist), confirm any yard rules for drop lots, and get all terms in writing
- Close out quickly: Upload BOLs and PODs as soon as the trailer is dropped
Minimize Downtime & Maximize Your Earnings
Power-only freight can keep your wheels turning when your own trailer isn’t available or when you want the speed of drop-and-hook turns. The best load boards can tighten dwell time, stack compatible loads, and cover seasonal surges.
Practical ways to improve utilization with power-only freight:
- Prioritize drop-and-hook lanes: Yard-ready trailers and flexible pickup times often mean less waiting and more revenue miles in a day. Ask whether the trailer is staged and confirm yard hours.
- Build mini-networks: Use the board to string together outbound and return loads within your preferred region.
- Watch accessorials and dwell: Long gate lines or live-load appointments can burn hours. Negotiate detention upfront and pass on chronic slowdowns.
- Leverage quick pay wisely: If the board offers built-in quick pay or factoring, compare fees against your cost of capital. Faster cash flow can be worth it during fuel spikes or repair weeks.
When you vet loads carefully and keep documentation tight, power-only work can smooth out slow periods and help you scale, particularly if you prefer regional lanes and predictable drop lots.
How To Choose the Best Power-Only Load Board
The “best” board is the one that consistently feeds your lanes, equipment, and payment needs.
Key features to evaluate:
- Search depth and filters: Ensure you can filter specifically for power-only, trailer type, hookup requirements, pickup radius, and time windows. Saved searches and real-time alerts are must-haves.
- Carrier and shipper vetting: Look for verified profiles, safety data, and payment histories.
- Rates and market signals: Historical lane averages and current bid ranges help you price confidently and avoid undercutting.
- Workflow tools: Document upload, e-sign BOLs, mobile POD capture, and invoice submission cut admin time.
- Integrated payments: Built-in quick pay or payout partners can tighten cash cycles.
- Support and dispute handling: Boards that mediate disputes can save you hours.
FAQ
Which load board pays the most?
There isn’t a single top-paying board across markets because rates swing with seasonality, region, and equipment demand. What matters most is the density of power-only postings in your lanes and how quickly you can match into backhauls. Use available rate tools and market data where offered, then negotiate based on fuel, dwell risk, and accessorials. Many carriers keep profiles on multiple boards.
Are power-only loads worth it for owner-operators?
Yes, power-only loads can be a good fit for owner-operators who want to keep moving without supplying their own trailer. They often work best for carriers who value drop-and-hook freight, flexible trailer access, and lower trailer ownership costs. The key is to watch dwell time, accessorials, and trailer condition so the load is actually profitable.
What equipment do I need for power-only loads?
At minimum, you need a road-ready tractor, the proper operating authority, active insurance, and the right hookups for the trailer type you plan to haul. Depending on the load, you may also need items like straps, chains, tarps, or reefer knowledge.
What is the difference between power-only and drop-and-hook?
Power-only means the carrier provides only the tractor and driver to move someone else’s trailer. Drop-and-hook describes how the load is handled, usually by swapping trailers instead of waiting through a live load or unload. Many power-only loads are also drop-and-hook, but not all of them are.
How do you find the best power-only loads?
The best power-only loads usually come from using tight filters, saving lane searches, and checking trailer type, appointment flexibility, and dwell risk before you book. It also helps to compare rates, look for reload opportunities, and verify the broker or shipper before accepting the dispatch.
Do power-only loads pay more than regular loads?
Sometimes, but not always. Power-only rates depend on trailer availability, urgency, lane balance, seasonality, and how much dwell or repositioning is involved. A power-only load can pay very well when it saves the shipper time, but a lower posted rate may still be worth taking if it keeps your tractor moving.
What should you check before booking a power-only load?
Before booking, confirm the trailer type, pickup and delivery schedule, who is responsible for detention or layover, and whether the trailer is ready when you arrive. You should also verify rate confirmation details, yard rules, contact information, and any special equipment or safety requirements.
Are there any free power-only load boards?
Yes, some platforms let carriers search or book freight without paying a monthly subscription, while others use marketplace-style pricing or offer limited free access. The tradeoff is usually fewer premium tools, more manual vetting, or fees tied to booked loads instead of a flat monthly plan. Many carriers use free or low-cost options as a supplement while relying on paid boards for deeper search tools and better visibility.
How do I avoid scams or double-brokering on power-only load boards?
Start by verifying the broker or shipper before you book, including authority, contact details, and payment history where available. Be cautious if the rate seems too good to be true, the pickup details are vague, or the contact information does not match the company name on the rate confirmation. The safest approach is to confirm who controls the load, get everything in writing, and avoid moving freight until the paperwork checks out.
