16 minutes

Owner-operators know that filling a truck means finding loads and avoiding empty miles. Whether you run a dry van, flatbed, reefer or box truck, a reliable load board is essential. The right load board can make or break your profit on the spot market. In this roundup of the best load board platforms for 2025, we compare features, coverage and usability. We cover paid giants like DAT and Truckstop at #1 and #2, plus free and broker-affiliated options (like C.H. Robinson’s Navisphere Carrier, TQL, Landstar, ArcBest/MoLo and more). Throughout, we focus on practical insights for U.S. truckers. We also show how a good truck dispatch service complements these boards by negotiating rates and securing preferred freight. Read on for in-depth analysis of each platform and how it suits owner-operators and small fleets.

1. DAT Freight & Analytics (DAT One) – Leading Load Board

DAT Freight & Analytics has long been the best load board for many carriers and dispatchers. It claims North America’s largest truckload marketplace, with nearly 700,000 load posts per day. DAT’s strengths include:

• Massive Network: DAT One connects to over 1.7 million trucks and shippers. As DAT itself notes, its network sees “more than 267 million loads & trucks posted annually”.
• Advanced Analytics: Built-in RateView data and mileage tools help you price loads competitively. Dispatchers can compare spot rates across lanes to negotiate better deals (click to learn more what pro dispatchers do?)
• Powerful Search: Automated filters, multi-leg TriHaul planning, and keyword/search features let you find loads that match your truck and lanes. A dispatcher using DAT can quickly zero in on high-paying routes.
• Mobile Access: The DAT One mobile app (included with subscription) combines 15 tools to find and book loads, plan routes, and even track ELD data on the road.
• All Equipment Types: DAT covers dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, LTL, and more – ideal for any truck. In fact, a DAT dispatch license is often considered the best load board option for specialized freight because of its size and data.
• Integration & Tools: You get mileage charts, truckstop check, weather and routing, credit scores and broker reviews. Many truck dispatchers rely on DAT’s comprehensive data to optimize loads (e.g., using their analytics features).

However, DAT is a paid service. Subscriptions start around $49/month. New owner-ops often weigh the cost against the value of DAT’s scale. For many, DAT’s huge volume means higher odds of a good load. As one insider puts it: even if you use truck dispatch services, you’ll likely subscribe to DAT. A dispatcher “searches load boards (like DAT or Truckstop.com) to book freight”. In practice, DAT often yields the highest rates per mile, so it’s #1 on our list despite the fee.

You can access the load-board by clicking here.

2. Truckstop – Comprehensive Freight Finder

Right behind DAT is Truckstop.com – another industry leader. Truckstop offers powerful search tools and a massive database of loads. Like DAT, it has subscription tiers (Truckstop’s paid load board and the legacy “Freight Finder” free board), so it suits various budgets. Key points:

• Load Inventory: Truckstop doesn’t publish exact counts publicly, but it competes with DAT on volume. It offers real-time search of thousands of loads, plus load alerts by email. Some users report it lists a similar scale of loads as DAT.
• Toolset: Truckstop provides advanced filters (by route, equipment, keywords), a built-in truck dispatcher interface (ITS Dispatch), and tools for margin and fuel optimization. For owner-ops, Truckstop’s QuickPay and factoring options are popular for cash flow.
• Security: Truckstop actively fights fraud. FreightWaves notes Truckstop even launched a “Fraud Prevention Friday” series to educate carriers. This helps ensure loads are legitimate.
• Mobile & Alerts: Its mobile app and push notifications help keep your truck moving. A driver or dispatch team can set up preferred lane alerts.
• Integration: Truckstop integrates with many TMS and ELD apps, so a truck dispatch team can sync loads directly with planning software.

While powerful, Truckstop requires a paid subscription for full access. Many owner-operators still use the free Truckstop Freight Finder app (now part of FreightWaves’ Truckloads) to screen loads, then call brokers. But if your dispatch strategy demands speed and volume, a paid Truckstop plan is worth it. Overall, Truckstop is a top-tier, trusted board – often tied with DAT in surveys – and ranks #2 here. It’s frequently cited as one of the best load boards for carriers. Note: FreightWaves has confirmed both DAT and Truckstop have enhanced fraud measures recently, underscoring their reliability.

You can access the load-board by clicking here.

3. C.H. Robinson / Navisphere Carrier – Largest Free Board

C.H. Robinson’s carrier portal (Navisphere Carrier) is one of the largest free load boards available. Key features:

• Enormous Load Base: Navisphere Carrier often has ~300,000 active loads at any given time (about 105K dry van, 73K reefer, 15K flatbed). That’s a larger inventory than most paid boards.
• Free Access: It’s entirely free for C.H. Robinson contract carriers. No subscription needed – you just register as a carrier.
• Booking & Offers: You can make offers or book instantly right on the board. The app recommends loads and lets you chat with experts for help.
• Mobile App: The Navisphere Carrier mobile app has 5-star ratings and shows loads, lets you submit offers and handle documents from your phone.
• Deep Network: Because CH Robinson is such a large broker, loads often include high-value shipments. Their carriers get early alerts on premium loads.
• Support: CH Robinson provides 24/7 carrier support. If a truck dispatcher on your team has questions, they can use live chat or call.
• Fraud Protection: CH also validates brokers on its platform, adding security.

As CH Robinson puts it, Navisphere Carrier offers “the largest free carrier load board in North America”. For any owner-operator open to contracting with C.H. Robinson, this board is a must. Even if you prefer DAT or Truckstop, it’s worth signing up for Navisphere Carrier to see all the extra freight opportunities. In terms of sheer volume and ease, it’s hard to beat. A dispatcher can fill many lanes just from this single, free load board.

You can have the load-board by clicking here.

4. TQL Carrier Dashboard – 70,000+ Loads Weekly

Total Quality Logistics (TQL) runs a free load board via its Carrier Dashboard. It markets itself to carriers with attractive perks. Highlights include:

• Loads Per Week: TQL advertises access to “70,000+ loads a week” on its free board. These are all brokered loads from TQL’s system.
• Free to Use: There are no fees to use TQL’s portal. You just register as a carrier and you get real-time access.
• Broad Freight Mix: TQL handles freight of all sizes and commodities, so the loads include van, flatbed, reefer, heavy haul, etc.
• Fast Pay Options: TQL offers quick-pay programs and fuel cards. Owner-operators like that they can get paid faster and save on fuel.
• Technology: The TQL app and portal are modern and easy to use. You can filter by lane, post trucks (telling TQL where you are and where you want to go), and get email alerts.
• Relationship: Since TQL is a large brokerage, carriers building trust with them can get priority on loads.
• Support: 24/7 team helps carriers. Even small carriers enjoy the sense of team support (often highlighted in testimonials).

In sum, TQL’s board is one of the best load board options among carrier-affiliated platforms. If you prefer broker-oriented freight, make sure your dispatcher checks TQL’s listings daily. As TQL’s site says, they work “day and night” to be the brokerage of choice, offering tech and support to keep trucks moving.

You can access the load-board by clicking here.

5. ArcBest + Molo Carrier Portal – Specialized Loads

ArcBest (parent of ABF Freight) offers a combined load portal (with its MoLo unit) that’s growing in popularity. Key facts:

• Unique Loads: ArcBest’s network brings carrier-access loads including LTL, truckload and cargo-van shipments. It advertises “thousands of unique shipping opportunities each day”.
• All Truck Types: The portal explicitly supports dry van, reefer, flatbed, cargo vans and even straight trucksarcb.com. This breadth is rare – many boards focus on TL only.
• Booking Made Easy: The “book it” feature lets carriers instantly accept a load on the portal after a quick credit check. This streamlines getting confirmed loads.
• Filtering & Alerts: You can filter and save search criteria to refine to your equipment and lanes.
• Carrier Support: Getting set up only requires contacting ArcBest’s carrier team with your MC and DOT.
• Free Use: There’s no subscription; it’s open to any ArcBest/MoLo approved carrier.
• Load Quality: Since ArcBest is a logistics provider, some loads come from asset-backed customers. Dispatchers often report that ArcBest tends to have well-planned loads with dependable pay.

ArcBest’s own marketing says the portal helps “streamline your freight search” and is “user-friendly”. It’s relatively new compared to others, but it deserves attention, especially for owner-ops running medium loads and specialty equipment. If your dispatcher can qualify you as a MoLo carrier, you’ll see this board’s loads directly. Its inclusion in this list reflects its expanding load board offering in 2025.

You can access the load-board by clicking here.

6. Landstar Load Board – Agent Network Freight

Landstar operates differently: it’s an agent-based brokerage. Approved Landstar carriers get exclusive access to its load board. Key points:

• Independent Agents: Landstar has about 1,050 independent freight agents (salespeople) posting loads daily. These agents post into the Landstar load board.
• 24/7 Portal: As a qualified carrier, you can log in 24/7 to see all posted loads and pick what fits your truck. Landstar emphasizes freedom to choose loads.
• Any Equipment: Landstar handles “every kind of freight, every kind of way”. You’ll find van, flatbed, tanker, heavy haul, and hotshot loads.
• Load Alerts: The Landstar “Load Alerts®” system sends you notifications when a load matches your truck’s location and preferences. This mimics having an agent finding loads for you.
• Driver Friendly: Landstar also features driver bonuses (Pay2Day) and fuel discounts (SavingsPlus). For an owner-operator, these perks are helpful.
• Fast Pay: They offer Pay2Day (next-day funding) and no forced dispatch: you run your business your way.
• Route Control: Landstar trucks are rarely double-headed. Loads are planned by agents, which can mean less backhaul chasing.

In summary, Landstar’s board is less a public market and more an internal network for approved carriers. It ranks here because it’s limited to Landstar-approved truckers. But for those in the Landstar network, it’s a powerful tool. “Landstar’s network of approximately 1,050 independent agents post loads … every day. As a Landstar-approved carrier, you have access to that load board 24/7”. In effect, it’s a private load board with lots of freight variety.

You can access the load-board by clicking here.

7. 123Loadboard – Cost-Effective Matchmaking

123Loadboard is a popular mid-range board that’s often called one of the best load boards for smaller carriers. It offers both paid plans and a limited free version, making it versatile. Highlights include:

• Custom Plans: You can choose from different subscription levels (Basic, Premium) depending on fleet size. The entry plan is cheaper than DAT/Truckstop, making it a budget-friendly choice.
• Rate Check & Negotiation: Its unique Rate Check tool shows average spot rates for lanes, so you can negotiate smarter. This is ideal for owner-ops who want to self-negotiate rates.
• Load Alerts: Set up automatic email/text alerts when loads matching your equipment and lanes appear. This helps fill deadhead gaps quickly.
• Filtering: Advanced filters (including by city/zip, radius, equipment type) let you hone in on relevant loads fast. This is especially handy when doing dispatch for diverse trucks.
• Mobile App: A free mobile app gives access anywhere. Dispatchers on the road can book loads on the fly.
• Extras: 123Loadboard also offers mileage calculators and brokerage credit checks (to vet brokers).

According to one review, “123Loadboard offers a quick and easy-to-use freight matching service” and “enables you to negotiate the best rates using their Rate Check tool”. In short, 123Loadboard may not have DAT’s scale, but it gives owner-operators strong tools at a lower cost. It’s a great load board for truckers who want good functionality without the highest fees.

You can access the load-board by clicking here.

8. Convoy – Free Digital Freight Network

Convoy has become a top-choice digital freight marketplace, especially for tech-savvy carriers. It operates more like a digital broker/load board hybrid with an app. Important points:

• Free to Carriers: The Convoy app is 100% free to use. There’s no sign-up fee or membership required.
• Easy App Interface: Carriers can browse loads on mobile and either bid or instantly accept (“Book It”) rates. Its interface highlights preferred lanes (you can set those) and matches loads to your truck type.
• Load Availability: Convoy’s network connects to many shippers (especially consumer brands), offering thousands of loads daily. While exact numbers aren’t public, it’s grown significantly in recent years.
• QuickPay: Perhaps its biggest perk: Convoy guarantees payment very quickly (often overnight). A dispatch team can thus promise reliable cash flow.
• Efficiency Tools: Features like stop-off planning and route suggestions are built in. The platform also offers fuel-saving route hints and an integrated ELD sync.
• Discounts: Convoy provides carrier-exclusive discounts on fuel, tires, roadside assistance and even ELD devices as added value.

A dispatch specialist notes that “Carriers and drivers can access the Convoy load board free, no monthly fees,” and they can set alerts for preferred routes. For owner-ops who want free loads and instant bookings, Convoy is a great choice – effectively a 100% free load board app with professional backing. It often shows up on lists of best load board apps.

You can access the load-board by clicking here.

9. NextLOAD – Broker-Backed Free Board

NextLOAD is a newer entrant, offered by Apex Capital (a factoring company). It gives carriers a powerful free load board plus optional factoring. Highlights:

• Free Load Board: Any carrier with an Apex credit account gets unlimited free access. No monthly fee.
• Load Volume: Search thousands of loads daily – similar volume to the paid boards, since NextLOAD pulls in loads from many brokers.
• Custom Notifications: Create multiple saved searches and alerts to get instant emails/SMS when matching loads appear.
• Integration: NextLOAD can integrate with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) for carriers. Dispatchers can thus see loads alongside their dispatch software.
• Payment Tools: If you use Apex factoring, NextLOAD ties directly into fast payment options (up to next-day).
• Simplicity: The interface is clean and modern (mobile-friendly).

According to a review, “NextLOAD offers a free to use load board for posting and searching loads” and “unlimited accounts” to manage drivers and dispatchers. In practice, it’s among the best load boards for owner-operators on a budget. Combining it with their factoring means you can book more loads and get paid quickly, all through the same platform.

You can access the load-board by clicking here.

Conclusion

Honorable Mention: FreightWaves’ Truckloads app. Though not in our top 10 list, the Truckloads mobile app (in partnership with Trucker Path) is a popular free load board app. It advertises “unlimited FREE access to over 150,000 quality loads every day” and is used by over 300,000 owner-operators. For drivers on the go, it’s a convenient supplement to the boards above.

Choosing the best load board depends on your business model. DAT and Truckstop offer unmatched volume and analytics (ideal for larger operations or high-mileage routes). Free options like C.H. Robinson, TQL, Convoy and others are great for low cost. Brokerage-affiliated boards like Landstar, ArcBest/MoLo and TQL reward carriers who build relationships. Truck dispatch services often blend many of these boards: a good dispatcher will scan multiple load boards, while also leveraging broker contacts.

Regardless of choice, here are some practical tips for owner-operators:

• Use Multiple Boards: Don’t rely on just one. Scan both paid and free boards daily. Our truck dispatch team, for example, sets up alerts on multiple boards so no opportunity slips by.
• Set Up Alerts: On each board, create saved searches for your preferred lanes and equipment. Many boards let you email or text you when matching loads appear. This automates load-finding.
• Leverage Broker Portals: If you already run loads for a broker (e.g. TQL or CH Robinson), always use their load board. Many brokers reward loyalty with better loads or faster pay.
• Stay Compliant: Make sure any dispatcher or software you use understands FMCSA rules (i.e. they act as agent, not an unauthorized broker).
• Data Check: When negotiating via load boards, use each board’s data tools. RateCheck on 123Loadboard, DAT’s lane guides, or Truckstop’s margin calculator can prevent low bids.
• Network Building: A good dispatcher will use load boards and also call brokers directly. Strong relationships can sometimes bypass the public boards entirely, yielding more reliable freight.

By combining the right load boards with smart dispatching (either in-house or through a service like Dispatch Republic), an owner-operator can keep their truck loaded, routes optimized, and profits maximized.

If you’re an owner-operator juggling multiple responsibilities, consider partnering with a professional truck dispatch service to take the load off your shoulders—literally. At Dispatch Republic, we specialize in helping carriers run smarter and earn more by expertly managing load boards, negotiating top rates, and handling paperwork for dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, box trucks, step decks, and even hotshots. Our team monitors multiple premium load boards around the clock, ensuring your truck stays loaded with the right freight, at the right rate, on the right lane. Whether you’re scaling up or just getting started, having a dedicated dispatch team in your corner means fewer empty miles, less stress, and more time to focus on driving and growing your business.

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See also: Trump’s Executive Order Enforces English for Truck Drivers Nationwide

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