Best load boards for owner operators in 2026

You have your authority, your truck, and your insurance. Now you need freight.

The main tool: Load boards.

But with a dozen options and monthly subscriptions costing $100-$400, which load boards are actually worth it?

The short answer: DAT and Truckstop dominate the market. For most owner operators, one of these two is essential. Everything else is supplemental.

Let me break down exactly which load boards to use, what they cost, and how to maximize them.

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What load boards actually do

Simple explanation: Load boards are marketplaces connecting freight brokers (who have loads) with carriers (you) who can haul them.

Think of it like: Craigslist for trucking, but professional and paid.

Load boards show you posted loads (origin, destination, equipment type, weight, pickup/delivery times, rate, broker contact), broker information (company name, MC number, credit score, days to pay, reviews), and search filters (equipment type, location radius, dates, minimum rates, deadhead miles).

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The big three: industry standard load boards

1. DAT (Dial-A-Truck)

Market position: The biggest and most established (since 1978)

Pricing (2025-2026):

• DAT One Standard: $49/month
• DAT One Enhanced: $99/month
• DAT One Pro: $149/month ← Most owner operators use this
• DAT One Select: $199/month
• DAT One Office: $299/month

Note: Prices may vary. Check DAT's website for current rates.

What You Get (Pro Plan):

• Access to 500,000+ loads daily
• Broker credit scores and ratings
• Rate analysis tools (DAT RateView)
• 7-day average spot rates
• TriHaul routing
• Mobile app
• Email/text load alerts

The good: Most loads posted (500k+ daily). Best broker vetting with credit scores and days-to-pay. Excellent rate data through RateView. Solid mobile app. Industry standard that all brokers use. Best for spotting market trends.

The bad: Most expensive option. Interface feels dated. Can be overwhelming for new users. Many lowball loads mixed with good ones.

Best for: Established owner operators who need comprehensive data and are willing to pay for the best tool.

Forum quote:

"DAT is expensive but it's the gold standard. I run DAT as my primary and use the free trial of Truckstop to cross-reference rates. Between the two I can find good freight in any market."

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2. Truckstop.com (Internet Truckstop)

Market position: Second largest, more tech-forward than DAT

Pricing (2025-2026):

• Basic: Starting at $42/month
• Standard: ~$75/month
• Pro: ~$110/month ← Best value for most
• Heavy Haul Pro: $299/month (specialized)

Note: Prices vary by features. Check Truckstop's website for current rates.

What You Get (Pro tier):

• 400,000+ loads daily
• Broker credit checks (RMIS scores)
• Rate tools (market rate comparison)
• Book-it-Now feature (instant booking)
• Mobile app
• Fuel optimizer
• IFTA calculator

The good: Competitive pricing starting at $42/month. More modern interface. Book-it-Now feature is convenient. Better mobile app that's easier to use. Integrated fuel and route planning tools. Good broker data through RMIS credit scoring.

The bad: Fewer total loads than DAT (400k vs 500k). Some brokers only post on DAT. Credit scoring not as detailed as DAT. Rate data less comprehensive.

Best for: Tech-savvy owner operators who want modern tools at a better price point.

Forum quote:

"Switched from DAT to Truckstop and haven't looked back. Interface is way easier, saves me 30 minutes a day, and it's $100 cheaper per month. Plenty of loads to choose from."

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3. 123Loadboard

Market position: Budget option, growing fast

Pricing (2025-2026):

• Standard: $39/month
• Premium: $59/month ← Most popular
• Premium Plus: $79/month (includes historical rates)

All plans include 10-day free trial. Check 123Loadboard pricing for current rates.

What You Get (Premium):

• 250,000+ loads daily
• Broker MC lookup
• Rate estimator
• Mobile access
• Load search alerts
• Basic broker credit info

The good: Cheapest major load board at $39-79/month. Simple, straightforward interface. Good for basic load finding. Lowest barrier to entry. Excellent for new owner operators.

The bad: Fewer loads than DAT/Truckstop. Less detailed broker information. Weaker rate analysis tools. Some brokers don't post here. Less sophisticated features.

Best for: New owner operators on a budget or as a supplemental board to DAT/Truckstop.

Forum quote:

"Started with 123Loadboard my first 6 months. Found plenty of freight to keep busy. Once I was making money consistently, upgraded to DAT. But 123 was perfect when money was tight."

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Load board cost comparison

Feature	DAT Pro	Truckstop Pro	123Loadboard Premium
Monthly Cost	~$149	~$110	$59
Daily Loads	500,000+	400,000+	250,000+
Broker Credit	Excellent	Very Good	Basic
Rate Data	Best (RateView)	Good	Basic
Mobile App	Good	Excellent	Basic
Interface	Dated	Modern	Simple
Best For	Pros	Tech-savvy	Budget/New

Prices as of early 2025. Always verify current pricing on official websites.

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Which load board should you actually buy?

If you're brand new (first 3 months)

Recommendation: 123Loadboard Premium ($59/month)

Why:

• Lowest cost when cash flow is tight
• Plenty of loads to learn on
• Simple interface (less overwhelming)
• You're learning lanes anyway

Once you're established: Upgrade to DAT or Truckstop

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If you're established (6+ months in)

Recommendation: DAT Pro ($149/month) OR Truckstop Pro ($110/month)

Choose DAT if:

• You value having the most load options
• You want the best broker vetting
• You need the most comprehensive rate data
• Cost isn't your primary concern

Choose Truckstop if:

• You want a more modern interface
• You value integrated planning tools
• You want to save $60-120/month vs DAT
• You're comfortable with slightly fewer loads

Honest take: They're both excellent. Try free trials of each and see which interface you prefer.

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The multi-board strategy (what pros do)

Primary: DAT Pro or Truckstop Pro (~$110-149/month) Supplemental: 123Loadboard Premium ($59/month) or free trials

Total cost: ~$169-208/month

Why multiple boards:

• Some brokers only post on one platform
• Cross-reference rates (avoid lowballs)
• More options in slow markets
• Backup when one board has tech issues

Is it worth $100 extra per month? Only if you're grossing $6k+/week and need every edge.

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Free and cheaper alternatives

Trucker Path load board

Cost: FREE (with premium features at $9.99/month)

What you get:

• Basic load searching
• Truck stop finder
• Fuel prices
• Weigh station status
• Weather alerts

Loads: Limited compared to paid boards

Best for: Extreme budget constraints or as a supplemental tool

Realistic take: You get what you pay for. Free boards have far fewer loads and less broker information.

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Direct Freight

Cost: $34.95-$79.95/month

What you get:

• 85,000+ loads daily
• Broker credit info
• Rate analysis
• Mobile access

Best for: Very niche use cases or specific regions

Realistic take: Too small for most owner operators. Stick with the big 3.

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uShip, Cargomatic, Other "Uber for Trucking" Apps

Cost: FREE (they take a cut of the load)

What you get:

• App-based load booking
• Instant booking
• Typically lower rates

Best for: Filling last-minute gaps, not primary freight source

Realistic take: Rates are often 20-30% below market. Use only when desperate.

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How to actually use load boards (pro tips)

Set up smart alerts

Don't scroll endlessly. Set up alerts for:

• Your preferred lanes
• Minimum rate per mile
• Equipment type
• Pickup date ranges

Example alert:

• Origin: Within 100 miles of Chicago
• Destination: Southeast (AL, GA, FL, SC, NC)
• Equipment: Dry van
• Minimum rate: $2.50/mile
• Pickup: Next 48 hours

You'll get texted when matching loads post.

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Check "days to pay" and credit scores

Before calling any broker, check:

• Credit score (DAT shows this)
• Average days to pay
• Reviews from other carriers

Red flags:

• Credit score under 80 (risky)
• Days to pay over 45 (cash flow killer)
• Multiple complaints about non-payment

Green flags:

• Score 90+ (solid)
• Pay within 30 days
• Good reviews

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Use rate analysis tools

Before accepting a load, check:

• DAT RateView (shows average rate for that lane)
• Truckstop Rate Check
• Your own historical data

If broker offers $2.00/mile and market average is $2.75/mile:

• Counter at $2.85/mile
• Negotiate down to $2.60-2.75
• Don't accept lowball offers

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Filter by deadhead

Set max deadhead to 50-75 miles.

Why: A 200-mile deadhead to pick up a 500-mile load means:

• 700 total miles
• Only paid for 500
• Actual rate is 28% lower than posted

Calculate ALL-IN rate per mile:

Posted rate: $1,400 for 500 miles = $2.80/mile
Deadhead: 200 miles unpaid
Total miles: 700
All-in rate: $1,400 ÷ 700 = $2.00/mile

That's 28% less than it looked!

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Call fresh posts first

Loads less than 2 hours old:

• Less competition
• Better negotiating position
• Broker hasn't been beaten down on price yet

Loads over 24 hours old:

• Broker is desperate
• Might accept lower rate
• But also might be a problem load (that's why no one took it)

Sort by "Newest First" and call immediately.

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Build a broker hit list

Track your top 10 brokers:

• Who pays best?
• Who pays fastest?
• Who has consistent freight in your lanes?

Call them directly before searching load board:

• "Hey it's John from Smith Trucking, I'll be empty in Atlanta Thursday, anything heading back to Chicago?"
• Often they'll give you first dibs on good loads before posting publicly

This is how you graduate from load board hunting to relationship-based freight.

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Hidden load board costs

The monthly subscription isn't the only cost.

Time cost:

• 1-2 hours per day searching and calling
• 5-10 hours per week
• At $75/hour effective rate = $375-750/week in your time

A more efficient board that saves you 30 minutes daily is worth $150-$300/week.

Bad load cost: Taking a lowball load because you didn't have good options. One bad load per month at -$500 vs what you should have made = $6,000/year cost. Good load board = better options = better rates.

Learning curve cost:

• First month with any new board: slow and inefficient
• Expect to lose 3-5 hours figuring out features
• Worth it for long-term efficiency

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Load board strategies by equipment type

Dry Van:

Boards: DAT or Truckstop (most dry van loads) Cost: ~$110-149/month (Pro tiers) Strategy: Volume game, filter aggressively, negotiate every load Pro tip: See best lanes for dry van freight →

Reefer:

Boards: DAT (best produce/food broker coverage) Cost: ~$149/month (DAT Pro) Strategy: Focus on produce lanes, seasonal trends matter Pro tip: See best lanes for reefer freight →

Flatbed:

Boards: DAT (most construction/industrial freight) Cost: ~$149/month (DAT Pro) Strategy: Longer deadhead acceptable, higher rates justify it Pro tip: See best lanes for flatbed freight →

Specialized (Step Deck, RGN, Tanker):

Boards: DAT (only one with enough specialized loads) Cost: ~$149/month minimum Strategy: Direct broker relationships more important than board

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When to ditch the load board

Load boards are a tool, not a career.

Goal: Transition from 100% load board to:

• 50% direct shipper relationships
• 30% repeat broker partnerships
• 20% load board for backhauls/fill-in

This takes 1-2 years but:

• Better rates (no broker competition)
• Consistent freight
• Less time hunting
• Better relationships

Don't get stuck living on load boards forever.

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How FF Dispatch handles load boards for you

The problem: You're paying $100-150/month for load boards, then spending 10-15 hours/week searching them.

What if someone did that for you?

How we help:

We monitor load boards all day. We have subscriptions to DAT and Truckstop. We watch for your preferred lanes constantly. You don't need your own subscription.

We present you the best options. 3-5 vetted loads to choose from. Already checked broker credit and rates. Just pick which one you want.

We negotiate on your behalf. Get 15-20% above posted rates. Push for better terms. Handle the broker relationship.

You save time and money. No ~$150/month load board subscription. No 10-15 hours/week searching. More time driving.

Real example:

"I was spending ~$150/month on DAT plus 12 hours a week searching. Now FF Dispatch handles it all. I pay them 7% which is $455/week on my $6,500 gross, but I'm making more because they get better rates AND I have 12 hours back to drive more. Net effect: $800/week better off."

Calculate Your Savings →

Learn About Our Service →

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The bottom line

Which load board should you use?

New owner operator (first 6 months):

• Start with 123Loadboard Premium ($59/month)
• Upgrade once cash flow stabilizes

Established owner operator:

• DAT Pro ($149/month) OR Truckstop Pro ($110/month)
• Pick based on interface preference (try both free trials)

Pro strategy (optional):

• Primary: DAT or Truckstop
• Supplemental: 123Loadboard
• Total: ~$169-208/month

Best strategy:

• Start with load boards
• Build broker relationships
• Transition to 50%+ direct freight over 2 years
• Use boards for backhauls and fill-in

Load boards are essential tools but they're not the end game. The goal is to build relationships that give you consistent freight without hunting daily.

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Related Posts:

• Finding Your First Load as an Owner Operator
• How to Use DAT Load Board: Complete 2026 Guide
• Most Profitable Trucking Lanes in 2026
• Regional vs OTR Trucking: Which Pays More in 2026?
• How to Negotiate Broker Rates Like a Pro

Next steps: If you're new, sign up for 123Loadboard's 7-day free trial. If you're established, try both DAT and Truckstop free trials to compare interfaces. Set up smart alerts for your preferred lanes. Track which board gives you the best loads over 30 days, then cancel the one you don't use.