Truck Load Board FAQ’s

Load boards are online services that connect brokers and shippers to carriers with available capacity.  Typically, trucking load boards -or freight boards- work like a virtual bulletin board, where shippers and brokers post their available loads for carriers to search through.  Load boards can also serve as a place for carriers to post their empty trucks that are available to haul loads.

The process of load boards usually goes as follows:u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003e1.Shippers or brokers post a load they need hauled.  This posting includes important information like what is being shipped, where it is shipping from and where it’s going, as well as the size and weight of the shipment.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003e2.Carriers log on to search for loads that match their capacity and the region they’d prefer.u003cbr/u003e3.When they find the shipment they want, carriers can either book the load or offer a rate that they would accept to transport it.u003cbr/u003e

Load boards are easy to find online through a search engine.  Additionally, u003ca href=u0022https://ezfreightfactoring.com/blog/should-your-trucking-company-use-online-load-boardsu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eload board appsu003c/au003e are also available for most mobile devices through their app stores.

Load boards can be very beneficial to carriers.  They provide a place to search for bids on loads nationwide, and in some cases also across borders. For new carriers, they provide a place to get business started and build relationships with shippers and brokers.  In addition to a place to find loads, boards also serve as a place to post your empty trucks for shippers to find.

By using load boards, shippers and freight brokers have the opportunity to have their loads seen and bid on by thousands of carriers.  Even shippers that are already contracted with a carrier can benefit from load boards in cases where their shipping demands exceed carrier capacity. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFor shippers in particular, load boards create the opportunity to bypass freight brokers by booking your own carriers.  This eliminates the middleman and helps lower costs.

Yes.  There are two basic categories of load boards: public and private.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003ePublic load boardsu003c/strongu003e are open to any carrier, shipper or freight broker that subscribes.  Because they are all-inclusive, a major benefit is the number of people subscribed.  For carriers, the large pool of shippers means they can be pickier with their loads, choosing only ones that best fit their time and location preferences.  For shippers, the benefit of a large pool of carriers means loads can be booked quickly.  Another benefit for shippers, to the detriment of carriers, is that the large number of carriers bidding on loads will often drive down prices.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003ePrivate load boardsu003c/strongu003e are more exclusive in the sense that not everyone can join.  On private load boards, shippers decide which carriers can access information about available loads.  The benefit of private boards for shippers is that they can choose to only deal with their preferred carriers.  This type of system helps shippers build stronger relationships with carriers, giving shippers extra confidence that their load is in good hands.

Not all load boards are the same.  Many share similar features, so preference could come down to how easy the board is to use and navigate.  The volume and quality of the user base is also a reason to choose one board over another. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhen selecting a load board, be sure it includes the following features:u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003e – A super important feature that can’t be overlooked is mobile accessibility. After all, most carriers spend a great deal of time searching for loads while in their truck.u003cbr/u003e – Easy search navigation with many ways to filter your search results.  Some key filters include the type of load, its size and weight, times for pickup and delivery, as well as location filters.u003cbr/u003e – A fast, easy bidding process.u003cbr/u003e – A review system for all parties, including shippers, carriers and facilities.  Review systems create a bit of peace of mind for everyone involved.  An added bonus feature would be a message board where more discussion can take place.u003cbr/u003e – In addition to reviews, credit information and typical days-to-pay details about companies are extremely beneficial to carriers when choosing loads.

Load boards can range from free to over $100 monthly.  Don’t be fooled, more expensive doesn’t always mean better.   That said, choosing a board simply because it is free may not be the best decision either.  Perform a search for reviews of different boards and navigate through some.  Learn what features matter most to you and which boards best utilize those features.  Be sure to take advantage of any free trials for boards you’re considering.  In the end, choose the board that best fits your needs as a carrier, shipper or broker.

So, you’ve found the load board that best fits your needs.  You’ve also found an ideal load for your situation as a carrier.  Now what?  Well, there are two options.  Option one involves delivering that load safely and on time for your customer, only to end up waiting 30, 60 or even 90 days for them to pay.  Option two involves the same duties on your end but is followed by a call to EZ Freight Factoring. Our experienced factors eliminate the wait, getting you paid within hours and freeing up cash to haul that next load from the freight board.

Get started factoring your freight invoices by filling out this form or giving us a call today!