The 5 best sites for shippers to post online loads

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Over the last few years, the inland freight industry has experienced a digital shift. Instead of dealing with freight brokers, many inland freight shippers have eliminated the middleman by embracing online load boards.

Online loads are quickly becoming the best way to efficiently and economically move your cargo. Instead of paying freight brokers a percentage to find you a reliable carrier, you can save money by finding a reputable carrier on your own.

Quick review of how a load board works

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a load board is an online system that allows shippers to post loads they want to ship. Shippers input all details about the load they want transported. These include pick-up and drop-off locations, freight type and size, and other pertinent information. 

Carriers checking for online loads who meet the shippers' requirements can then apply or place a bid to do the job.

What's great about using online load boards is that they are a great supplement to your current list of carriers. If there's a problem with a driver or your capacity increases, a load board is a useful tool to turn to. 

Better yet, some load boards require extensive screening of the carriers using their platform, ensuring you partnering with an insured, safe, reliable, and adequately licensed carrier. Depending on the load board, you could have your postings viewed by hundreds, if not thousands of carriers vying to move your shipments.

How to choose the right load board for your business

Selecting the optimal load board platform can make or break your shipping operations. With dozens of options available, understanding what to evaluate ensures you invest in a solution that drives real results for your freight operations.

Factors to consider when evaluating load boards

When assessing load boards, prioritize these critical factors:

Carrier Network Size and Quality: look for platforms with extensive, vetted carrier networks. A board with 50,000+ active carriers provides better coverage than one with only 5,000. However, quantity means nothing without quality - ensure the platform requires proper licensing, insurance verification, and safety ratings.

Geographic Coverage: match the platform's strength to your shipping lanes. Some load boards excel in specific regions while others offer nationwide coverage. If you primarily ship coast-to-coast, choose platforms with strong carrier presence in both origin and destination markets.

Equipment Type Availability: verify the platform supports your specific equipment needs. Whether you need flatbeds, reefers, dry vans, or specialized trailers, the load board should have adequate carrier coverage for each equipment type you regularly use.

User Interface and Ease of Use: a complex platform that requires extensive training reduces efficiency. Test the posting process, search functionality, and communication tools during trial periods. Your team should be able to post loads and communicate with carriers intuitively.

Customer Support Quality: evaluate response times, availability hours, and support expertise. When loads need immediate attention or disputes arise, responsive support becomes crucial. Look for platforms offering 24/7 support with dedicated account managers.

Pricing models: free vs. premium features comparison

Understanding pricing structures helps optimize your load board investment:

Free Load Board Models:

• Basic load posting capabilities.
• Limited carrier contact information.
• Standard search and filtering options.
• Minimal customer support.
• Best for: Small shippers with occasional freight needs.

Premium Subscription Models ($50-$500+ monthly):

• Advanced analytics and reporting tools.
• Enhanced carrier vetting and credit reports.
• Priority placement in search results.
• Unlimited load postings and carrier contacts.
• API access for TMS integration.
• Best for: High-volume shippers requiring advanced features.

Transaction-Based Pricing (2-8% of load value):

• Pay only when loads are successfully matched.
• Full-service platform management.
• Comprehensive insurance and liability coverage.
• Best for: Shippers wanting predictable, performance-based costs.

Hybrid Models:

• Combine monthly fees with transaction percentages.
• Tiered pricing based on volume.
• Customizable feature packages.
• Best for: Growing companies with evolving needs.

Integration capabilities with your current TMS

Modern load boards should seamlessly integrate with your existing transportation management system:

API Integration Options:

• Real-time load posting from TMS to multiple boards simultaneously.
• Automatic carrier matching based on predefined criteria.
• Bid management and acceptance workflows.
• Status updates and tracking information synchronization.

EDI Compatibility:

• Standard EDI transactions (204, 214, 990) support.
• Automated document exchange with carriers.
• Reduced manual data entry and errors.

File Import/Export Features:

• Bulk load uploads via CSV or Excel files.
• Automated rate confirmations and BOL generation.
• Carrier performance data export for analysis.

Cloud-Based Connectivity:

• Browser-based access requiring no additional software.
• Mobile app synchronization with desktop platforms.
• Real-time data sharing across multiple users and locations.

Here are five popular online load boards where shippers, like yourself, can safely and reliably place their online loads. 

1. Cargobot

Cargobot's innovative app puts the power of maximum efficiency into the hands of shippers, allowing them to connect directly to carriers. Their free, easy-to-use platform provides an abundance of unique, productive features including:

• Real-time GPS tracking so that you know exactly where your shipment is at all times. 
• Transparent bidding for each load - everyone sees the best possible prices. The carrier pays a flat fee of the booked load, meaning no extra costs to you.
• An expansive network of 10,000 certified and insured carriers providing full truckload freight (FTL) shipping solutions. These include flatbeds, dry vans, refrigerated trailers, and specialized equipment. 
• Store all documents in one place and keep them in order. Save or upload paper versions of rate confirmations, BOLs, and PODs in real-time as each process happens.
• For each account, Cargobot provides a dedicated customer service associate who is ready to support you throughout your process. Have a question or concern? Support is available 24/7.
• Cargobot's commitment to building an always-current system includes apps for Android and iOS, technology-focused blog, and professional development courses for users at Cargobot Academy. All for free!

2. Direct freight services

DirectFreight.com gives shippers the ability to post their loads for free. This step can be done by creating an online account to post loads, or by sending the list to the service for them to put up. Direct Freight has an easy to use online interface that allows shippers to:

• Find trucks
• See where vehicles are at all times
• Post loads
• View loads
• Review recent searches and alerts
• View carriers' FMCSA documents

3. Trulos

Trulos.com also provides shippers with a free posting account for online loads. Shippers can use the Trulos Dispatch System to easily find carriers in your area, set up carriers, manage loads, and work directly with carriers instead of going through a broker. 

Shippers post their load, and the rate they are willing to pay. Then interested carriers will connect to learn more details about the shipment.

4. Convoy

Convoy matches shippers and carriers for traditional loads and spot shipments in their app. Shippers are assured high-quality coverage for their spot freight even if on short notice or during difficult weather situations. 

Online loads are hauled by high-quality and compliant carriers.

Note: Convoy recently announced they were going out of business. You can learn more here.

5. NextLOAD

With NextLOAD, shippers create an account and after being approved, are then able to post loads through an online form. NextLOAD integrates with various TMS systems that can be connected to your account to allow you to post your online loads automatically. 

How shippers looking for carriers can maximize success

The traditional approach of shippers frantically calling dozens of brokers and carriers is rapidly becoming obsolete. Today's successful shippers looking for carriers leverage digital platforms to build robust, reliable transportation networks that scale with their business needs.

Why modern shippers are shifting to digital carrier networks

Shippers looking for carriers face unprecedented challenges in today's freight market. Capacity constraints, rising costs, and reliability issues have forced smart logistics managers to rethink their carrier sourcing strategies.

The old way vs. the new way:

• Traditional approach: Cold calling carriers, relying on limited broker networks, paying premium fees for last-minute coverage.
• Digital approach: Access to thousands of pre-vetted carriers, transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and direct relationships.

Key benefits for shippers looking for carriers online:

• Expanded reach: connect with carriers you'd never find through traditional methods.
• Cost transparency: see actual market rates instead of marked-up broker pricing.
• Faster matching: post once and receive multiple bids within hours.
• Better relationships: build direct connections with reliable carriers for future freight.
• Risk mitigation: access verified insurance, safety ratings, and performance history.

Essential strategies for shippers seeking quality carriers

1. Cast a wide net initially: when shippers looking for carriers first transition to load boards, post on multiple platforms simultaneously. This maximizes exposure and helps identify which platforms generate the highest-quality responses for your specific lanes.

2. Develop carrier scorecards: track performance metrics for every carrier you work with:

• On-time pickup and delivery rates.
• Communication responsiveness.
• Equipment condition and cleanliness.
• Claims history and handling.
• Rate competitiveness and consistency.

3. Build your preferred carrier database: the most successful shippers looking for carriers use load boards not just for spot freight, but to discover carriers they can develop into long-term partners. Save contact information and performance data for carriers who exceed expectations.

4. Leverage technology for efficiency: use load boards with API integration to automatically post to multiple platforms, receive consolidated bids, and manage carrier communications from a single interface.

Red flags every shipper should watch for

Experienced shippers looking for carriers know that the lowest bid isn't always the best value. Watch for these warning signs:

Pricing red flags

• Rates significantly below market average (often indicate hidden fees).
• Carriers requesting payment before delivery.
• Unwillingness to provide detailed cost breakdowns.
• Last-minute rate increases or additional charges.

Operational red flags

• Poor communication or delayed responses.
• Reluctance to provide insurance certificates.
• No DOT number or operating authority verification.
• Negative reviews or safety ratings below industry standards.

Professional red flags

• Unprofessional email communications or phone interactions.
• Inability to provide references from other shippers.
• Resistance to standard industry practices and documentation.
• Equipment that appears poorly maintained during pickup.

By following these strategies, shippers looking for carriers can build robust transportation networks that provide reliable, cost-effective freight movement while minimizing risk and maximizing operational efficiency.

Load boards are a convenient, 21st century option. Use them!  

The essential function of any shipper's workload is finding the best options to haul cargo. Building a consistent, reliable carrier base is critical - and load boards can help with both networking and expanding your available pool of drivers. 

Having such an accessible online option is a gift only today's technology can provide. Use an efficient strategy to streamline your workflow today by signing up for a load board that best fits your needs.