A load board is an online marketplace where freight brokers post available loads and carriers search and book them. Without a load board, finding freight is nearly impossible as a new owner-operator. Here's a comparison of the major load boards in 2026.
The major load boards compared
| Load Board | Monthly Cost | Daily Load Volume | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAT One | $45-$145+ | 1M+ loads | Most carriers — largest network |
| Truckstop.com | $39-$99+ | 500K+ loads | Strong in Midwest and Southeast |
| 123Loadboard | $35/mo or free | 200K+ loads | Budget-conscious new carriers |
| Uber Freight | Free | Varies | Carriers wanting instant booking |
| Amazon Relay | Free | Amazon network | Carriers wanting consistent volume |
DAT One — the industry standard
DAT (Dial-A-Truck) has been the dominant load board since the 1990s. Over 1 million loads are posted daily. Every major freight broker posts to DAT. The basic plan starts around $45/month. Their rate analytics tools show you what loads in a specific lane are actually paying, which is invaluable for negotiating rates. For most owner-operators, DAT is the first choice.
Truckstop.com — strong second choice
Truckstop (formerly Internet Truckstop) is the second-largest load board. Many brokers post to both DAT and Truckstop, but some only post to one or the other. If you're serious about finding loads, subscribe to both — many carriers do. Truckstop has strong coverage in certain regions, particularly the Midwest.
123Loadboard — best for new carriers on a budget
123Loadboard has a free tier and a paid pro plan around $35/month. Smaller load volume than DAT but sufficient to get started. Their interface is simple and they're known for being new-carrier friendly. Good starting point while you build up your broker relationships.
Uber Freight and Amazon Relay — direct carrier platforms
Both Uber Freight and Amazon Relay connect carriers directly with their freight networks. No broker — you deal directly with the shipper's logistics arm. Rates are posted and non-negotiable. Volume can be good, especially with Amazon Relay, but you won't build the broker relationships that lead to better rates over time.
New carrier recommendation
Start with DAT One's basic plan and 123Loadboard's free tier. Once you're making money, add Truckstop. The combination of DAT plus Truckstop gives you access to the vast majority of available loads in the US market.
Do I need to subscribe to multiple load boards?
Most experienced carriers use at least two — DAT and Truckstop cover the majority of the market. New carriers can start with just one to manage costs.
Are load boards free?
Most premium load boards charge monthly fees. DAT and Truckstop both have free trial periods. 123Loadboard has a free basic tier.