For independent truck drivers and small fleet owners, relying on just one load board can limit opportunities and increase downtime. Freight availability, rates, and competition vary widely by region and season, so many drivers find success by using multiple load boards together. By combining national platforms with regional and app-based tools, drivers can stay loaded, reduce empty miles, and boost their earnings. Here’s how stacking load boards helps drivers work smarter and keep moving.
Why Use Multiple Load Boards?
Each load board has its unique strengths, and no single platform can consistently deliver the best loads or rates all the time. For example, DAT is well-known for its massive freight network and detailed rate analytics, making it a favorite for drivers needing broad, national coverage. Truckstop offers strong filtering and broker reviews, helping drivers find specialized freight like flatbeds or refrigerated loads.
Amazon Relay provides regional contract blocks and trailer-supplied loads through an easy-to-use app, which is perfect for drivers seeking consistent volume in specific areas. Uber Freight and Convoy emphasize quick, app-driven bookings with upfront pricing, making them attractive for tech-savvy carriers looking for fast spot loads. Finally, Trucker Path stands out as a multifunctional tool that blends load search with real-time parking, fuel prices, and routing, helping drivers plan their trips smarter.
Building Your Load Board Stack
Most experienced drivers start with a core load board like DAT or Truckstop to scan a wide variety of freight. Layering Amazon Relay on top provides access to regional contract loads and quick turnarounds with trailer-included options, which can be a game changer for keeping schedules full. Adding Uber Freight and Convoy apps brings the flexibility to grab spot loads when you’re near major freight hubs, while Trucker Path helps fill in logistics gaps, offering parking spots, fuel prices, and routing advice along the way.
When freight markets soften or rates drop, this diversified approach helps reduce downtime and deadhead miles. It also broadens the opportunities to find better-paying loads by comparing offers across platforms.
Timing and Smart Searching Matter
To make the most of multiple load boards, set up real-time alerts on your primary platforms like DAT and Truckstop. These notifications let you jump on prime loads as soon as they hit the market. Using filters effectively—such as setting minimum rate-per-mile thresholds or targeting specific equipment types—saves time by cutting out low-profit gigs.
Many drivers note that loads posted early in the day on platforms like Amazon Relay may initially have lower rates, but these can increase throughout the day if they remain unclaimed, especially during busy seasons like summer or the holidays. Refreshing your searches strategically helps you catch these better-paying loads before others do.
Balancing Contract Blocks and Spot Loads
Amazon Relay offers both contract blocks—allowing you to schedule a set of loads in advance for steady income—and spot loads for added flexibility. Combining these with spot loads found on DAT, Uber Freight, or Convoy lets drivers balance predictable revenue with the chance to capitalize on higher spot rates when market conditions allow.
What About Rates and Market Realities?
Rates fluctuate based on many factors: seasonality, region, freight demand, and competition. Public driver forums and market reports show that Amazon Relay rates can sometimes start lower compared to other boards, particularly during softer market periods. However, during peak demand months like December or major sales events, rates often improve significantly.
Platforms like DAT provide regular market rate data across lanes, allowing drivers to compare and pick the best-paying loads. Using multiple boards gives you a broader view and helps you avoid accepting underpaid runs.
Understanding Requirements and Compliance
Before you can start booking, each load board has specific requirements. Amazon Relay typically requires you to have active DOT authority for at least 180 days, a valid MC number, insurance coverage, and a good safety rating from FMCSA. DAT and Truckstop are generally open to authorized carriers but offer additional features like broker credit scores and rate analytics on paid plans. Uber Freight and Convoy usually require basic carrier documentation and a clean safety record, with an online onboarding process.
Keeping your paperwork and compliance in order isn’t just a formality—it’s essential to stay eligible and trusted across all platforms.
Creating a System That Works for You
Here’s a practical approach many owner-operators and small fleets use:
- Subscribe to DAT One or Truckstop to access broad freight opportunities.
- Register for Amazon Relay to access regional contract blocks and trailer-included loads.
- Download Uber Freight and Convoy apps for quick, flexible spot loads.
- Use Trucker Path for real-time trip planning, parking, and fuel updates.
- Set up alerts and filters on all platforms to target profitable freight.
- Track your miles, wait times, and payment schedules to manage cash flow.
- Review your load board mix monthly to adapt to changing market conditions.
Stacking load boards isn’t just a smart strategy—it’s critical to staying competitive and profitable. No single platform can guarantee steady, high-paying freight every day. By diversifying your load sources with tools like DAT, Amazon Relay, Uber Freight, and others, you stay ahead of market swings, reduce downtime, and maximize earnings.
