Finding consistent, high-paying freight isn’t just about luck — it’s about knowing where to look. For many truck drivers and small fleet owners, load boards are one of the most effective ways to keep wheels turning and miles profitable.
But not all load boards are built the same. Whether you’re an owner-operator running solo or managing a few trucks, here’s a breakdown of the top load boards in 2025, what they offer, how much they cost, and which one might work best for your business.
1. DAT One (formerly DAT Load Board)
Best for: Carriers who want high-volume freight and premium features like rate tools and broker credit checks.
Why drivers like it:
- One of the largest freight marketplaces in North America
- Includes average lane rates, broker ratings, and route planning
Plans & Pricing (as of April 2025):
- Standard: $49/mo
- Enhanced: $99/mo
- Pro: $149/mo
- Select: $199/mo
- Office: $299/mo
Pros:
- Huge load volume
- Widely used by brokers
- Tools for rate negotiations
Cons:
- No free plan
- Learning curve for new users
2. Truckstop Load Board
Best for: Owner-operators and small fleets looking for a balance of load volume, price, and tools.
Why drivers like it:
- Real-time refresh
- Instant booking (“Book It Now”)
- Built-in broker vetting
Plans & Pricing (Carrier plans):
- Basic: $42/mo
- Advanced: $135/mo
- Pro: $159/mo
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Great credit and rate tools
- Trusted by long-time users
Cons:
- Less modern interface than DAT
- Limited features in basic plan
3. 123Loadboard
Best for: Budget-conscious carriers who want solid tools without high monthly fees.
Why drivers like it:
- Clean interface
- Good app functionality
- Credit info and rate check included in higher tiers
Plans & Pricing:
- Standard: $39/mo
- Premium: $59/mo
- Premium Plus: $79/mo
Pros:
- Affordable
- Helpful routing tools
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Slightly smaller load pool than DAT or Truckstop
4. Trucker Path
Best for: Drivers who want to manage their entire trip from a mobile app.
Why drivers like it:
- All-in-one app (loads, parking, fuel, etc.)
- Community-powered updates
- Route optimization tools
Pricing:
- Free version available
- Paid tiers for more features (pricing varies via in-app purchases)
Pros:
- Excellent mobile experience
- Real-time parking and fuel data
Cons:
- Limited web-based tools
- Not a traditional load board first
5. Uber Freight
Best for: Tech-forward carriers who want to book loads instantly and avoid phone calls.
Why drivers like it:
- Upfront pricing
- Instant booking
- Transparent and no haggling
Features:
- Real-time tracking
- Mobile load matching
- Access to enterprise-level shippers
Pros:
- Fast and easy booking
- Transparent rates
- Clean mobile interface
Cons:
- Load variety can be limited in some regions
- Only works with authorized carriers
6. Amazon Relay
Best for: Carriers with authority who want consistent loads, trailer access, and steady contract work directly with Amazon.
Why drivers like it:
- Power-only loads (Amazon supplies trailers)
- Weekly payouts
- “Post A Truck” option to find work for available capacity
- Excellent mobile support via the Relay app
Requirements:
- Active DOT number
- Carrier authority (MC number)
- Required insurance (auto, cargo, general liability, etc.)
- Strong safety history
Pricing:
Free to join
You must meet strict safety and insurance requirements
Pros:
- Consistent freight volume
- Trailer provided
- Access to Amazon facilities nationwide
Cons:
- Not available to leased owner-operators without authority
- High compliance standards
Whether running solo or dispatching for a fleet, choosing the right load board can mean the difference between running empty and profitable. DAT and Truckstop still lead the pack for high-volume freight and pro-level tools. However, platforms like Amazon Relay and Uber Freight offer strong alternatives for power-only or tech-driven operations.
Ultimately, it comes down to your goals — and what fits your daily grind best.
