Load boards are an essential tool for shippers who need to find carriers to transport their goods. These online marketplaces connect shippers with carriers, making it easy to find the right carrier for the job.
There are many different load boards available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will discuss the different types of load boards, how to find the right load board for you, and how to use a load board to find carriers.
We will also provide some tips for shippers who are new to using load boards. By the end of this article, you will be well-informed about load boards and how to use them to your advantage.
So whether you are a new shipper or you are just looking for a better way to find carriers, read on to learn more about load boards.
Here are some of the key points that will be covered in the article:
What is a load board?
Why use a load board?
The different types of load boards
How to find the right load board for you
How to post a load on a load board
How to find carriers on a load board
What is a Load Board?
A load board is an online marketplace that connects shippers with carriers. Shippers can post their loads on a load board, and carriers can then bid on the loads. This allows shippers to find carriers quickly and easily, and it allows carriers to find loads that match their needs.
There are two main types of load boards:
Public load boards: Public load boards are open to anyone to use. This means that both shippers and carriers can post loads and bids on these boards.
Private load boards: Private load boards are only available to members. This means that only shippers and carriers that have been approved by the load board can post loads and bids on these boards.
Private load boards are often used by larger shippers and carriers. This is because they offer a number of features that are not available on public load boards, such as the ability to track shipments and to file claims.
Why use a load board?
There are many reasons why shippers might use a load board. Some of the most common reasons include:
To find carriers quickly and easily: Load boards make it easy for shippers to find carriers that are available to transport their loads. This can save shippers a lot of time and hassle.
To get the best rates: Load boards allow shippers to compare rates from different carriers. This can help shippers to get the best possible rates for their shipments.
To get access to a wider pool of carriers: Load boards give shippers access to a wider pool of carriers than they would have if they were only using traditional methods of finding carriers. This can help shippers to find carriers that are able to meet their specific needs.
To get more transparency: Load boards provide shippers with more transparency into the freight market. This can help shippers to make better decisions about their shipments.
To get access to additional services: Some load boards offer additional services, such as tracking and insurance. These services can help shippers to ensure that their shipments are delivered on time and in good condition.
Finding the write load board for you:
There are many different load boards available, so it is important to find the right one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a load board:
The type of freight you are shipping: Some load boards specialize in certain types of freight, such as produce, construction materials, or hazardous materials. If you are shipping a specific type of freight, you will want to choose a load board that specializes in that type of freight.
The size of your shipments: Some load boards are better suited for small shipments, while others are better suited for large shipments. If you are shipping large shipments, you will want to choose a load board that can handle large shipments.
Your budget: Some load boards are free to use, while others charge a fee. If you are on a budget, you will want to choose a load board that is free to use.
The features you need: Some load boards offer additional features, such as tracking and insurance. If you need these features, you will want to choose a load board that offers them.
Popular load boards:
Cash Freight: Cash Freight is an innovative load board packed with features that benefit shippers, carriers, and brokers. Enjoy advanced features that save you time and money.
DAT Load Board: DAT Load Board is one of the most popular load boards in the United States. It offers a wide variety of features, including tracking, insurance, and fraud protection.
Trucker Path: Trucker Path is another popular load board. It offers a mobile app that makes it easy to find carriers and track shipments.
Freight Waves LoadBoard: FreightWaves LoadBoard is a newer load board that is gaining popularity. It offers a variety of features, including market insights and data analytics.
LoadShare: LoadShare is a load board that is specifically designed for small businesses. It is free to use and offers a variety of features, including tracking and insurance.
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices and find the right load board for you.
Posting A Load:
When posting a load on a load board, it is important to include the following information:
The type of freight: This includes the type of goods you are shipping, the weight and dimensions of the load, and any special handling requirements.
The pickup and delivery locations: This includes the pickup and delivery addresses, as well as the dates and times of pickup and delivery.
The desired delivery date: This will help carriers to determine if they are able to meet your deadline.
The rate: This is the price you are willing to pay for the shipment.
The contact information: This includes your name, email address, and phone number.
In order to attract carriers to your load, you should:
Post your load on multiple load boards: This will increase the visibility of your load and make it more likely that carriers will see it.
Set a competitive rate: This will make your load more attractive to carriers.
Provide clear and concise information: This will make it easy for carriers to understand your load and determine if they are able to meet your needs.
Be responsive to inquiries: When carriers contact you about your load, be sure to respond promptly and answer their questions.
Use keywords: When you post your load, be sure to use keywords that carriers will be searching for. This will help your load to show up in their search results.
Offer incentives: You can offer carriers incentives to pick up your load, such as a higher rate or a bonus for early delivery.
Build relationships: Get to know carriers in your area and build relationships with them. This will make it more likely that they will consider your loads in the future.
How to Find Carriers on a load board:
When finding carriers on a load board, it is important to consider the following information:
The carrier's reputation: Check the carrier's reviews and ratings to see what other shippers have said about them.
The carrier's rates: Compare the carrier's rates to other carriers to see if they are competitive.
The carrier's service levels: Find out what kind of service the carrier offers, such as tracking and insurance.
The carrier's availability: Make sure the carrier is available to pick up your load when you need them to.
Once you have found a few carriers that you are interested in, you can contact them directly to negotiate a rate. Here are some tips for contacting carriers:
Be clear and concise: When you contact carriers, be sure to provide them with all of the necessary information about your load, such as the type of freight, the pickup and delivery locations, and the desired delivery date.
Be responsive: When carriers contact you, be sure to respond promptly and answer their questions.
Be professional: When you are negotiating rates, be sure to be professional and respectful.
By following these tips, you can find carriers on a load board and get your freight moving quickly and efficiently.
Additional tips for finding carriers on a load board:
Use filters: Most load boards allow you to filter your search results by carrier reputation, rates, service levels, and availability.
Read reviews: Read reviews of carriers before you contact them. This will give you an idea of what other shippers have experienced.
Ask for recommendations: Ask other shippers for recommendations for carriers. They may be able to give you some good leads.
Load boards are a powerful tool that can help shippers to find carriers quickly and easily, get the best rates, and get access to a wider pool of carriers. If you are a shipper, consider using a load board like Cash Freight to manage your freight transportation needs.