New Driver Roadmap — Step 2 of 5
Load boards are where owner-operators and carriers find freight. Learn how they work, which platforms to use, and how to evaluate loads before booking.
500K+
Daily Load Postings
$0-$200
Monthly Cost
6+
Major Platforms
24/7
Mobile Access
A load board is an online marketplace that connects freight with trucks. Shippers and freight brokers post available loads — showing origin, destination, weight, equipment type, and rate — while carriers and owner-operators search for freight that matches their capacity and desired lanes.
Think of it like a job board, but for trucking. Instead of employment listings, you're searching for individual loads to haul. Once you find a good match, you call the broker, negotiate the rate, and book the load.
Platforms like DAT and Truckstop where you search listings, call brokers, and negotiate rates.
Apps like Convoy and Uber Freight where you book loads instantly without calling.
Understanding these terms will help you quickly evaluate whether a load is worth booking:
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | Total pay divided by total miles (including deadhead). Aim for $2.50+/mile all-in. |
| Deadhead | Empty miles to reach the load. Keep under 100 miles when possible, or factor into rate. |
| RPM (Rate Per Mile) | What the load pays divided by loaded miles only. Doesn't include deadhead. |
| All-In Rate | Includes all miles (deadhead + loaded). This is your true earnings per mile. |
| Detention | Pay for waiting at shipper/receiver beyond free time (usually 2 hours). |
| TONU | Truck Ordered Not Used. Pay if you arrive and the load is cancelled. |
Pro Tip: Use our Cost Per Mile Calculator to determine your break-even rate before booking loads.
Before booking with any broker, verify they're legitimate and have good credit. Many carriers have been burned by brokers who don't pay.
Now that you understand how load boards work, the next guide covers the practical steps of finding and booking your first loads — including rate negotiation, avoiding scams, and building relationships.
New driver's guide to finding and booking loads. Learn rate negotiation, broker communication, scam avoidance, and building repeat business.
Essential guide for starting your trucking business. Learn about MC numbers, insurance, IFTA, LLC setup, and first-year planning.
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