Load boards are an important tool for flatbed owner-operators, allowing them to directly connect to profitable opportunities on the road.
When you’re operating independently, having a reliable resource to find high-paying loads quickly can significantly impact your bottom line.
Many new owner-operators start by exploring free load boards for flatbeds, which allow them to test the waters and find quality loads immediately without committing to a paid platform.
The quicker you can connect with brokers and secure a load, the less time your truck sits idle—ultimately maximizing your revenue and productivity.
In this guide, we’ll review some of the best load boards for flatbed drivers, helping you identify the right platforms to keep you moving, reduce downtime, and grow your profits on the road.
Explaining load boards and their importance for flatbed truckers
Load boards are like online hubs where truck drivers and businesses with cargo connect to make transport arrangements. Simply put, it’s a bridge between a business and finding truck driver leads.
Unlike other trucks, flatbeds are often used to transport oversized or uniquely shaped cargo, such as machinery, construction materials, and other large items that can’t fit into standard trailers. Because of these unique needs, a quality load board helps a truck driver with a flatbed truck narrow down their search to find loads that align with their trucks' capacity and structure.
Using a reliable load board, trucking businesses can save time by not sifting through unsuitable options and can focus on loads tailored for them, maximizing both efficiency and profit. The more specific the load board is to flatbed requirements, the more it benefits the trucker by listing jobs that fit the exact specifications for flatbed hauling.
What to look for in load boards?
When selecting a load board, prioritize one that offers a variety of freight options and real-time updates. An American Transportation Research Institute study found that access to real-time information helps drivers reduce time spent waiting for loads, leading to higher overall earnings. Additionally, look for transparent pricing; load boards displaying clear rates reduce uncertainty and help drivers decide which loads to take.
Another important factor is ease of use. Complex load boards can waste time, leading to missed opportunities. Opt for a user-friendly interface to streamline the search process. Finally, the best load boards offer customer assistance through tutorials, FAQs, or live support, ensuring drivers can quickly resolve issues and keep moving.
Top 7 free and paid load boards for flatbeds
Finding the right load board can be tough, especially with so many options available in the market. Let’s look at some of the best load boards tailored for flatbeds, which provide truckers with reliable tools to stay profitable and efficient on the road.
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DAT Load Board
DAT is one of the most recognized names in the trucking industry, offering extensive load listings across the U.S. and Canada.
What makes DAT particularly useful for flatbed truckers is the ability to filter loads based on specific needs—whether that’s oversized, heavy, or specialized cargo.
The platform doesn’t just help you find loads; it offers tools to compare rates, allowing truckers to pick the most profitable options. This is especially valuable in an industry where time is money, and maximizing earnings on every load is critical.
DAT also provides mobile access, making it easy to find loads on the go, which is essential for truckers who need flexibility while traveling.
The pricing structure ranges from basic access to more advanced options (starting from $49/month), including tools to analyze market rates, ensuring truckers can choose a plan that suits their budget and needs.
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Truckstop.com
Truckstop.com is another popular platform known for its real-time updates. This load board offers a variety of loads, making it a go-to for flatbed truckers looking to keep their schedules full.
Its broker verification tool allows drivers to vet potential clients and ensure they work with reputable brokers. The platform provides fuel pricing tools to help truckers plan trips cost-effectively. This feature can be a lifesaver for flatbed drivers who often deal with fluctuating fuel costs.
The platform’s pricing model offers different plans, starting at $42/month, allowing drivers to choose the level of service that fits their workload and experience level. Truckstop.com is well-suited for flatbed truckers who want reliable load listings without dealing with overly complex features.
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123Loadboard
123Loadboard is a solid, budget-friendly option for flatbed drivers, especially those just starting or needing a cost-effective solution. Known for its affordability, 123Loadboard offers essential features that help truckers find loads specific to their equipment and route preferences.
This platform includes tools to estimate freight rates before booking, which helps drivers gauge potential earnings and select loads that align with their financial goals.
123Loadboard offers broker rating tools, which can be especially useful for independent truckers who want to ensure they work with trustworthy clients. Starting at around $35 per month, it’s an accessible choice for those looking for a reliable yet economical load board.
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Direct Freight
Direct Freight provides access to loads across the U.S. One unique aspect of Direct Freight is the alert system, which notifies drivers whenever a load that meets their criteria becomes available.
This is particularly helpful for flatbed truckers, as it allows them to stay ahead of the competition and secure loads quickly. Direct Freight also lets drivers post their truck availability, allowing shippers to reach out directly. This feature can help drivers maintain a steady stream of work, even in unpredictable markets.
With competitive pricing that starts at only $34.95/month, it offers a lot of value for what drivers pay, making it a practical choice for flatbed truckers.
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Landstar Load Board
The Landstar Load Board offers drivers affiliated with Landstar exclusive access to loads within the company’s network.
While only available to Landstar drivers, this platform provides a range of high-quality, specialized loads, many of which require flatbeds.
Landstar’s load board is updated regularly to ensure drivers can quickly find new opportunities. Since the platform is only accessible to drivers within the Landstar system, it also means less competition for the available loads, giving drivers an edge in securing profitable jobs. The best part? There’s no additional cost to Landstar drivers for using this load board, making it an invaluable resource for those in the network.
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Trucker Path
Trucker Path offers a premium version with more extensive features, even the free version provides valuable tools for flatbed truckers.
Users can input their origin, destination, and equipment type, such as "flatbed," along with the desired pickup date. This information generates a list of matching loads, displayed with route details on a map.
While some posts require a premium account to view, there are still plenty of free listings accessible without paying. Trucker Path is ideal for drivers who want a streamlined, easy-to-navigate platform without an immediate need to invest in a premium subscription.
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Freight Finder
Freight Finder balances accessibility and functionality, including a few ads that can detract from the user experience. Users can filter loads based on their equipment type, which is helpful for flatbed drivers, and they can choose between intrastate and over-the-road (OTR) loads. For the best results, leave the date field blank to see the widest range of listings.
Freight Finder is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, making it a versatile option for drivers on the go. While the initial load information is pretty basic, clicking on a load opens up additional details and even provides a mapped route.
Freight Finder’s combination of simplicity, mobile compatibility, and functional filtering options makes it a practical choice for flatbed trucking.
Free or premium load boards?
Using free load boards as your primary resource for flatbed loads is possible, but it has limitations and may not be ideal for every situation.
While free boards can be helpful for beginners who want to explore load-finding options without a financial commitment, they generally lack the comprehensive features of premium platforms.
Free boards often provide minimal information, making it difficult to gauge whether a load is a good fit. In some cases, they’re also less populated, meaning fewer load opportunities.
If you’re new to the industry, experimenting with free load boards is a good way to familiarize yourself with the process. However, investing in a premium load board can be worthwhile as you grow and take on more loads.
Paid load boards offer valuable tools like detailed load information, weight stations, parking spots, and even navigation support—all of which enhance efficiency and help you make better decisions on the road.
Keep your edge in the market
Maintaining a competitive edge in the industry goes beyond choosing a good load board; staying informed about industry trends is key to maximizing profits.
While load boards connect you to immediate opportunities, understanding broader factors like seasonal shifts, equipment demands, and fluctuating fuel prices can make a substantial difference.
By keeping an eye on freight rate forecasting and market news, you can better predict price trends and plan routes accordingly. This proactive approach helps you get the most out of load boards and make strategic decisions that keep you ahead in an ever-evolving industry.