A reliable load board is one of the most indispensable tools in a truck dispatcher’s arsenal. In today’s logistics landscape, these online platforms function as marketplaces where brokers post freight that needs to be transported, allowing dispatchers to match loads with their drivers seamlessly.

What Is a Load Board?

A load board is a specialized platform that consolidates information on available freight shipments from brokers. Dispatchers use these platforms to find suitable loads for their drivers, offering essential details such as:

• Origin and Destination
• Trailer Type Requirements
• Shipment Conditions and Deadlines
• Rate Per Mile (RPM)

As the intermediary between the driver (who transports the load) and the broker (who contracts the shipment), a dispatcher must fully understand these details to secure the most profitable and efficient loads.

Why Are Load Boards Essential and Convenient?

Load boards streamline the freight-finding process by providing:

1. Real-Time Updates: New loads are posted frequently, giving dispatchers fresh opportunities throughout the day.
2. Key Load Details: From the weight and type of freight to delivery timelines, dispatchers have all the information needed to make informed decisions.
3. Negotiation Edge: Access to broker contacts and MC numbers (motor carrier IDs) simplifies direct communication, enabling dispatchers to negotiate better rates and terms.

Since dispatchers spend a significant portion of their day searching for loads, choosing the right load board can substantially impact their productivity and profitability.

Types of Load Boards

1. Broker-Specific Load Boards

Some large brokerages maintain their own load boards. Examples include:

• J.B. Hunt 360
• Coyote GO

These boards exclusively list loads from a single broker, which can be advantageous for establishing direct working relationships but may limit the variety of available shipments.

2. Aggregate Load Boards

Platforms like Power DAT and Canadian Loadlink collect postings from multiple brokers, offering a wide range of loads and enabling dispatchers to compare options quickly.

American Power DAT and Canadian Loadlink

Two of the most commonly used boards in North America are:

1. American Power DAT
   • Known for its user-friendly interface.
   • Lets dispatchers either post an available truck or search for loads.
   • Focuses on the essential principle: match the right freight with the right truck at the right price.
2. Canadian Loadlink
   • A popular choice in Canada.
   • Similarly provides comprehensive freight listings, helping dispatchers connect with loads across the country.

When choosing a load, dispatchers pay close attention to weight, pickup and delivery times, distance, and rate per mile. The rate per mile is crucial—it’s the amount a broker pays per mile driven, motivating drivers to adjust their routes for well-paying loads.

How Dispatchers Find Loads on Power DAT

1. Register and Log In
   Create an account to access Power DAT’s features.
2. Set Search Parameters
   • Trailer Type (e.g., Van, Reefer, Flatbed)
   • Driver Location and Availability Date
   • Destination Range
   • Pickup and Delivery Windows
   • Weight and Length Requirements
   • Load Type
3. Filter Results
   Power DAT will display a list of loads matching your criteria, along with essential details: rate per mile, pickup and delivery times, broker information, and more.
4. Evaluate the Best Option
   Dispatchers focus on three main factors: pickup times, receiving windows, and rate per mile. A higher rate per mile often indicates a more lucrative opportunity, but it’s equally important to consider the total distance and timing constraints.
5. Utilize Built-In Tools
   • Map Feature: Power DAT provides a route map to help plan trips more accurately.
   • Broker Contacts: The load listing includes the broker’s MC number and contact details, simplifying direct communication for rate negotiation and confirmation.

Key Features of Power DAT

• Route Planning: Quickly visualize the journey and possible detours.
• Broker Information: Direct contact details allow for faster negotiations.
• Flexible Search Filters: Narrow down results by weight, distance, trailer type, and rate per mile.
• User-Friendly Interface: Ideal for both new and experienced dispatchers.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right load board can make or break a dispatcher’s efficiency and earning potential. Platforms like Power DAT and Canadian Loadlink are industry favorites, thanks to their comprehensive listings and intuitive features. By focusing on critical factors—such as rate per mile, pickup and delivery schedules, and load requirements—dispatchers can consistently secure profitable loads for their drivers, ensuring smooth and successful operations in the fast-paced world of logistics.