Load Boards, Oh My..........

I have no experience, so maybe I shouldn't reply, but...I know there are a lot of videos on youtube showing how to use most of those load boards, posted by actual drivers. If you haven't seen any, they may help.

 

Sign up with brokers that also have their own load boards , once you get established you can look at loads before they hit DAT . I know I was a ble to get 500 to 700 more of what brokers were offering for loads . Learn the lanes and learn what brokers are moving freight on those lanes . I'm usually booked 2 to 3 loads out and will work with at most 4 or 5 brokers .

 

Most of the fleets have load boards, LS, mercer

 

An expensive Load board subscription has nothing to do with getting rates. You pay for a better view...a table by the window, or the first row in a theater.
It does not give you any edge over a seasoned spot freight hustler who only needs an inexpensive $39.99 per month subscription.

The differences in features are mostly useful for dispatchers managing a number of trucks simultaneously. They can actually utilize the features more effectively.

 

If you drive a van get DAT, for open deck use Truckstop.
You can literally close your eyes and click at random and come up with a decent rate over the past few months. How can you not justify paying a measly 100 bucks for a loadboard when rates are up?

 

Because for random clicking $39.99 subscription is adequate too.
There is the same data pool, regardless of which subscription is used. What you get with Truckstop.com PRO or DAT Power is more features and better looks, generally speaking,
more convenient interface with perhaps more market information - if someone knows how to utilize it- but these do not magically get someone better rates.
I guess the version which shows at least rate averages for a given lane is better for someone who is new and does not know the lane paying potential.

 

The main benefit of the more expensive subscription, is that you get to see loads right when they posted, in real time.
When it's busy it does not matter, but when it's slow, good loads get booked from the first call and you will never get them, because your cell phone connection is not as fast as good old phone line. Dispatchers who sit in the office get those loads or o/o with software installed on their computer to make instant calls through the internet

 

Yes.
That's an advanced level usage for someone dispatching from office environment.
For most of us here on the road that speed advantage is almost meaningless.
At times, I upgrade to Power or even higher, deluxe versions to be able to play around the features but for 1 dog and pony show, most of it is difficult to utilize.

 

However, I am not saying to be cheap.
$150 per month for a decent looking load board should be affordable for everyone who works with spot market.
Currently, I personally use DAT TruckersEdge Pro $99 and Basic Truckstop.com $ 39.