What DAT Load is and who uses it

DAT Load (operated by DAT Solutions) is a digital freight marketplace where trucking companies and owner-operators find loads to haul, and shippers or brokers post freight that needs to move. It is the largest load board in North America by number of active users. Drivers and carriers use it to fill empty truck capacity; shippers and brokers use it to move goods without owning their own fleet.

The platform works like a job board for freight. A shipper posts a load with pickup and delivery locations, weight, commodity type, and rate. Truckers browse available loads, negotiate terms if needed, and accept the ones that fit their route and schedule. DAT handles the posting and matching; the carrier and shipper handle the actual transaction and payment.

You do not need to own a trucking company to use DAT Load. Owner-operators, small fleets, and large carriers all use the same platform. The main requirement is that you have a valid motor carrier number (MC number) from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if you are operating for hire.

Key Takeaways

  • DAT Load is a digital marketplace where carriers find freight and shippers post loads, with the largest user base of any North American load board.
  • You need an active FMCSA motor carrier number and insurance to set up a carrier account and start viewing loads.
  • Loads are posted with a rate, pickup and delivery locations, and commodity details; you negotiate directly with the shipper or broker before accepting.
  • DAT charges subscription fees to carriers for access to the load board, with different pricing tiers depending on how many loads you want to post or view.
  • Payment between carrier and shipper happens outside the DAT platform; DAT does not hold money or may provide payment.

How to set up a carrier account on DAT Load

Start by going to the DAT Load website and selecting the option to create a carrier account. You will need your FMCSA motor carrier number, which you can obtain from the FMCSA if you do not already have one. The process to get an MC number takes a few weeks and involves registering your business with the FMCSA, so plan ahead if you are just starting out.

During account setup, DAT will ask for your company name, contact information, insurance details, and the types of freight you can haul. You will also need to choose a subscription plan. DAT offers several tiers: some plans let you view loads only, while others let you post loads and access additional features like load history and rate analytics. Pricing varies based on the plan you choose.

Once your account is created and verified, you can log in and start browsing available loads in your area. DAT will show you loads posted by shippers and brokers, along with the rate they are offering, the pickup and delivery points, and the commodity type. You can filter by location, distance, weight, and other criteria to narrow down what you see.

Finding and accepting loads on DAT Load

When you find a load that interests you, click on it to see the full details: the shipper or broker name, the exact pickup and delivery addresses, the weight and dimensions, any special handling requirements, and the rate offered. Some loads are posted as "spot loads," meaning they need to move when ready; others are scheduled for a future date.

You can contact the shipper or broker directly through DAT's messaging system to ask questions, negotiate the rate, or confirm details before you commit. Many carriers negotiate on price, especially if the load is light or the route is not ideal. Once you agree on terms, you formally accept the load in the DAT system. This creates a record that you are the assigned carrier.

After you accept, the shipper or broker will provide you with pickup instructions, delivery details, and any paperwork you need (bill of lading, shipper contact, delivery address). You then pick up the freight, haul it to the destination, and deliver it. Payment terms are set between you and the shipper—DAT does not process payments or hold funds.

Understanding DAT Load rates and pricing

Rates on DAT Load vary widely depending on the distance, weight, commodity type, and current market demand. A short local haul might pay $500 to $800, while a long-distance cross-country load could pay $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Rates also shift seasonally and based on fuel prices and freight availability in your region.

When you see a rate posted on DAT, that is the shipper's or broker's opening offer. You are not required to accept it. Many carriers counter-offer, especially if the load is light, the route is inefficient, or fuel costs are high. The shipper or broker can accept your counter, reject it, or make another offer. Negotiation is normal and expected on the platform.

Keep in mind that the rate shown is usually the total amount you will receive; it does not include fuel surcharges or other add-ons unless those are explicitly stated in the load details. Factor in your fuel costs, truck maintenance, insurance, and driver wages when deciding whether a rate makes sense for your business.

Subscription plans and what they cost

DAT Load offers several subscription options for carriers. A basic plan might cost around $30 to $50 per month and gives you access to view loads and post your truck as available. Mid-tier plans run $100 to $200 per month and include additional features like saved searches, load history, and rate benchmarking. Premium plans cost more and are designed for larger fleets that need advanced tools.

Prices vary by region and change over time, so check the DAT website for current rates. Some carriers also use DAT's other products, like DAT Trendlines (which shows historical rate data) or DAT Power (which automates load matching), and those have separate fees. You can cancel your subscription at any time, though some plans may have a minimum commitment period.

The cost of a subscription is a business expense you will need to factor into your operating budget. For owner-operators running a few loads per week, a basic plan is usually enough. Larger carriers that need to move many loads daily may find a premium plan worth the cost because of the time saved and the additional data available.

How payment works and what to watch for

DAT Load does not process payments between carriers and shippers. Instead, you and the shipper or broker agree on payment terms when you negotiate the load. Common arrangements include payment on delivery (COD), payment within 30 days of delivery, or payment via check or ACH transfer.

Before you accept a load, ask the shipper or broker how and when you will be paid. Some shippers pay when ready after delivery; others take 30, 60, or even 90 days. If you are new to a shipper, you may want to ask for references or check their payment history on DAT or other load boards. Some carriers use freight factoring services to get paid faster if they cannot wait for the shipper's payment terms.

DAT does not may provide payment or hold shippers accountable if they fail to pay. If a shipper does not pay after delivery, you will need to follow up directly with them, file a claim with your insurance, or pursue legal action. This is why checking shipper reputation and payment history before accepting a load is important.

Safety and fraud prevention on DAT Load

DAT Load has built-in safeguards to reduce fraud, but no platform is risk-free. Shippers and brokers on DAT are required to have valid credentials, and the platform monitors for suspicious activity. However, you should still take steps to protect yourself.

Before accepting a load, verify that the shipper or broker is legitimate. Check their company name, phone number, and address. If something feels off—like a rate that is too good to be true, a shipper who will not provide a phone number, or a request to pay upfront—it may be a scam. Legitimate shippers will always provide verifiable contact information and will not ask you to pay them to haul their freight.

Use the messaging system within DAT to communicate with shippers so there is a record of the conversation. If you do exchange phone numbers or email, keep records of those communications. If you suspect fraud, report it to DAT when ready through their support system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an MC number to use DAT Load?

Yes, if you are operating as a carrier for hire, you need an active FMCSA motor carrier number. You can explore for an MC number through the FMCSA website; the process takes a few weeks. If you are an owner-operator leased to a carrier, your carrier's MC number may cover you, but check with them first.

Can I use DAT Load if I only have one truck?

Yes. Owner-operators with a single truck use DAT Load regularly. You will need the same MC number and insurance as a larger carrier, but there is no minimum fleet size. Many single-truck operators find steady work through DAT.

What happens if a shipper does not pay after I deliver?

DAT does not process payments, so you will need to contact the shipper directly to follow up. If they refuse to pay, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, pursue a small claims case, or use a collection agency. This is why checking shipper reputation before accepting a load matters.

Can I negotiate the rate on a posted load?

Yes. The rate shown is the shipper's opening offer, and most carriers negotiate. Contact the shipper or broker through DAT's messaging system to discuss the rate. They can accept your counter-offer, reject it, or make another offer. Negotiation is normal on load boards.

How long does it take to get paid after delivery?

Payment timing depends on the shipper's terms, which you agree on before accepting the load. Some shippers pay on delivery; others pay within 30 to 90 days. Ask about payment terms before you commit to a load so you know what to expect.