What a load board is and why box truck drivers use them

A load board is a website or app where shippers and freight brokers post available loads, and drivers can browse them to find work. For box truck drivers, a load board replaces the old method of calling dispatch or waiting for work to come to you — instead, you log in, see what's available right now in your area, and decide which loads to take.

Most load boards charge a monthly subscription fee, usually between $30 and $100 depending on the platform and what features you get. Some boards are free but show fewer loads or older postings. The loads themselves are free to view and accept — you pay the board for access, not per load you take.

Box trucks are smaller than semi-trucks but larger than vans, so they fit a middle ground on load boards. You'll see work that's too big for a sprinter van but doesn't need a full 18-wheeler — things like local deliveries, small freight moves, and partial loads that larger carriers won't touch.

Key Takeaways

  • Load boards let you search for available work by location, load type, and pay rate instead of waiting for a dispatcher to call you.
  • Box truck loads on most boards pay between $200 and $800 per load depending on distance, weight, and what you're hauling.
  • The most widely used load boards for box trucks are DAT, Convoy, Factoring companies' boards, and Amazon Relay, each with different load types and fee structures.
  • You'll need proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and usually a DOT number or MC number before you can start accepting loads.
  • Load boards show the shipper's location and the delivery location, but not always the shipper's name until you accept — this protects shippers from direct negotiation.

DAT load board and how it works for box trucks

DAT (formerly Dial-a-Truck) is the largest load board in North America and the one most freight brokers post to first. The subscription runs about $120 per month for box truck drivers, though DAT offers discounts if you commit to a longer contract. You get access to loads posted by brokers and shippers across the country, filtered by pickup and delivery location, load type, weight, and pay rate.

On DAT, you see the pickup address, delivery address, load weight, commodity type, and the rate the broker is offering. You do not see the shipper's name until you accept the load — this is standard across most boards and prevents drivers from bypassing the broker to negotiate directly. Once you accept, you get the shipper's contact information and can coordinate pickup details.

DAT also includes a load board called Marketplace, which is their spot market where brokers post loads they need moved urgently. These loads sometimes pay more because they're time-sensitive, but they also fill faster. Box truck drivers on DAT typically see local and regional work rather than cross-country hauls.

Other load boards commonly used by box truck drivers

Convoy is a mobile-first load board that connects drivers directly with shippers and brokers. The app is free to read, but you pay a commission on each load you accept — usually 8 to 12 percent of the load pay. Convoy tends to have more local and same-day work than DAT, which appeals to drivers who want flexibility and don't want a monthly subscription.

Amazon Relay is Amazon's own load board for box trucks and sprinter vans. The loads are Amazon deliveries, usually last-mile work in urban and suburban areas. You need to pass a background check and meet Amazon's insurance requirements, but there's no subscription fee — you just accept loads and get paid per delivery. Pay rates vary by region and time of year.

Factoring companies often run their own load boards as a perk for drivers who use their factoring services. If you factor your invoices with a company like Apex Capital or TruckersEdge, you get access to their board at no extra cost. These boards tend to be smaller than DAT but can have less competition for loads because fewer drivers know about them.

Freight123 and Loadsa are smaller boards that charge lower monthly fees (often $30 to $50) but show fewer loads. They work well if you operate in a specific region and want to keep subscription costs down, though you may need to use multiple boards to see enough work.

What documents and credentials you need to get your free guide

Before you can post a profile on most load boards, you'll need to upload several documents. All boards require a valid driver's license and proof of current insurance. Your insurance must cover commercial use — personal auto insurance will not work, and brokers verify this before posting loads to you.

Most boards also ask for your DOT number (if you're operating as a for-hire carrier) or your MC number (Motor Carrier number, issued by the FMCSA). If you're an owner-operator or small fleet, you likely have one of these already. If you're just starting out, you'll need to register with the FMCSA first, which takes a few weeks.

Some boards, especially Amazon Relay, require a background check. This is standard and usually takes 3 to 5 business days. You'll also need to provide your tax ID or EIN so the board can issue you a 1099 at the end of the year.

A few boards ask for proof of a working phone number and email address so shippers can reach you. Make sure your voicemail is set up and you check messages regularly — shippers and brokers expect a response within an hour or two.

How to evaluate loads and avoid low-paying or risky work

When you're browsing loads on a board, you'll see the pickup location, delivery location, weight, and rate. The first thing to calculate is your profit after fuel, tolls, and wear and tear. A load that pays $400 but requires 300 miles of driving might leave you with $150 after expenses — that's worth considering against a $250 load that's only 80 miles.

Pay attention to the pickup and delivery addresses. Loads that pick up in rural areas or at small warehouses sometimes take longer to load than the broker estimates. Loads that deliver to residential addresses can be slow if you have to wait for someone to be home. Urban pickups and deliveries are usually faster but may have parking and access challenges.

Check the commodity type. Hazmat loads, for example, require special certification and equipment. Fragile items require careful handling and sometimes longer unload times. Palletized freight is usually faster to load and unload than loose boxes. Over time, you'll learn which commodity types work best for your truck and your schedule.

Look at the broker's name and rating if the board shows it. Brokers with consistently low ratings or many complaints may not pay on time or may have unrealistic pickup windows. If you're new to a broker, it's worth taking one load to see how they operate before committing to more.

How payment works and when you get paid

Payment terms vary by broker and by load board. On DAT, you negotiate payment directly with the broker — some pay when ready after delivery, some pay within 3 days, and some pay weekly. You'll see the rate posted on the load, but the payment schedule is something you confirm when you accept the load or contact the broker.

On Convoy, you get paid by Convoy itself, not the shipper. Convoy pays out weekly, usually on Thursdays, minus their commission. This means you don't have to chase down a broker for payment — Convoy handles it. The tradeoff is that you pay their commission on every load.

Amazon Relay pays weekly as well, deposited directly to your bank account. The rate is set by Amazon and doesn't change based on negotiation — you see the rate before you accept the load.

If you use a factoring company's load board, you can factor your invoices when ready after delivery and get paid within 24 hours, minus the factoring fee (usually 2 to 4 percent). This is useful if you need cash flow to cover fuel and expenses while waiting for brokers to pay.

Common mistakes box truck drivers make on load boards

One of the most common mistakes is accepting loads without checking the actual distance and time required. The board shows you the straight-line distance, but actual driving distance can be 20 to 30 percent longer, especially in cities. Always use Google Maps or your GPS to check the real route before accepting.

Another mistake is taking loads that are too heavy for your truck or too large for your cargo area. Box trucks have weight limits and cubic capacity limits. Overloading damages your truck and can get you cited by a DOT officer. Always confirm the weight and dimensions match your truck's specs.

Drivers also sometimes accept loads without confirming pickup and delivery windows. A load that says "pickup between 8 AM and 5 PM" might actually need to be picked up at 8 AM sharp, with no flexibility. Call the shipper or broker before you accept to confirm you can make the window.

Finally, new drivers often underestimate how long unloading takes. A load that pays $300 for 100 miles sounds good until you spend 2 hours unloading at the destination. Factor in unload time when you're deciding whether a load is worth your time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own authority to use a load board?

It depends on the board. DAT and most traditional boards require a DOT number or MC number, which means you need to be registered as a for-hire carrier. Amazon Relay and some smaller boards work with independent contractors who don't have their own authority — they just need insurance and a valid license. Check each board's requirements before signing up.

Can I use multiple load boards at the same time?

Yes, and most successful box truck drivers do. You might use DAT for regional work, Convoy for local same-day loads, and Amazon Relay for consistent delivery work. Just make sure you don't accept the same load from two different boards — that will damage your reputation and get you deactivated.

What if I accept a load and then can't complete it?

Contact the broker or shipper when ready and let them know. Canceling loads damages your rating and can get you deactivated from the board. Brokers track your acceptance rate and completion rate — if you cancel too many loads, they won't post work to you anymore. Only accept loads you're confident you can complete.

How much can I expect to make per load with a box truck?

Box truck loads typically pay between $200 and $800 per load depending on distance, weight, and what you're hauling. Local loads (under 100 miles) usually pay $200 to $400. Regional loads (100 to 500 miles) pay $400 to $800. Your actual profit depends on fuel costs, tolls, and how long the load takes to load and unload.

Are load boards safe to use?

Load boards are generally safe, but use common sense. Verify the broker's information before accepting a load, don't share personal financial information beyond what the board requires, and trust your instincts if something feels off about a load or a shipper. Most brokers on established boards like DAT are legitimate, but scams do exist.