What DAT Load Board Is and How Cargo Van Drivers Use It

DAT Load Board is a digital marketplace where shippers and brokers post freight loads, and independent drivers search for and book those loads. For cargo van operators, it functions as a dispatch system you control yourself — you see available loads in real time, choose which ones match your route and equipment, and contact the broker or shipper directly to confirm the job.

Unlike a traditional dispatch service that assigns you loads, DAT is a search-and-bid platform. You pay a subscription fee to access the board, then you browse available freight. When you find a load that works, you call the broker's number listed on the posting, negotiate any details if needed, and confirm the pickup and delivery. The load remains on the board until you mark it as booked or the broker removes it.

DAT operates separate load boards for different vehicle types and freight classes. The DAT Trendlines board is the primary one for van, reefer, and flatbed carriers. Cargo van drivers typically use this board to find partial loads (less-than-truckload, or LTL, freight) and full truckload moves that fit a van's capacity and weight limits.

Key Takeaways

  • DAT Load Board shows real freight posted by brokers and shippers, and you contact them directly to book — you are not assigned loads by DAT.
  • A subscription to DAT Trendlines costs a monthly fee that varies by plan, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
  • Cargo vans on DAT typically haul partial loads, expedited freight, and specialty items like documents or small pallets that do not fill a full truck.
  • You set your own search filters by location, load type, weight, and distance, so you only see loads that match your van and route.
  • Payment comes from the broker or shipper after delivery, not from DAT — DAT is the marketplace, not the employer or payment processor.

How to Search and Filter Loads on DAT

Once you log into DAT Trendlines, the main screen shows available loads sorted by pickup location and time posted. You can narrow the list using filters for origin city or zip code, destination, load type (partial, full, expedited), weight range, equipment type, and distance you are willing to travel.

For cargo van drivers, common filters include setting a maximum weight (most vans handle 3,000 to 5,000 pounds safely), selecting "partial load" or "LTL" as the load type, and choosing a distance radius from your current location or a hub city. You can also filter by commodity type — for example, if you specialize in documents, electronics, or temperature-controlled freight, you can show only those categories.

Each load posting shows the broker's or shipper's name, pickup and delivery addresses, weight and dimensions, rate (usually per mile or flat fee), and contact phone number. Some postings include notes about the freight, special handling requirements, or time windows. You can save searches and set alerts so DAT notifies you when new loads matching your criteria are posted.

Subscription Plans and Costs

DAT offers several subscription tiers for load board access. The entry-level plan typically includes access to Trendlines, basic search filters, and the ability to post your own truck availability. Mid-tier plans add features like saved searches, load alerts, and integration with accounting software. Premium plans include additional tools like fuel pricing data, truck stop locators, and customer ratings.

Pricing varies by plan and whether you pay monthly or annually. Monthly subscriptions are more expensive per month but allow you to cancel without long-term commitment. Annual plans offer a lower per-month rate but require upfront payment for the full year. DAT does not charge per load booked — you pay one subscription fee and can book as many loads as you find.

Some owner-operators and small fleets negotiate volume discounts or bundled pricing if they subscribe to multiple DAT services (for example, Trendlines plus Sylus, which is DAT's factoring and fuel card product). You can contact DAT sales directly for a quote tailored to your business size.

What Types of Freight Cargo Vans Typically Find on DAT

Cargo vans are well-suited for several freight categories on DAT. Partial loads — shipments too small to fill a full 53-foot trailer — are common. These might be 10 to 50 pallets of retail goods, automotive parts, or food products. Expedited freight is another category: time-sensitive loads that need to move quickly, often at higher rates, such as medical supplies, legal documents, or replacement parts for manufacturing.

Specialty freight also appears regularly. Some shippers need white-glove delivery (careful handling and inside placement), which vans can provide more flexibly than large trucks. Others post loads for items that do not fit standard categories — artwork, antiques, or high-value electronics — where a smaller vehicle and owner-operator attention can be an advantage.

Reefer (refrigerated) loads are available if your van has a reefer unit. Flatbed and specialized equipment loads are less common for standard cargo vans but do appear for drivers with enclosed trailers or specialized carriers. The key is that DAT's algorithm and search filters let you find loads that match your specific equipment and capacity.

How Payment and Broker Relationships Work

When you book a load through DAT, you are contracting directly with the broker or shipper listed on the posting. DAT does not process payment, hold funds, or act as a middleman. The broker or shipper pays you after you deliver and provide proof of delivery (usually a signed bill of lading or photo confirmation).

Payment terms vary by broker. Some pay within 24 hours of delivery; others pay weekly or on a set schedule. You should confirm payment terms before accepting the load — ask the broker when you call to book. If you are new to a broker, you can ask for references from other drivers or check the broker's rating on DAT's feedback system, where drivers leave comments about their experience.

Some brokers offer fuel advances or quick-pay options (paying you within hours instead of days) for a small fee. Others use factoring services, where a third-party company buys your invoice and pays you when ready, then collects from the broker. These are optional services, not requirements of DAT.

Safety and Vetting Brokers on DAT

DAT does not vet brokers or may provide their legitimacy, so you need to do your own due diligence. Before accepting a load from a broker you have not worked with, check their rating and reviews on the DAT platform. Look for patterns: do other drivers report on-time payment, clear communication, and fair rates? Or do reviews mention payment delays, disputes, or unclear load details?

You can also search the broker's name online and check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database to confirm they are registered and have no major violations. Legitimate brokers are licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and carry cargo liability insurance.

Red flags include brokers who pressure you to accept a load when ready, offer rates that seem too high for the distance, or ask you to pay upfront fees. Legitimate brokers do not charge drivers to book loads. If a posting feels suspicious, skip it — there are always more loads on the board.

Alternatives to DAT for Cargo Van Drivers

DAT is the largest load board in North America, but it is not the only option. Freight brokers and freight forwarders often work directly with owner-operators and small fleets, assigning loads without requiring you to search a board. This can be simpler if you prefer steady work from one or two trusted sources, though you typically have less control over which loads you get.

Direct shipper relationships are another route. If you work regularly with a manufacturer, retailer, or distributor, you can negotiate a standing arrangement to haul their freight. This often means more predictable work and better rates, but it requires building the relationship first.

Other load boards exist, including Convoy, Uber Freight, and smaller regional boards. Some specialize in specific freight types (for example, Roadrunner focuses on expedited freight). Many drivers use multiple boards simultaneously to maximize load options. The choice depends on your location, the types of loads you prefer, and whether you value the control of a self-dispatch board or the simplicity of a traditional broker relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use DAT, or can I find cargo van loads another way?

DAT is one option among several. You can also work with freight brokers who assign loads, negotiate directly with shippers, or use other load boards. Many drivers use DAT alongside a broker relationship to have more options. The choice depends on whether you prefer to search and choose your own loads or have someone assign them to you.

What happens if I book a load and then cannot pick it up?

You should contact the broker when ready and let them know. Canceling at the last minute can damage your reputation with that broker and may result in them declining to work with you in the future. Some brokers charge a cancellation fee if you back out after confirming. Always confirm you can make the pickup before you book.

Can I negotiate the rate shown on the DAT posting?

Rates on DAT are typically posted by the broker, but negotiation is sometimes possible, especially if you are offering flexibility (like a quick pickup or a return load). When you call to book, you can ask if the rate is firm or if there is room to discuss it. Some brokers are flexible; others post their final rate. It never hurts to ask.

How do I know if a load is legitimate and not a scam?

Check the broker's rating on DAT, search their name online, and verify they are registered with the FMCSA. Legitimate brokers have established track records and other drivers have reviewed them. Be wary of unusually high rates, pressure to decide when ready, or requests for upfront payment. If something feels off, move on to another load.

What if the broker does not pay me after delivery?

Confirm payment terms before you book the load. If a broker fails to pay on the agreed date, contact them in writing and document all communication. You can also file a complaint with the FMCSA or pursue small claims court if the amount is small enough. This is rare with established brokers but does happen, which is why checking reviews and payment history matters.