How To Choose The Right Load Board

If you are an owner-operator with a cargo van, then you might be looking to fill gaps in your job schedule. If you don't have enough jobs to fill your time or capacity, then you won't be maximizing your income.

Load board sites can help you get more work and boost your income. These sit connect companies that need freight deliveries with companies with delivery capacity.

While all load boards work in much the same way, they do have some differences. Before you decide which board to join, read on to learn more about the way different boards work.

Free Load Boards

Some load boards don't charge owner-operators. You simply register with the board and list your services and availability. You can access any freight job that a company lists on the site at no charge.

Free load boards can be a good place to start if you have never used this kind of service before. You get free access to a board and to potential customer hook-ups. You can learn how the service works and how best to market your van and time.

However, free boards won't necessarily have a lot of available jobs all of the time. Your competition might be fierce. Plus, these boards work better in some locations than others. If your area isn't covered, then you're not likely to pick up extra jobs all that often.

Paid Load Boards

Paid load boards typically charge a recurring fee to become a member of the board and/or a transaction fee if you pick up a job. The fact that these sites have funding means that they are typically bigger and offer more services.

You're more likely to pick up work from a paid site. They attract more companies who need delivery sub-contractors, so you have more jobs to choose from. If you pick up regular jobs, then you'll easily cover your fees.

Paid boards also have more features and services. So, for example, you usually get access to data that helps you work out average rates for different jobs. This helps you set competitive rates. Plus, these boards often credit check companies that post jobs or that hire sub-contractors. This gives you extra piece of mind.

Private Load Boards

Some freight brokers and larger companies run private load boards. These boards are usually only open to freight or delivery companies who already work with the broker or company.

If you have done work for a broker or larger company in the past, then you can ask if they have a private network board. If they do, they might let you join.

To get started, take a look at cargo van load board services to see what's on offer.