Why Do Brokers Have Their Own Loadboards?

Broker load boards come with several advantages:

• Work with pre-vetted carriers: Brokers prefer working with carriers they have vetted for reliability and professionalism.
• Streamline the load assignment: These platforms help in quickly matching loads with available carriers.
• Have a history of hauling on carrier profile: Brokers can access the hauling history of carriers, ensuring a good match for each load.
• More complete information on the carrier: Detailed carrier profiles help brokers make informed decisions.

How to Get Access to Broker Load Boards

To start using broker load boards, follow these steps:

1. Be an approved carrier: Ensure you meet the broker's criteria and get approved as a carrier.
2. Download the broker app: Most brokers have dedicated apps. Download and install them on your device.
3. Get started!: Once you're approved and have the app, you can start browsing and accepting loads.

Which Brokers Have Their Own Load Boards?

We've pulled together a list of the top brokers by GMV that also offer a load board. GMV numbers are based on 2023 information reported by Transport Topics. Brokers listed in order of highest to lowest GMV where information was available.

Loads available are quoted from the broker's website and is as of the date of this writing (July 2024). If the load information is not available, that is left blank.

1 - CH Robinson Load Board

As one of the largest brokers by GMV, CH Robinson's load board offers the largest quantity on its load boards as compared to other brokers. Carriers who are approved to work with CH Robinson can use its load board. Each carrier is assigned a unique T-code which is needed when hauling loads with CH Robinson.

• GMV $15.8 billion
• Loads available on load board: 300,000
• Load board name: Navisphere Carrier

2 - TQL Load Board

Total Quality Logistics (TQL) is second to CH Robinson in GMV. TQL also offers a load board through its app, but TQL's carrier app does more than just provide a load board. Amongst all of the brokers, it's one of the few apps that is highly rated on both iPhones and Android devices.

• GMV  $8.7 billion
• Loads available on load board: 65,000 per week
• Load board name: TQL Carrier Dashboard

3 - Coyote Load Board

Third in GMV, Coyote also offers a carrier app with a load board. The app allows contracted carrier to find, book, negotiate, and invoice Coyote offered loads thru its app.

CoyoteGo's app is significantly higher rated on iPhone than it is on Android.

• GMV $5.2 billion
• Loads available on load board: 10,000 daily
• Load board name: CoyoteGo

4 - Landstar Load Board

Landstar's app is designed as a dedicated load board for owner-operators and third-party carriers. It also provides additional features such as fuel discounts and access to inspection stations.

• GMV $4.0 billion
• Loads available on load board: thousands daily
• Load board name: LandstarOne

5 - Echo Load Board

Echo Global Logistics, commonly known as Echo, is another major player in the freight brokerage industry, ranking high in GMV. Known for their technology-driven approach, Echo provides a robust load board through their EchoDrive mobile app and web portal.

• GMV $3.0 billion
• Loads available on load board: 4,000 daily (estimated)
• Load board name: EchoDrive

6 - RXO Load Board

RXO, formerly known as XPO, is a rapidly growing player in the logistics industry with a robust load board that connects shippers and carriers efficiently. By leveraging advanced technology and innovative solutions, RXO continues to enhance its service offerings and expand its market presence.

• GMV $2.9 billion
• Load board name: RXO Drive

7 - Uber Freight Load Board

Bringing the Uber model to freight with an intuitive platform. The Uber experience for carriers goes beyond the load board and also offers the carrier card and access to trailers through its PowerLoop program.

• GMV $2.8 billion
• Load board name: Uber Freight

8 - JB Hunt Load Board

JB Hunt is another leading freight brokerage company that offers a load board for carriers through its Carrier 360 app. The app also includes features such as real-time tracking, load tendering and driver messaging.

• GMV $2.4 billion
• Loads available on load board: 3,000 daily
• Load board name: Carrier 360

9 - NTG Load Board

Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) offers a comprehensive load board through its Beon Carrier mobile app. The app allows carriers to search, book and track loads in real-time, as well as access important documents.

• GMV $2.1 billion
• Loads available on load board: thousands daily
• Load board name: Beon Carrier

10 - Schneider Load Board

Schneider offers a detailed and easy-to-navigate load board. Schneider in particular aims to appeal to owner-operators without trailers as Schneider prominently features Power-Only in its load board messaging.

• GMV $1.6 billion
• Loads available on load board: thousands daily
• Load board name: Schneider FreightPower

11 - England Logistics Load Board

England Logistics' Atlas Now is a browser-based load board. There is no user login required and no app. Although not as seamless experience and powerful as other app-based load boards, Atlas Now's design makes it easy for anyone to access its load board.

• GMV $605 million
• Load board name: Atlas Now

12 - Amazon Relay Load Board

Amazon Relay offers numerous opportunities for those interested in working with Amazon, providing access to a network of consistent, high-quality freight and tools to streamline operations. Because of Amazon's business, there are seasonal spikes in demand where their load board offers more loads, seeing more than 50% in loads daily during those peak periods.

• Loads available on load board: 15,000 daily (seasonal peak of 25,000)
• Load board name: Amazon Relay

Drawbacks of Using Broker Load Boards

Despite the benefits, there are some drawbacks to using individual broker load boards:

• Too many apps: A lot of brokers only have thousands of loads daily, which means that carriers will likely need multiple apps in order to meet their capacity needs. Managing multiple apps can be overwhelming, and more importantly, can slow down operations.
• Same loads are available on aggregators: Loads found on broker boards might also be available on aggregator platforms.
• Can’t compare rates across brokers in the same market: It becomes challenging to compare rates without using an aggregator.
• Continuous tracking: Brokers apps tend to request or require ongoing real-time monitoring and tracking of the phone. This feature can be helpful when carriers are actively on a load, but can be intrusive otherwise. Additionally, that type tracking can drain the memory and battery on your phone.
• Only approved carriers permitted: Brokers only permit approved carriers to book loads with them through the broker load boards. Getting approval requires going through the broker's registration, onboarding, and compliance reviews, which doesn't always go smoothly. Meeting the broker requirements may be challenging, especially for new authorities.
• Seasonality or other fluctuations on load availability: Load availability can vary, affecting consistency.

Alternatives to Broker Load Boards

If managing multiple broker load boards feels cumbersome, consider using aggregators like TrueNorth. Platforms like TrueNorth consolidate loads from various brokers, allowing you to compare rates and availability in one place. This saves time and effort in searching through multiple load boards. 

Broker load boards offer numerous benefits and are valuable tools for carriers. However, understanding their limitations and exploring alternatives like aggregators can help you maximize efficiency and profitability.