Driving Efficiency with Dry Van Load Boards

If you’re just starting out in the industry or focusing on business growth, using a dry van load board can be an excellent way to make connections, build relationships, and find dry van freight loads to keep your trucks moving.

What is a dry van load board?

Carriers use a variety of shipping load boards to find cargo and each offers its own features, user interface, subscription models, and market specialization. For example, carriers that haul irregular or oversized cargo and machinery may look to flatbed load boards while those who handle temperature-sensitive freight may favor reefer load boards.Similarly, the best load board for dry van shipments is a dry van load board where carriers can find a wide range of goods to transport, including palletized freight, boxes, furniture, and electronics — goods that don’t require refrigeration or specialized handling.

Understanding dry van load boards.

A dry van load board is an online platform or marketplace that connects freight carriers with shippers. The platform serves as a central hub where shippers can post details about the dry van loads they need to transport, and carriers can search for available loads that match their capacity and equipment.Typically, the process of finding dry van loads involves the following steps:

1. Load posting: Shippers post details about their freight on the load board platform.
2. Load search: As a carrier, you can access the load board platform and search for available loads using the filters and criteria that match your equipment and capacity.
3. Load selection: Review the available load listings and evaluate the load details provided by the shipper.
4. Communication and negotiation: If interested in a particular load, you can communicate directly with the shipper through the load board platform to discuss specific requirements, negotiate rates, confirm availability, and address any questions or concerns related to the load.
5. Load confirmation: Once you and the shipper reach an agreement, the load is confirmed, details are finalized, and paperwork is completed.
6. Load transportation: You transport the load to its destination.
7. Payment and documentation: Upon successful load delivery, the shipper processes payment according to the rates and terms originally agreed upon.

Features of dry van load boards.

While there are free load boards available, some charge fees to shippers, carriers, or both. Regardless of the cost, load boards typically offer a range of features to expedite the load-matching process and make it easier for shippers and carriers to communicate. Here are some common features:

Search filters.

Carriers can set a variety of filters when they search, such as origin and destination, weight, dimensions, pickup and delivery dates, preferred lanes, and load type. By narrowing down your parameters, you can quickly identify loads that align with your equipment and capacity.

Posting requirements.

Shippers must provide specific information when posting their dry van loads — typically the same details carriers search for, along with rates and any specific handling instructions. By specifying these details accurately, shippers can provide carriers with the necessary information to evaluate the load and make informed decisions about its suitability.

Carrier and shipper profiles.

Both shippers and carriers can post information about their business including details such as equipment type, capacity, preferred lanes, certifications, and shipment volumes. Most platforms have a rating and review system that can help businesses build trust and credibility within the load board community.

Communication tools.

Load boards make it easy for shippers and carriers to communicate with each other. With tools like messaging systems and integrated chat features, they can discuss load details, negotiate rates, address concerns, and offer real-time updates on load availability and status.

Benefits of dry van load boards.

Dry van load boards make it simple to connect with shippers and find shipments that match your equipment.

Efficiency and convenience.

Load boards automate the load-matching process, reducing the need for extensive phone calls, emails, and paperwork.

Increased accessibility to freight opportunities.

Load boards provide access to a large network of shippers. Newer business owners can use these connections to build partnerships and gain trust in the industry.

Cost-effectiveness.

Load boards allow carriers to communicate directly with shippers, which may eliminate the need for intermediaries like freight brokers or logistics companies and allow more competitive pricing.

Best practices for using a dry van load board.

Load boards are generally convenient and easy to use, but following best practices can help increase your chances of securing desirable loads and help you build strong relationships with partners in the load board community. Here’s how to get the most out of load boards:

• Create an effective profile: Shippers can post information about their business, the types of freight they need transported, and any specific handling requirements. Carriers should provide details about their equipment, capacity, preferred lanes, certifications, and specialties. Provide accurate and detailed information about your business to help potential partners make an informed choice. If possible, highlight positive ratings and reviews to build trust and credibility within the load board community.
• Maximize the use of search filters: Identify the key factors that are important to your business, such as preferred lanes, rates, or load type. Prioritize these factors when using search filters to quickly identify the most suitable loads.
• Stay up to date with load board postings: Most load boards offer convenience and compatibility with a variety of desktop and mobile devices. Check often to stay updated on new load postings and set up alerts to receive relevant updates.
• Maintain communication with potential partners: Responding promptly to messages or inquiries will help you build strong relationships. Be professional and transparent, communicate clearly, and be open to reasonable negotiations that benefit both parties. Reach out proactively if there are any changes in load availability or pickup or delivery schedules.

Following these guidelines will help you manage expectations and ensure each transaction goes off without a hitch.

Ready to haul your next load? Lean on Flock Freight to find the best match.

Dry van load boards are valuable tools for connecting shippers with carriers in the transportation industry. Centralized platforms offer efficient load matching, maximize trailer utilization, and improve overall operations.Flock Freight is better than a dry van load board. Our patented technology matches carriers to suitable high-paying loads, simplifies billing, and helps drivers earn up to 20% more per load — no costly subscription necessary. Haul with Flock and get access to 1000’s of high-paying dry van loads for free.