Top 10 Auto Transport Load Boards | AutoStar Transport Express

Are you in the auto transport business and struggling to find the right loads for your trucks? Look no further than load boards! Load boards can be a game changer for your business, as they provide a platform for connecting carriers and shippers in real-time. By posting and finding available loads quickly and efficiently, you can keep your trucks running and your business booming.

But with so many load boards available, how do you know which one to choose? Choosing the right load board can make all the difference in your business’s success. Factors such as coverage area, posting and bidding process, and customer support can vary widely between different load boards, and selecting the wrong one can waste your time and money.

That’s why we’ve put together this article to introduce you to the top 10 auto transport load boards on the market. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision when choosing a load board, so you can find the right loads and grow your business. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of auto transport load boards.

Key Highlights

• Navigating the Load Board Maze: This guide cuts through the clutter, introducing 10 top auto transport load boards and comparing their features, fees, and benefits to help you find the perfect match for your business.
• Beyond the Board: Alternatives to traditional load boards, like direct partnerships with vehicle shippers, and discover how AutoStar Transport Express can simplify your car transport needs.
• Informed Choices: Make smarter shipping decisions with key criteria to consider when choosing a load board, including coverage area, user-friendliness, customer support, pricing, and reputation.

Criteria for Choosing Auto Transport Load Boards

Choosing the right auto transport load board can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the industry. But fear not, as we’ve compiled a list of key factors to consider when selecting a load board that’s right for you.

• Coverage area: Consider if the load board covers the areas where you operate where your customers need their vehicles delivered and whether it offers options for international car shipping.
• Posting and bidding process: Look for an easy-to-use platform that allows carriers to find and bid on loads quickly and efficiently, with filtering and sorting options for loads based on your preferences.
• Customer support: Choose a load board with a dedicated customer support team that’s available to answer any questions or concerns you may have, and with a rating and review system to get feedback from other carriers who have used the platform before.
• Pricing: Evaluate the cost of using the load board and whether it fits within your budget.
• Load board reputation: Research the load board’s reputation in the industry, including reviews and ratings from other carriers.
• Payment terms: Check whether the load board offers flexible payment options that work for your business.
  By considering these criteria, you can make an informed decision and select the best load board for your auto transport business.

Top 10 Auto Transport Load Boards

1. Central Dispatch

With over 24 years of experience, Central Dispatch is one of the most popular load boards in the industry. It offers a user-friendly platform, extensive coverage area, and a variety of payment options for carriers.

In terms of size and popularity, Central Dispatch is one of the top load boards for car shipping. Car shippers can advertise their goods there for free and get quotes from a giant pool of competent carriers. It’s a two-way market because carriers can search for available loads and bid on them as well.

Best Features:

• Large Pool of Available Carriers: Central Dispatch is the largest auto transport load board, thus there are many potential carriers to pick from.
• Real-time Status Updates: Real-time updates on the status of the transport are provided by Central Dispatch, allowing clients to follow the whereabouts of their car as it is being transported.
• Cost-Effective: Central Dispatch can save consumers money by letting them compare pricing from several carriers.

Worst Features:

• Limited Control Over Timing: Customers have a limited level of control over the date of transit because they depend on carriers to convey their vehicles.
• No Direct Contact Between Customers and Carriers: Central Dispatch serves as a middleman, preventing direct interactions between clients and carriers.
• Possibility for Extra Charges: Although Central Dispatch is free for clients to use, carriers must pay to use the platform. Carriers may decide to charge their consumers extra fees as a result of this.

2. 123 LoadBoard

Popular North American shippers and carriers can connect with 123 LoadBoard. It provides several functions and resources that are targeted to make it easier for users to identify and post loads, handle payments, and interact with one another.

Best Features:

• Large Carrier Network: 123 LoadBoard provides access to a big network of carriers in North America.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: Customers may easily create and manage shipments thanks to the platform’s user-friendly design.
• Real-Time Load Alerts: Clients can use the platform’s comprehensive tracking tool to track the status of their shipments in real time.

Worst Features:

• Higher Fees: 23 LoadBoard charges more costs than some other load board platforms, which may result in clients paying more for shipping.
• Fewer Features: It offers less functionality than some other load board systems, which may be restrictive for some consumers.
• Limited Information on Carriers: Insufficient carrier information on the platform makes it more challenging for users to research and select a carrier that best suits their needs.

3. UShip

Another well-known load board for auto shipping that links shippers and carriers is UShip. From standard car shipping to exotic car shipping and oversized vehicle shipping, the platform provides a variety of options. Additionally, uShip provides a “find a carrier” service to assist car shippers in locating capable carriers for their particular shipping requirements.

Best Features:

• Customer Reviews: Reviews from customers on the platform give information about the performance and trustworthiness of the carriers.
• Customizable Alerts: Clients can choose which alerts they want to receive to stay informed about the status of their shipments and the expected arrival date.
• Extra Insurance Option: For vehicles being shipped, uShip offers complete insurance protection.

Worst Features:

• Higher Fees: uShip charges greater fees compared to some other load board platforms, which may push up consumers’ shipping costs.
• Potential for Additional Fees: Although carriers pay a fee to use the platform, customers can still use uShip free of charge.
• Concerns Over Quality of Carriers: Customers should carefully screen potential carriers because, as with any load board platform, there may be issues with the quality of the carriers on uShip.

4. DAT

DAT is a platform for bidding. No restrictions apply to searches or posts. It offers broker credit ratings, load match alerts, and milage and routing efficiency at all levels. Higher-level plans are available for companies with numerous trucks and dispatchers (Power Select Carrier) (Power Office Carrier). Despite being the industry leader, I believe their pricing is fair and fairly competitive with other premium paid load boards.

Best Features:

• Dedicated Customer Support: It offers dedicated customer support, providing customers with assistance throughout the transport process.
• Real-Time Load Board Available: Real-time vehicle tracking is possible for customers using the advanced tracking capability of DAT.
• Access to a Larger Selection of Shipments: DAT enables users to look for carriers who provide a range of shipping options, including truckload, less-than-truckload, and container shipping.

Worst Features:

• Steep Learning Curve: Some clients may find it challenging to use DAT’s interface because it can be complex and challenging to use.
• Limited Features: The cheapest price tier doesn’t activate enough features.
• No Direct Communication with Carriers: Consumers using the platform cannot directly contact carriers, which can result in mistakes and delays during the transport process.

5. TQL Carrier

For truckers with specialized equipment or skills, TQL Carrier is a particularly helpful load board. Searching for loads by load type and trailer type is simple. Hazmat, drayage, Department of Defense contracts, and cross-border transport are examples of specialty cargoes (among others). A second load board for partials is also run by TQL. These positions are in between LTL and FT positions. You must have cargo insurance coverage in addition to motor insurance liability coverage of $1 million or higher to join TQL’s carrier network.

Best Features:

• Excellent Mobile App: It has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for customers to navigate and use the platform.
• Real-time Tracking: This is made possible by the platform’s powerful tracking tools, which let users follow their shipments in real-time and get status updates.
• Personalized customer care: This is something TQL Carrier delivers, helping clients at every step of the transport process.

Worst Features:

• Missing Some Important Features:  TQL Carrier gives clients little information about carriers, making it difficult for them to research and select a carrier that will fit their unique requirements.
• Limited Functionality: The platform’s functionality is constrained when compared to some other load board systems, which may be problematic for users who need more sophisticated capabilities.
• Increased Prices: TQL Carrier levies fees that are more expensive than those of some other load board platforms, which may result in clients paying more for shipping.

6. 1Dispatch

The majority of transactions are now handled through 1Dispatch, which decreases paperwork while improving quality and vehicle delivery times. Drivers that use it regularly to fulfill deliveries consistently give it ratings of nearly 5 stars in the app store.

Best Features:

• Streamlining Processes to Save Time and Money: The platform has advanced tracking capabilities that enable users to follow their shipments in real time and get status updates.
• Easy-to-Use Mobile Product: Customers can easily access and use the platform thanks to its user-friendly.
• A Quick Payment Option: Provided to its valued customers.

Worst Features:

• Limited Information on Carriers: It makes it more difficult for clients to research and select a carrier that will best serve their unique needs.
• No Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: One factor that some people may find concerning is that dispatch does not give comprehensive insurance coverage for delivered autos.

7. CarShipIO

Drivers have access to up to 35 other sources in addition to the CarShipIO board while using the transport management service. Features for load management, trip planning, and spending tracking are included in the standard plan.

Sending ETAs and status updates, automatically capturing Bill of Landing, and updating (or verifying) information are all made simple with the CarShipIO EBOL EPOD software. It does not make brokered load bidding easier.

Best Features:

• Provide Barcoding / RFID and Shipment Tracking.
• Easy to use: Customers can navigate and use the platform with ease thanks to CarShipIO’s intuitive and user-friendly interface.
• 24/7 support and Live Online Training.

Worst Features:

• The Mobile App Sometimes lags on Some Devices.
• Sometimes Slow Response of the App.
• Pricing Variation: Because of Trucker Path’s fluctuating price, it can be challenging for customers to plan their shipping expenses.

8. Trucker Path

The best free load board is Trucker Path, which also offers three subscription tiers with a variety of additional features. Real-time notifications are possible on Trucker Path, and there are no restrictions on searches or posts. The app is particularly acclaimed for its carrier community, which frequently uses crowdfunding to learn from one another. The Rate Check tools, a fuel surcharge calculator, real-time “live load” notifications, and per-lane trend monitoring are only available to paying subscribers.

Best Features:

• Availability of Weight Stations.
• Easy to Use: Trucker Path is simple to use, especially for individuals who are not tech-savvy. It offers a user-friendly UI.
• Trend Analysis Tools: Using the platform, customers may speak with carriers directly, reducing the chance of misunderstandings and delays throughout the vehicle transit process.

Worst Features:

• Although the Network is Big But isn’t Perfect.
• Low Insurance Coverage: Some clients might be concerned about Trucker Path’s limited insurance coverage for transported autos.
• Baseless Reviews of Truck Stops.

9. Carrier by ACV

Carrier is a fully app-based load board that is still very new. It is the transportation sector of the online auto auction website ACV Auctions. It has an easy-to-use user interface. Utilizing it is simple. Consistent work is one of the advantages of this link. ACV Auctions directs a continuous flow of regular, exclusive work to its transportation side. Trucking company permits soft reserve work so that drivers can plan their journeys more efficiently.

Best Features:

• Integrated Payment and Scheduling Options are available in Carrier by ACV, which can help to simplify the transport process.
• Additional Search Filters on the site enable users to focus their search by selecting options like pricing, pickup location, and delivery date.
• Guaranteed Rates.

Worst Features:

• Does not provide Premium-Quality Services.
• The app is not Familiar Among Auto Carrier Professionals.
• Bad Tracking Techniques.

10. TruckStop.com

On Truckstop.com, there are presently 200,000 active listings. Both beginning and seasoned auto carriers highly regard the load board due to its stellar reputation. Finding jobs by load type or truck type is simple. All options include instant booking, Quick Pay, and limitless load searching.

Best Features:

• Automated payment and scheduling features are available on TruckStop.com, which can help to simplify the shipping procedure.
• Multi-Trip Optimization Tools.
• Clients can receive real-time information on the progress of their shipments and the estimated arrival date, keeping them informed at all times.

Worst Features:

• Low Insurance Security: Some clients might be concerned about TruckStop.com’s low insurance coverage for transported cars.
• The Base Plan includes Optimization Tools.
• Bad Customer Services Reviews.

WHY NOT WORK WITH US DIRECTLY?

Auto transport load boards provide a benefit. However, a load board is ultimately only a middleman. Middlemen increase costs and add to the amount of paperwork.

For both consumers and carriers, car shipping with AutoStar Transport Express, one of the best car transport companies, is easy, friendly, trustworthy, and stress-free.

Why Not Contact Us Straight Away?

Contact us at 888-802-8250 right now if you’re interested in joining our carrier platform. Drivers like you would be a great addition to our team.

Bilal

Bilal Ahmed is a dedicated auto transport researcher, blogger, and digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience. Holding a degree from MIT, Bilal passionately shares his insights and knowledge with a global audience. He began blogging to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, and his honest, relatable writing style quickly earned him a loyal following. Renowned for his candid discussions on complex topics, Bilal is committed to empowering others to find their voice through his platform.

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