The company recently introduced a new iPhone widget that connects directly to the DAT One platform. The feature places load information on the phone’s home screen so drivers can quickly check opportunities without opening the full application.

According to DAT, the tool was built after hearing consistent feedback from independent carriers who wanted faster access to the loads that match their search preferences.

“Owner-operators told us they want their best load matches readily visible, without having to open their phone,” said Christian Greiner, general manager, carrier segment, DAT. “The DAT One iOS widget helps them find their next load at a glance.”

For drivers who monitor the spot market throughout the day, that quick visibility can save valuable time. Instead of navigating through several screens, the widget displays the best matches based on the most recent search performed inside the DAT One app.

Each update shows three load options with the strongest rate per mile tied to the driver’s search filters. Those filters can include location, equipment type, and search radius, which helps ensure the results remain relevant to the lanes the driver is already watching.

The information refreshes automatically throughout the day, so drivers can keep an eye on changing opportunities as rates shift.

Another feature built into the widget allows direct communication with brokers. From the home screen, a driver can call or email the broker connected to the listed load with a single tap. That quick connection can be especially useful in competitive freight markets where speed often determines who secures the load.

DAT says the tool is meant to simplify workflow for independent drivers who manage their own dispatch while juggling other responsibilities on the road.

The widget pulls its information directly from the DAT One platform, which many owner operators already use to search freight and monitor rate activity.

Adding the feature is straightforward for iPhone users. Drivers can press and hold their home screen, open the widget menu, search for DAT One, and place the widget directly onto their screen for instant access.

For carriers who spend much of their day checking freight boards, the update offers a small but practical way to keep load opportunities within reach without interrupting the rest of their work.

The post DAT Rolls Out iPhone Widget That Lets Owner-Operators Check Load Matches Without Opening the App appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Posted loads on DAT One surged 6% to 2.26 million last week, signaling growing freight volumes ahead of the upcoming holiday.

“The average linehaul rate on DAT’s Top 50 van lanes, based on load volume, reached $2.02 per mile—2 cents higher than the prior week and 33 cents more than the national average,” said Dean Croke, DAT iQ industry analyst. “In Midwest states, which account for almost 45% of the nation’s load volume and typically reflect national trends, the average outbound spot rate was $1.90 per mile. That’s up 1 cent, surpassing the national average by 21 cents.”

Truck posts also climbed 14% to 260,189, leaving load-posting volumes nearly identical to Week 23 in both 2023 and 2024.

Broker-to-Carrier National Average Rates:

• Van: $2.07/mile (unchanged from the previous week)
• Reefer: $2.35/mile (unchanged)
• Flatbed: $2.56/mile (down 1 cent)

Dry Vans:

• Van loads increased by 3% to 988,846.
• Van equipment availability rose 15% to 181,039.
• Linehaul rate remained steady at $1.69 (net fuel).
• Loads per truck dropped to 5.5 from 6.1 (4-week average LTR at 6.2).

Reefers:

• Reefer loads declined 4% to 420,875.
• Reefer equipment availability grew 1% to 46,266.
• Linehaul rate held at $1.97 (net fuel).
• Loads per truck fell to 9.1 from 9.5 (4-week average LTR at 11.0).

“Reefer spot linehaul rates stayed at $1.97 per mile after dropping over the past two weeks, reflecting this year’s tempered produce season,” added Croke. “This rate matches last year’s but falls 12 cents short of the rate in Week 23, 2023. Typically, the four weeks leading up to the July 4 holiday see a surge in produce shipments, but this year starts 19% behind last year. California truckload volumes are down almost 30% compared to the previous year.”

Flatbeds:

• Flatbed loads spiked 15% to 852,144.
• Flatbed equipment rose significantly by 29% to 32,884.
• Linehaul rate dipped 1 cent to $2.18 (net fuel).
• Loads per truck were reduced from 32.7 to 29.9 (4-week average LTR at 31.9).

“Posts from most high-volume reefer markets retreated from the previous week’s gains, with Phoenix down 18% week over week, Atlanta down 15%, Fresno down 7%, and Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth all down nearly 5%,” Croke said.

Markets showing positive momentum for reefer loads last week:

• Tifton, Ga. +24%
• San Francisco +16%
• Ontario +3%

Key flatbed markets surged in outbound posts week-over-week:

• Savannah: +63%
• Montgomery: +34%
• Houston: +33%
• Shreveport: +52%
• Little Rock: +47%

Image Source: Fleet Owner
Source: The Trucker

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But not all load boards are built the same. Whether you’re an owner-operator running solo or managing a few trucks, here’s a breakdown of the top load boards in 2025, what they offer, how much they cost, and which one might work best for your business.

1. DAT One (formerly DAT Load Board)

Best for: Carriers who want high-volume freight and premium features like rate tools and broker credit checks.

Why drivers like it:

• One of the largest freight marketplaces in North America
• Includes average lane rates, broker ratings, and route planning

Plans & Pricing (as of April 2025):

• Standard: $49/mo
• Enhanced: $99/mo
• Pro: $149/mo
• Select: $199/mo
• Office: $299/mo

Pros:

• Huge load volume
• Widely used by brokers
• Tools for rate negotiations

Cons:

• No free plan
• Learning curve for new users

2. Truckstop Load Board

Best for: Owner-operators and small fleets looking for a balance of load volume, price, and tools.

Why drivers like it:

• Real-time refresh
• Instant booking (“Book It Now”)
• Built-in broker vetting

Plans & Pricing (Carrier plans):

• Basic: $42/mo
• Advanced: $135/mo
• Pro: $159/mo

Pros:

• User-friendly
• Great credit and rate tools
• Trusted by long-time users

Cons:

• Less modern interface than DAT
• Limited features in basic plan

3. 123Loadboard

Best for: Budget-conscious carriers who want solid tools without high monthly fees.

Why drivers like it:

• Clean interface
• Good app functionality
• Credit info and rate check included in higher tiers

Plans & Pricing:

• Standard: $39/mo
• Premium: $59/mo
• Premium Plus: $79/mo

Pros:

• Affordable
• Helpful routing tools
• Good customer support

Cons:

• Slightly smaller load pool than DAT or Truckstop

4. Trucker Path

Best for: Drivers who want to manage their entire trip from a mobile app.

Why drivers like it:

• All-in-one app (loads, parking, fuel, etc.)
• Community-powered updates
• Route optimization tools

Pricing:

• Free version available
• Paid tiers for more features (pricing varies via in-app purchases)

Pros:

• Excellent mobile experience
• Real-time parking and fuel data

Cons:

• Limited web-based tools
• Not a traditional load board first

5. Uber Freight

Best for: Tech-forward carriers who want to book loads instantly and avoid phone calls.

Why drivers like it:

• Upfront pricing
• Instant booking
• Transparent and no haggling

Features:

• Real-time tracking
• Mobile load matching
• Access to enterprise-level shippers

Pros:

• Fast and easy booking
• Transparent rates
• Clean mobile interface

Cons:

• Load variety can be limited in some regions
• Only works with authorized carriers

6. Amazon Relay

Best for: Carriers with authority who want consistent loads, trailer access, and steady contract work directly with Amazon.

Why drivers like it:

• Power-only loads (Amazon supplies trailers)
• Weekly payouts
• “Post A Truck” option to find work for available capacity
• Excellent mobile support via the Relay app

Requirements:

• Active DOT number
• Carrier authority (MC number)
• Required insurance (auto, cargo, general liability, etc.)
• Strong safety history

Pricing:
Free to join
You must meet strict safety and insurance requirements

Pros:

• Consistent freight volume
• Trailer provided
• Access to Amazon facilities nationwide

Cons:

• Not available to leased owner-operators without authority
• High compliance standards

Whether running solo or dispatching for a fleet, choosing the right load board can mean the difference between running empty and profitable. DAT and Truckstop still lead the pack for high-volume freight and pro-level tools. However, platforms like Amazon Relay and Uber Freight offer strong alternatives for power-only or tech-driven operations.

Ultimately, it comes down to your goals — and what fits your daily grind best.

The post Navigating the Best Load Boards for Truck Drivers: A Complete Guide appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.