{"id":4500,"date":"2020-03-04T14:33:24","date_gmt":"2020-03-04T19:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alltruckjobs.com\/blog\/?p=4500"},"modified":"2021-02-01T15:53:33","modified_gmt":"2021-02-01T20:53:33","slug":"how-to-use-a-load-board","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alltruckjobs.com\/blog\/how-to-use-a-load-board\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a Load Board | Advice and Best Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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You\u2019ve probably heard about load boards, and if you haven\u2019t, take a load off and let\u2019s hit the broad basics. Load boards shouldn\u2019t send your engines into Maximum Overdrive<\/a>, Emilio. Knowing how to use a load board can drive profits and lower your stress. If you know how to use a load board properly, finding loads or carriers just got a whole lot easier.<\/p>\n

How to Use a Load Board in 3 steps<\/h2>\n

In our latest episode of BigRigBanter<\/a>, we dive in deep with Todd Burch of DAT<\/a> who describes load boards as, \u201cMatch.com<\/a> for truckers and brokerages.\u201d\u00a0 Let\u2019s swing into this relationship and explore just how to use a load board.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Login & Get Familiar with your Dashboard<\/h3>\n

The first part of this might seem self-explanatory, but you are going to want to have a secure username and password.<\/p>\n

When we say dashboard, we aren\u2019t talking about your cab\u2019s dash! A dashboard is a home display on software that contains helpful information. Most dashboards contain national load counts and even a 15-day average on the pay of the load. Load boards help brokers and owner-operators to make informed choices on the best load, for location, truck type and drive time. It is so important that you take the time to get technically familiar with how to use a load board\u2019s dashboard, including all the insights that you have access to! Remember when you’re learning how to use a load board that these features will vary depending on whether you are using a free or paid service. In this instance, you really do get what you pay for!<\/p>\n

Step 2: Find\u2026<\/h3>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

The next step is to input your location and truck specifications into the database. Generally speaking, once you have inputted your information into the network of drivers, you will be able to search through posted jobs by locations and truck type and find whichever is the best for your specific needs. This is probably one of the biggest benefits to learning how to use a load board and utilizing it to its full potential.<\/p>\n

Depending on the software you are using, there may be differences in offerings. However, we really like 123 Load Board\u2019s Load Planner<\/a>. This feature located in the dashboard allows you to be found automatically by loads posted by brokers and allows you to map out the most optimized route for the best profits. This takes into account mileage, deadheading<\/a>, fuel as well as toll costs.<\/p>\n

Step 3: \u2026And Be found<\/h3>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

The last step takes some time. Brokers are learning how to use a load board too, but once you have inputted your information don\u2019t be surprised when they connect about a job. Think of this step a bit like a job interview. It\u2019s important to know (and share) your current and future destinations, truck type as well as its length and weight.<\/a> We would also suggest including dock and cargo and even the amount of 4×4 palettes you can fit on or in your trailer! Whatever specifications you can include to help you stand out, the better! Make sure to list them in comments to help brokers to find you!!<\/p>\n

Now that you have a basic understanding of how to use a load board, take a listen to Big Rig Banter and dive even deeper with Troy and Lenay as they chat with Todd Burch of DAT<\/a> about not just how to use a load board but how to maximize it using some inside the industry tips and best practices.<\/p>\n

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