Summary: A freight load board is a useful tool when used correctly. However, owner operators should not rely entirely on them for freight loads.
This article shows a list of free load boards that provide loads for owner-operators based in Canada, or who want to pull loads to/from Canada. Some listings offer a free trial only. This should be sufficient to help you determine if they are right for your company. We cover the following:
- 13 load boards Canada and cross-border
- Are load boards a good strategy?
- How to handle slow-paying invoices
(Note: We don’t provide loads/contracts. This resource is for information purposes only)
List of load boards
- FreightFinder
- Landstar
- The Canadian Loadboard
- Trusted Dispatch (Heavy equipment)
- ATS Brokered Loads
- JB Hunt
- Forest Commodities Boards
- uShip
- DirectFreight
- 123loadboard
- Shiply
- LoadSurfer
- CH Robinson
We’d like to note that although Load Link is not free, owner-operator consensus seems to be that they have the most widely available selection of Canadian loads. Consider working with them if your budget allows it.
Are load boards a good strategy?
A load board is a marketplace that allows carriers, brokers, and shippers to work together. They are a useful tool for new owner-operators looking to get some loads. They can also help reduce deadhead (“empty leg”) trips.
a) Overuse of load boards
Load boards are convenient and popular. However, these loads usually don’t pay well and aren’t very profitable.
Bids for loads are very competitive, which brings prices down. Consequently, making a profit is difficult.
Furthermore, many loads are posted by brokers rather than shippers. Profits from these loads must be split with the broker. This lowers your profits even more.
Relying solely on load boards to build a trucking company seldom works. It will be hard to sustain a trucking company with such low margins.
b) Get contracts from shippers
The most reliable way to grow a trucking company is to get contracts from direct shippers. These contracts can provide you with reliable loads at a reasonable profit. However, getting these contracts requires hard work and persistence.
c) How to use a load board
Load boards should be used strategically. You can use them to get started, but only for a short period of time. Eventually, you should use them only to avoid empty legs and gain market intelligence.
Learn more by reading “How to use a load board effectively.”
Handle slow-paying invoices
A common problem of working with load-board clients, brokers and shippers, is that many pay slowly. They don’t offer quick pay; instead, they ask for net 30 to 60-day terms.
Slow payments create cash flow problems for new and growing owner-operators who need money for fuel and other expenses. You can solve this problem using freight bill factoring.
a) What is freight bill factoring?
Freight bill factoring allows you to finance invoices from slow-paying shippers/brokers. Instead of waiting 30 to 60 days to get paid, you get an immediate advance. These funds can be used for business purposes, such as paying drivers, fuel, or repairs.
Initial advances range from 90% to 95% and are paid as soon as the load is delivered. The remaining 5% to 10% is deposited into your account, less a small fee, once the shipper/broker pays the invoice in full. To learn more, read “What is freight bill factoring?“
Need factoring?
We are a leading factoring company and can provide high advances at low fees. For an instant quote, fill out this form. To speak with a credit manager, call (877) 300 3258.