DAT Load Board is a freight marketplace where box truck owners and independent drivers find loads posted by shippers and brokers

DAT (formerly Dial-a-Truck) operates the largest load board in North America, with thousands of loads posted daily across all 50 states. Box truck drivers use it to search for shipments by location, weight, distance, and pay rate — then contact the broker or shipper directly to negotiate and accept the load. Unlike some load boards that focus on full truckload freight, DAT handles partial loads, LTL (less-than-truckload), and smaller shipments that fit box trucks.

The board itself does not assign loads or handle payment. You search, you negotiate the rate, you haul the freight, and you invoice the broker or shipper. This means you keep more of the revenue than you would through a carrier, but you also handle your own logistics, fuel, and insurance verification.

Key Takeaways

  • DAT charges a subscription fee (typically $99 to $199 per month depending on the plan) and requires a valid USDOT number and proof of insurance before you can post or search loads.
  • You search for loads by origin, destination, weight, and rate, then contact the broker or shipper directly — DAT does not match you or may provide any work.
  • Box truck loads on DAT are usually partial shipments, expedited freight, or regional routes that larger carriers skip, so rates and availability vary by market and season.
  • Most brokers and shippers on DAT expect you to have your own authority (USDOT number, MC number, and insurance) or to be leased to a carrier that does.

What You Need Before You Can Use DAT

DAT requires proof that you are a legitimate freight hauler. At minimum, you need a USDOT number (issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), a Motor Carrier (MC) number if you operate as your own authority, and current commercial auto insurance that covers the type of freight you plan to haul. You will upload copies of your insurance card and USDOT registration to your DAT account.

If you are leased to a carrier, the carrier's USDOT and MC numbers may be used instead of your own, but you will still need your own insurance or be covered under the carrier's policy. DAT verifies this information against FMCSA records, so there is no way around it — you cannot use DAT as an owner-operator without these credentials.

You will also need a valid email address, a phone number where brokers can reach you, and a way to receive and send documents (many brokers send rate confirmations and bills of lading by email or through DAT's messaging system).

How to Search for and Negotiate Loads on DAT

Once your account is active, you log in and search the load board by entering your current location (or the location where you want to pick up freight), your destination, and how far you are willing to travel. DAT shows you available loads with the shipper or broker name, pickup and delivery addresses, weight, freight type, and the posted rate. You can filter by pay per mile, total pay, weight, or distance.

When you find a load that interests you, you click on it to see more details — the contact name and phone number for the broker or shipper, the pickup and delivery windows, any special handling requirements, and sometimes the freight description. You then call or message the broker directly to confirm the load is still available, negotiate the rate if it is posted as negotiable, and agree on pickup time and payment terms.

DAT does not hold the load for you or may provide it will still be there when you call. Brokers often post the same load to multiple load boards, so the first driver to confirm usually gets it. This means you need to be ready to move quickly and have your truck ready to roll.

Subscription Plans and Costs

DAT offers several subscription tiers. The most common for box truck operators is the standard plan, which costs around $99 to $149 per month and gives you unlimited load searches, the ability to post your truck as available, and access to DAT's mobile app. Premium plans add features like saved searches, load alerts, and integration with accounting software, and run higher.

Some owner-operators negotiate annual plans with DAT to reduce the monthly cost, or they use DAT only during busy seasons and cancel when freight slows down. There are no per-load fees or commissions — you pay the subscription and keep 100% of what you negotiate with the broker.

A few regional or niche load boards charge less than DAT but have fewer loads posted, especially for box truck freight. If you are in a major metro area, DAT usually has more options. If you are in a rural region, a smaller board might be worth comparing first.

Types of Freight and Rates You Will See

Box truck loads on DAT tend to cluster in a few categories. Expedited freight — packages or pallets that need to move fast — often pays better per mile but may require you to wait for a specific pickup window. Regional LTL (less-than-truckload) shipments move between distribution centers and retail locations, usually on set routes. Partial loads are shipments too small for a full 53-foot trailer but too large for a parcel carrier, and they often fit a box truck perfectly.

Rates vary widely by region, season, and freight type. A short-haul expedited load might pay $2 to $4 per mile. A longer regional route might pay $1.50 to $2.50 per mile. Seasonal peaks (holidays, back-to-school) usually bring higher rates and more loads. Summer and winter weather can reduce available freight in some regions.

You will also see loads posted with a rate range (for example, "$800–$1,200") where you negotiate within that band. Some brokers post a firm rate and do not negotiate. Always factor in fuel, tolls, and empty miles (driving back without a load) when you decide whether a rate makes sense for your business.

How Payment and Invoicing Work

Payment terms are negotiated directly with the broker or shipper when you confirm the load. Common terms are "net 30" (you invoice them, they pay within 30 days) or "net 15" (faster payment). Some brokers offer "cash on delivery" or prepayment, but that is less common. You are responsible for sending the invoice — DAT does not handle billing.

Most brokers require a signed bill of lading (BOL) at pickup and delivery. The BOL is your proof that you picked up and delivered the freight, and it is what you attach to your invoice. Many brokers now send BOLs electronically through DAT's system or by email, so you can photograph or scan them and keep them for your records.

If a broker does not pay on time, you have no recourse through DAT — you would need to contact the broker directly or pursue payment through small claims court or a collection agency. This is why many experienced box truck operators check a broker's reputation on DAT or other driver forums before accepting their first load.

Comparing DAT to Other Load Boards

DAT is the largest and most widely used load board, but it is not the only option. Freight Match, Uber Freight, and Convoy are other national boards that post box truck loads. 123Loadboard and Postmates Freight focus on smaller shipments and regional routes. Some brokers also post loads directly on their own websites or through carrier networks.

The trade-off is usually between volume and competition. DAT has the most loads, but you are competing with thousands of other drivers to get them. A smaller board might have fewer loads but less competition. Many box truck operators subscribe to two or three boards at once to maximize their options, though that increases your monthly costs.

DAT also has a reputation system where brokers rate drivers, and drivers can rate brokers. This feedback is visible to other users, so maintaining a good rating (on-time pickups, professional communication, clean deliveries) helps you get better loads and negotiate better rates over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own authority to use DAT, or can I be leased to a carrier?

You can be leased to a carrier, but the carrier's USDOT and MC numbers will be on the loads you haul. Some brokers prefer to work with owner-operators who have their own authority because it simplifies the relationship. Either way, you need current insurance and a way for brokers to contact you directly.

What happens if I accept a load and then cannot pick it up?

You need to contact the broker when ready and let them know. Canceling at the last minute damages your reputation on DAT and with that broker. Repeated cancellations can make brokers reluctant to offer you loads. If you have a breakdown or emergency, be honest and explain it — most brokers understand, but they need to know fast so they can find another driver.

Can I use DAT if I only have a pickup truck or van instead of a box truck?

Yes, but the loads available to you will be smaller and fewer. DAT has loads for all vehicle types, but box trucks and larger vehicles get priority for most shipments because they can carry more weight and volume. You will have better luck with small parcel freight, documents, or light expedited loads.

How long does it take to get approved for a DAT account?

Approval usually takes one to three business days after you submit your USDOT number, MC number, and insurance information. DAT verifies your credentials against FMCSA records, so make sure your information is current and matches what the government has on file. If there is a discrepancy, approval can be delayed.

What if I get a load on DAT but the broker asks me to haul something I am not insured for?

Do not accept it. Your insurance policy covers specific types of freight (general commodities, hazmat, refrigerated, etc.). If the broker asks you to haul something outside your coverage, you are liable if something goes wrong. Always confirm the freight type before you commit, and know what your policy covers.