Fleet Owners/Managers
Owner Operators
Tips and Tricks

What Are The Best Load Boards For Reefer Freight

Kailey Posea
May 21, 2025
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Finding the right loads is key to success in the trucking industry, especially for reefer operators. One of the most effective ways to do this is through load boards. These online platforms are a lifeline for truckers, helping them find profitable freight and avoid those costly empty miles. 

At OTR Solutions, we understand the unique challenges reefer carriers face in keeping cash flowing and finding reliable work. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best load board for reefers, explain how load boards work, and show you how to leverage them so you can get ahead in the trucking industry. 

What is a Load Board? 

A load board is an online marketplace that connects truckers with brokers and shippers. It streamlines freight movement by allowing reefers to find available loads and brokers to post freight, making the process more efficient for everyone involved. 

Subscription-Based Access 

Most load boards are subscription-based, offering different tiers based on the level of service. Whether you’re a small carrier or large operator, these platforms make it easier to find truck freight loads available and keep your trucks on the road. 

Real-Time Freight Matching 

Load boards provide real-time access to loads specifically suited to your reefer. Instead of waiting for calls or referrals, you can proactively search for the best jobs, keeping your truck full and maximizing efficiency with every haul. 

Avoiding Empty Miles 

One of the biggest advantages of load boards is reducing empty miles. When you search for and select loads that fit your truck’s route and schedule, you minimize downtime and avoid costly deadhead miles, ensuring profitability. 

How Do Freight Brokers Find Carriers to Haul Loads? 

Freight brokers play a key role in connecting shippers and carriers, ensuring the smooth movement of freight. They rely heavily on load boards to post available loads, find trucks, and match carriers with the right freight for every job. 

Using Load Boards 

Freight brokers use load boards for truckers to post available loads and search for trucks. This real-time system allows them to quickly connect with carriers, ensuring freight moves efficiently and carriers get consistent work. 

Posting and Searching for Trucks 

Load boards let brokers post truck freight loads available and search for trucks that match their needs. This allows brokers to ensure they have the right trucks for each job, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. 

Leveraging Industry Relationships 

Brokers also use their networks and relationships to find loads. However, load boards are the fastest way for brokers to connect with a wide range of carriers, making the load-matching process more streamlined and effective. 

The Role of Load Boards in the Trucking Industry 

Load boards are crucial for the trucking industry, particularly for small to medium-sized carriers and owner-operators. For reefer operators, load boards provide direct access to freight loads, saving time and improving profitability. 

Find Loads Easily 

Using a load board for truckers makes it simple to find available loads in real-time. Instead of wasting hours looking for jobs, you can quickly search and select freight that fits your schedule. 

Negotiate Rates 

Load boards also allow you to negotiate rates directly with brokers. This ensures you get the best possible deal for each load, maximizing your profits and cutting down on downtime. 

Avoid Deadhead Miles 

Empty miles are costly for any trucking operation. Load boards help reefer operators avoid these by offering freight options that fit within your existing route, reducing fuel and time expenses. 

Best Load Board for Reefers 

When it comes to finding the best load board for reefers, there is one that stands out as the top choice for reefers.   

DAT Load Board 

The DAT load board is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive carrier load boards available. It offers an extensive network of freight brokers and shippers, making it a great choice for reefer drivers. The DAT load board also includes helpful tools like market rate data and credit information on brokers, ensuring that you’re making informed decisions when choosing loads. 

Extensive Load Availability 

The DAT Load Board offers the most refrigerated (reefer) loads available, ensuring access to a vast number of high paying loads no matter where you are or where you’re going. 

Accurate Market Rates 

Access to accurate market rate information helps you make informed and profitable decisions. DAT provides average rates for the last 15 days on different lanes, allowing you to negotiate the best deals. 

Broker Transparency 

The DAT Load Board offers critical details on brokers, including their average days to pay, credit scores, and bond information. This transparency helps you build partnerships with brokers you trust 

Combat Fraud with the Blue Checkmark Integration 

With the Blue Checkmark, DAT network customers gain instant access to OTR’s extensive broker checks and factoring solutions, allowing them to identify which loads can be factored and determine customer creditworthiness. The Blue Checkmark also helps combat fraud by providing an extra layer of security through constant evaluation of broker credit scores and payment histories. This ensures accurate and up-to-date information, offering a high rate of approvals and protection from potential losses. 

Truckstop.com 

Another popular load board for truckers, Truckstop.com provides features like load searching, truck posting, and detailed credit data on brokers and shippers. It’s a reliable option for finding truck freight loads available and staying competitive in the industry. 

Why Choose OTR Solutions? 

At OTR Solutions, we know that getting ahead in the trucking industry isn’t just about finding loads—it’s about keeping your cash flow steady and your business running smoothly. That’s why we offer freight factoring services that turn your unpaid invoices into immediate cash, allowing you to cover expenses like fuel, maintenance, and payroll without the wait. 

Our goal is to help carriers succeed, whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow your reefer business. When you partner with the best load board for reefers and use OTR Solutions’ factoring services, you can secure more freight, maintain steady cash flow, and focus on what matters most: staying on the road. 

Getting Ahead with the Best Load Board for Reefers 

In the trucking industry, having the right tools is essential to staying ahead. Load boards provide reefer operators with the ability to find reliable freight and avoid deadhead miles. The best load board for reefers, like the DAT Load Board, offers features that allow you to post your truck, find quality loads, and connect with trusted brokers and shippers. 

When you combine the power of the right load board with OTR Solutions’ financial support, you have a winning formula. Our freight factoring services ensure you never have to worry about cash flow, while load boards help you stay busy with consistent freight. 

If you’re ready to get ahead in the trucking industry, start using the best load board for reefers and partner with OTR Solutions to keep your business moving forward. 


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