All resources Guide
Load Board Guide
Load boards show availability — not profitability. Use rate, miles, appointment risk, and reload potential together before you commit.
Read the post, not just the rate
- Confirm pickup and delivery windows — detention without compensation destroys margin.
- Check commodity, weight, and equipment — reefer or hazmat requirements change cost.
- Verify broker MC and credit before you roll — free pulls beat surprises at delivery.
- Note deadhead miles to the shipper and out of the receiver for your true RPM.
Lane patterns that hold up
Seasonal produce lanes pay well but punish missed appointments. Industrial lanes are steadier with tighter spreads. Build a mix so one slow week does not empty your account.
Track revenue per mile and cost per mile by lane family. Drop lanes that look busy but net below your floor after fuel and deadhead.
When to walk away
- Rate below your all-in cost per mile with no fuel surcharge.
- Broker credit flags or slow-pay history on loads you cannot afford to carry.
- Vague load details, mismatched MC numbers, or pressure to skip paperwork.
