Cheat Sheet

Load Board Search Filters & Pitfalls

Print this page and keep it at your desk. Reference it every time you search.

① Key Search Filters

Origin / DestinationSet a radius (50–100 mi) around your origin. Favor lane pairs with strong backhaul demand to avoid deadheading home.

Equipment TypeMatch exactly: Van, Flatbed, Reefer (refrigerated), Step Deck, RGN. A mismatch voids your rate confirmation.

Weight & DimensionsNever accept a load that exceeds your truck's payload or legal length/height limits — overweight fines hit you, not the broker.

Available Date RangeNarrow to ±2 days of your actual availability. Stale posts older than 48 hours are usually covered — skip them.

Rate / Mile FloorCalculate your cost-per-mile (fuel + truck payment + insurance ÷ miles) FIRST. Set the rate floor at 110% of that number.

Broker Credit ScoreTarget 70+ on DAT or Carrier411. Under 50 = high risk of slow pay or non-payment; walk away.

Load-to-Truck RatioA ratio above 3:1 means demand is outpacing supply — good leverage to negotiate up. Below 1:1, expect pressure to drop your rate.

② Common Pitfalls — Avoid These

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Rates below your cost-per-mile
Every mile run below break-even is a net loss. Know your exact CPM before you search.
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Missing detention / TONU clauses
If the rate confirmation has no detention rate or Truck Ordered Not Used (TONU) pay, you work for free on delays.
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Unverified broker (no MC/DOT check)
Run every broker through FMCSA before agreeing. Fraud posts are common; verify before you commit.
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Deadhead blind spots
Factor the empty miles to the pickup into your effective rate. 200 deadhead miles at $0 wrecks a $2.50/mi load.
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Lumper cost omissions
Some shippers require lumper (unloading) fees of $150–$400. Confirm reimbursement in writing on the RC.
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Fuel surcharge gaps
Verify whether the posted rate includes FSC or if it's added separately. All-in vs. linehaul-only differ by $0.30–$0.60/mi.
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Incomplete rate confirmations
Never move a load without a signed RC containing: pickup/delivery addresses, commodity, weight, rate breakdown, and payment terms.