Whether you’re a dealership, manufacturer, or auto carrier, chances are you’ve used an auto hauler load board before. They’ve become a cornerstone of vehicle logistics—especially for players who don’t want to use a broker.
But for all their convenience, load boards can sometimes feel like the Wild West: crowded, competitive, and inconsistent. This guide breaks down how they work, who uses them, and what alternatives are emerging to give both shippers and carriers a more transparent, reliable experience.
What Is an Auto Hauler Load Board?
An auto hauler load board (also called a car hauler load board or auto transport load board) is an online platform that connects shippers who need to move vehicles with carriers who have available capacity.
At its simplest, a load board is about freight matching: a dealership lists a shipment, a carrier finds it, negotiates terms, and transports the vehicles. Think of it as the Craigslist of vehicle logistics—open, fast-moving, and heavily driven by price and availability.
Brokers also rely on load boards to source carriers for their customers. In fact, the majority of activity on today’s boards comes from intermediaries posting on behalf of shippers, which has contributed to the “broker-heavy” nature of the space.
Common Use Cases For Auto Hauler Load Boards
Load boards attract a wide variety of logistics players—each with different incentives.
Carriers Use Load Boards to Find Shipments
Carriers are the most frequent users of auto transport load boards. For many small or new fleets, load boards are the primary way to find work, keep trucks full, and reduce deadhead miles. They provide immediate access to freight without long-term contracts.
Brokers and Dispatchers Use Load Boards to Find Carriers
Despite the perception that load boards cut out brokers, the opposite is often true. Brokers dominate many boards, posting loads on behalf of their dealer or auction customers. They manage communication and payment but take a margin from the transaction. This can drive down carrier rates while leaving shippers with limited visibility into true pricing.
Dealerships and Wholesalers Use Load Boards to Move Quickly
Dealers use load boards occasionally, when capacity is tight or aged inventory needs to move fast. For small dealers or wholesalers, posting directly can save time and offer more control, if they’re willing to manage vetting and communication themselves.
Auctions Use Load Boards to Clear Inventory
Millions of cars are moved through auto auctions every year. According to this Research and Markets report, auctions in the US reached 14.26 million units last year. With that amount of vehicles needing to be transported, auctions can’t afford slowdowns. So if buyers don’t have a carrier relationship, sometimes the auction will step in to coordinate logistics. Using a load board lets them secure overflow carriers to handle surges in shipping demand.
OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) Occasionally Use Load Boards to Secure Overflow Capacity
Manufacturers rarely use load boards for regular distribution—they rely on established carrier partners and dedicated logistics providers. However, during peak seasons or plant shutdowns, OEMs sometimes turn to load boards to find additional carriers for time-sensitive deliveries.
How to Use an Auto Hauler Load Board
How you use a load board depends on whether you’re a carrier or a shipper. While the goal, moving vehicles efficiently, is shared, the workflows differ.
How to Use a Load Board if You’re a Carrier
1. Set Up and Verify
The first step is setting up and verifying your account. This is when you upload all of your verification documents and set up your public profile. You’ll upload credentials like:
- Company name, address, and contact details
- Motor carrier (MC) number and Department of Transportation (DOT) number
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) information
- Equipment type
- Lane preferences and service areas
2. Search and Filter
Setting up a filter will save you from needing to sort through loads that aren’t of interest down the road. You can filter loads based on:
- Pickup radius and destination lanes
- Operability status (in-ops, keys missing, etc.)
- Equipment requirements and pay type
- Pickup/delivery windows
Save your search and set alerts so that you can spend less time proactively sorting through loads.
3. Qualify the Load
Before you bid on a load, make sure to do your own due diligence by taking the following steps:
- Confirm VIN count and dimensions
- Review photos and auction lot details
- Check the shipper’s rating and payment terms
- Verify accessorials (winching, forklift, etc.)
4. Bid or Book
Many load boards now offer “Book Now” pricing for instant acceptance. Otherwise, submit an offer and message the poster to confirm pickup times and gate access. Remember, on most boards, once you book, you’re responsible for managing all communication and paperwork yourself.
5. Rate Confirmation and Documents
Once the shipper confirms, you’ll receive a rate confirmation outlining fees, addresses, and policies (detention, layover, etc.). Always review and sign before dispatch.
6. Pickup
At pickup, protect yourself by documenting vehicle condition:
- Take timestamped photos and note any damage
- Record mileage
- Have the shipper sign the Bill of Lading (BOL) with exceptions
Send real-time updates through the load board app or by text. For example, pickup complete, en route, delivery ETA, etc.
7. Delivery and Payment
At delivery, complete another inspection, collect a signed Proof of Delivery (POD), and submit your invoice, BOL/POD, and W-9 (if first-time).
Plus, leave a rating. Since load boards don’t do their own vetting, users rely heavily on reviews. If you had a good experience with that shipper, let it be known.
👉 Carrier pro tip: Stack multi-stop routes to fill capacity, chase backhauls to cut deadhead, set alerts for your anchor lanes, track DSO (days-sales-outstanding) by shipper. Jump to best practices for using a load board.
How to Use a Load Board if You’re a Shipper
1. Set Up and Compliance
Similar to how carriers get started on a load board, shippers also need to create their accounts and set up their profiles. Some things you’ll need to define include:
- Payment terms and dispute policies
- Insurance minimums required from carriers
- Internal team permissions and roles
2. Post the Load
When posting your load on an auto hauler load board, don’t skimp on details:
- Units (VINs, make/model/trim)
- Operability and key status
- Pickup/delivery addresses and contact windows
- Photos and special handling notes (low clearance, EVs, etc.)
- Equipment needed (open/enclosed)
- Target rate or Book-Now price
A common downfall at this stage is not including enough details in your posting. The more context, the better.
3. Distribute the Load
To find an appropriate carrier for your vehicle shipment, share the post to preferred lanes and notify saved carriers/dispatchers. Large shippers may use PI feeds or bulk uploads to automate posting.
4. Qualify Carriers
Hopefully, at this point, you have some bids on your posting. When bids arrive, evaluate authority, insurance, ratings, on-time performance, and dispute history. Confirm safety scores and equipment fit for your shipment.
5. Award and Confirm
After you’ve shortlisted carriers who are a good fit for your shipment, accept the bid or book-now. Send a rate confirmation that includes:
- Units
- Fees
- SLA (pickup/delivery windows)
- Contacts for any day-of questions
Make sure the units being shipped are ready. This means that they’re paid, released, keys found, and lot access cleared.
6. Track and Communicate
In an ideal world, carriers proactively share milestone updates through the board. But it’s best to set expectations for status updates. If possible, request photo proof and location check-ins through the board. You also want to provide any important notes about the vehicles, like if they’re no start, flat tires, missing windows, etc.
7. Delivery and Payment
Once the vehicle is delivered, you can expect to receive the POD and BOL, plus photos. Review the time-stamped pictures carefully to avoid any disputes. Process the carrier’s payment and close out the load on the auto hauler load board. It’s also best practice to capture the carrier rating for future routing.
👉 Shipper pro tips: Use realistic Book-Now rates on hot lanes to reduce time-to-assign, require photos at pickup to prevent damage claims, and auto-bump rates for aging posts. Jump to best practices for using a load board.
Types of Load Boards
Not all auto hauler load boards operate the same way. They vary by who can join, who controls pricing, and how the shipper–carrier relationship is managed.
Open/Public Load Boards
These are as they sound: completely open boards where anyone with credentials can post or book. That makes them really helpful for new or expanding carriers that want volume, quickly.
They offer speed and volume but minimal oversight, making them best for carriers looking to fill trucks quickly.
Examples of these include Central dispatch and Super Dispatch.
Membership/Subscription-Based Load Boards
These require paid access and often include light vetting or compliance requirements. The added cost can translate to more professional participants and slightly better reliability—but they’re still largely broker-driven.
Broker-Managed Load Boards
Load boards often require a lot of logistics. The load board helps you connect with a carrier or shipper, but you handle everything from there. A broker-managed load board is a different story. For shippers who want everything handled for them, this could be a suitable option.
Note: A lot of people confuse auto hauler marketplaces with auto hauler loadboards, but they’re not the same. Marketplaces remove brokers entirely and manage vetting, payment, and compliance in one platform. They offer greater transparency and control for both carriers and shippers.
Best Load Boards for Car Haulers
Auto transport professionals often rely on a handful of major load boards. Each has its own strengths, pricing model, and user base — and understanding these differences helps shippers and carriers choose the right fit.
Central Dispatch
If you’re in vehicle logistics, you’ve surely heard of Central Dispatch. This public load board is one of the oldest and largest in the auto-transport industry, serving thousands of shippers and carriers nationwide.
Pros:
- A massive network of carriers and shippers means a wide range of available loads every day.
- Mature infrastructure: posting tools, filters, dashboards, and a familiar user experience.
Cons:
- Central Dispatch has a significant broker presence, so many loads go through intermediaries rather than building direct shipper-carrier relationships.
- High competition drives rates down, with less transparency about what carriers actually earn.
Learn more about the difference between Auto Hauler Exchange (marketplace) vs. Central Dispatch (load board)
Super Dispatch
Super Dispatch offers a combination of public load-board access and carrier/shipping management tools under one roof. Similar to Central Dispatch, Super Dispatch offers broad access to posted shipments, but it also doubles as a workflow platform, enabling photo uploads, eBOLs, and driver tracking.
Pros:
- Integrated dispatch and workflow tools streamline pickups, delivery confirmations, and document sharing.
- Mobile-first interface improves communication between drivers and dispatchers.
Cons:
- Rate visibility can be limited as carriers can see posted loads but not full transparency into how brokers or shippers price them.
- Despite its tech-driven approach, it’s not truly broker-free. Many listings are still intermediary-driven.
Ship.Cars
Ship.Cars is a load board and operational platform. They offer tools for compliance admin, driver apps (ePOD), real-time tracking, automated BOL creation, and more.
Pros:
- The platform has many features to help with operational efficiency, like automated BOLs, a trip builder, and a mobile app for drivers.
- Tiered access lets carriers test for free, then upgrade for premium listings.
Cons:
- Although the platform supports negotiations, many loads involve brokers or intermediary shippers, which can add hidden margins.
- Because the toolset is advanced and broad, smaller or less tech-savvy carriers may find the onboarding or usage curve steeper compared to simpler load boards.
uShip
uShip is a public load board that connects shippers across a wide range of freight categories, including auto transport, furniture, and general freight. uShip allows carriers to browse shipments, submit quotes, and accept work directly through the platform.
Pros:
- There are no upfront or recurring fees, so carriers can access and bid on loads and only pay when they book and deliver.
- Broad freight types make it useful for carriers filling backhauls or mixed loads.
Cons:
- The platform doesn’t specialize in auto-transport, and therefore lacks the auto-hauling-specific tools or vetting that more dedicated platforms offer.
- A direct relationship with shippers may be less established compared to carrier-shipper networks on dedicated auto-transport platforms.
Shippers: Pros and Cons of Using Auto Hauler Load Boards
Load boards can be effective tools for moving volumes. But they also come with risks. Let’s review the upsides and downsides of using a loadboard to source carriers for your shipment.
Pros:
Wide Carrier Access
Public load boards offer instant access to thousands of carriers across North America. For example, leading boards report tens of thousands of active carriers daily, allowing shippers to find capacity quickly when lanes tighten or auctions surge.
Simple Onboarding
Posting a shipment takes minutes. Dealers can list VINs, pickup windows, and equipment needs without lengthy contracts or RFP processes.
More Direct Access to Carriers (Vs. The Broker Model)
Load boards promise more direct control versus traditional brokers — but in reality, many “carriers” are intermediaries reposting freight. This is why many dealers are finding load board alternatives.
Cons:
Lack of Carrier Vetting
Most boards have low entry barriers, meaning little visibility into carrier safety, insurance, or reputation. This increases risk for high-value vehicles.
Pricing Still Influenced By Brokers
Even on load boards, brokers dominate listings and can mark up prices. This reduces transparency and can lead to inflated rates or extended timelines.
Risk of Fraud
Load-board fraud is a growing issue. According to Truckstop’s 2024 Freight Fraud report, in 2024 there was US$455 million in reported losses tied to theft, double brokering, and impersonation scams. For shippers, this means possible inventory loss, delivery delays, insurance complications and damage-to-brand risk.
Carriers: Pros and Cons of Using Auto Hauler Load Boards
For carriers, load boards can be an important growth tool — especially for new entrants. But like shippers, they must balance accessibility with reliability.
Pros
Direct Access to Shippers
Carriers can reach dealerships, auctions, and brokers directly, diversifying revenue and reducing dependency on any one client.
Market Visibility
With filters by lane, price, and vehicle type, carriers can target profitable routes and minimize deadhead miles. Load alerts also help them act fast on last-minute opportunities.
Cons
Overrun by Brokers
Despite the promise of direct access, many postings originate from brokers or intermediary carriers rather than end-shippers. This can lead to rate compression and reduced transparency about final pay.
Unreliable Payment Cycles
Most boards follow a delivery-then-invoice model, meaning payment often takes 15–30 days — sometimes longer. Without quick-pay or factoring, smaller carriers face cash-flow challenges.
What’s the Difference Between Load Boards, Brokers, and Marketplaces?
There’s considerable confusion around the differences between load boards, brokers, and marketplaces. As a result, they’re often used interchangeably, but they describe different logistics models.
First, it’s important to know the definitions of each:
Broker: An auto transport broker is an intermediary connecting shippers and carriers. They handle pricing, dispatch, and paperwork, charging a margin for coordination. Transparency depends on the broker’s ethics and technology.
Load board: An auto hauler load board is a digital bulletin board where carriers, shippers, and brokers post and book jobs. It’s fast, but decentralized — users manage negotiation, vetting, and payment themselves.
Marketplace: An auto hauler marketplace connects verified shippers and carriers directly within a single, managed platform. Marketplaces handle carrier vetting, pricing tools, and payment flow, eliminating intermediaries and reducing risk.
Here are some of the key operational differences:
Key Operational Differences
Pricing and Negotiation
On a load board, shippers post vehicle shipments and list a target price or invite bids. Carriers can accept, negotiate, or counteroffer directly. While this can make pricing more flexible, it also adds workload — every negotiation, follow-up, and confirmation happens manually. And since brokers frequently post on load boards too, it’s not always clear whether you’re dealing directly with a carrier or an intermediary.
Brokers, by contrast, manage pricing behind the scenes. They negotiate with carriers privately, then present a final rate to the shipper. While some brokers offer transparency, most don’t — meaning pricing can vary widely depending on the broker’s process and markup.
Marketplaces, like AHX, take a more open, data-driven approach. Shippers set the price themselves — often guided by real-time market data — and carriers can either book at that rate or make a counter-offer through the platform. This keeps pricing transparent and negotiations quick, eliminating the back-and-forth of phone calls and hidden margins.
Fraud Protection
On load boards, vetting is largely the shipper’s responsibility. Anyone can claim a load, so you must confirm insurance, licensing, and reputation before dispatch. Because of this, load boards have a reputation for being the “Wild West” of vehicle logistics — flexible, but with limited guardrails. Car transport load boards present the highest risk of fraud.
Brokers vary widely in their carrier-screening standards. Some maintain strong compliance and safety programs, and others rely on quick-turn subcontracting. Because vetting isn’t standardized, shippers have little visibility into who’s actually moving their vehicles or whether loads are being re-brokered.
Marketplaces centralize carrier verification. Every carrier must meet platform compliance standards for insurance, documentation, and professional reputation before booking a load. Marketplaces also prohibit double brokering, giving shippers confidence that the carrier they contract is the one handling the vehicle.
Payments and Disputes
On load boards, payments happen directly between the shipper and carrier. There’s no standardized process or neutral third party, which can lead to delays, missed payments, or last-minute rate changes. If a dispute arises, there’s often no intermediary to resolve it.
Brokers usually handle payments on behalf of shippers, but timing and protection vary. Some brokers pay promptly; others hold funds longer or deduct unexpected fees.
In a marketplace environment, all payments flow through the platform. This ensures fast, reliable payment for carriers and gives shippers a clear, documented process for resolving disputes or claims.
The bottom line: Load boards offer flexibility and access, brokers bring convenience, marketplaces combine both — transparent pricing, verified partners, and managed payments without the middleman.
What Are Alternatives to Traditional Load Boards?
While load boards offer speed and volume, they often come with a lot of risk. That’s why the industry is increasingly shifting toward marketplace-style solutions like Auto Hauler Exchange.
Take Mark Harris, a vehicle wholesaler who relied on legacy load boards for years:
“The first two or three reputable constituents I called, Auto Hauler Exchange was at the top of their list,” he said. “So that’s when I started experimenting with it[...] They became my primary in literally three weeks and I dropped the other boards.”
Marketplaces solve the main pain points of load boards — vetting, reliability, and transparency — while maintaining the efficiency and flexibility shippers expect.
Best Practices for Shippers and Carriers Using Load Boards
If you’re using a load board today, these best practices help protect your business and improve efficiency.
Verify Who You’re Working With
Both sides should confirm legitimacy before booking.
- Shippers: Review carrier MC/DOT, COI, insurance limits, and ratings.
- Carriers: Check shipper or broker reviews, payment terms, and company info.
Verifying upfront helps avoid fraud and double-brokering.
Be Transparent and Complete in Your Listings
Include every key detail: VINs, operability (in-op? no keys?), photos, pickup/delivery windows, and gate passes. Clear, honest information saves time and prevents future disputes.
Confirm Rates and Terms in Writing
Before a vehicle moves, both parties should agree on:
- Total rate (including accessorials and per-unit costs)
- Payment method and timeline (quick-pay, factoring, or direct pay)
- Responsibilities for in-ops, delays, or cancellations
- No truck should roll without a signed rate confirmation or dispatch sheet.
When you work with a load board it’s on you to confirm details and verify everything.
Document Everything
Photos, BOLs, and PODs protect both sides. Timestamped photos at pickup and delivery reduce damage disputes. Keep all documents organized — they’re essential for invoicing and payment verification.
Communicate Early and Often
Share updates on schedule changes, vehicle readiness, and delivery ETAs. Good communication between shippers, dispatchers, and drivers keeps operations running smoothly and builds long-term relationships.
The Future of Vehicle Logistics
Traditional auto hauler load boards have served the industry for decades, providing unmatched reach and speed. While they still remain a sound option in some circumstances, they’re now being eclipsed by more advanced, marketplace-style solutions. Shippers and carriers alike are demanding greater visibility into pricing, verified carrier relationships, and faster, tech-enabled workflows.
Platforms like Auto Hauler Exchange are leading this transformation by bringing shippers and carriers together in a single, trusted environment. The platform eliminates the inefficiencies of endless phone calls, opaque pricing, and broker markups. The next generation of logistics platforms won’t just move cars—they’ll move trust, information, and efficiency forward, creating a smarter, more connected supply chain for everyone involved.
Learn more about Auto Hauler Exchange for carriers and for shippers.
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