A fair side-by-side look at DAT One and Truckstop plans, rate tools and broker checks, with tips by truck type and a free load board you can add to either one.
DAT One and Truckstop are both paid load boards, and neither is better for everyone. DAT One is known for one of the largest load networks in the U.S. and detailed lane rate data on its higher plans, while Truckstop stands out for broker ratings, separate dry van, reefer and heavy haul boards, and a lot of carrier tools on its entry plan. Many carriers pick the one that fits their lanes and add a free load board for extra freight.
Key takeaways
- Both boards charge a monthly subscription with several plans, and neither lists a free plan.
- DAT One's rate data gets more detailed as you move up its plans, and higher plans add TriHaul routing and protection for unpaid freight.
- Truckstop's plans add broker ratings, Book It Now, rate insights and broker credit as you move up.
- A free load board works well next to either one, especially for new carriers watching costs.
DAT One at a glance
DAT has been in the load board business for decades, and DAT One is its carrier platform. Getloaded and Truckers Edge are now part of it.
- Pricing model: paid monthly subscription. Plans run from Standard and Enhanced for single trucks up to Pro, Select and Office for growing fleets.
- Rate data: average spot rates for the lanes you search, with more recent and more detailed rates on higher plans.
- Routing tools: TriHaul suggests three-leg trips to avoid weak markets, starting on the Pro plan.
- Payment protection: Pro and higher plans include DAT Assurance credit for freight that goes unpaid.
- Teams: the Office plan adds workgroups and group postings for fleets with several users.
- Mobile app: the DAT One app is included with every plan.
Truckstop at a glance
Truckstop is the other long-running paid board. It sells Basic, Advanced and Pro plans, plus separate boards for dry van, reefer and heavy haul.
- Pricing model: paid monthly subscription. A non-refundable application fee applies, credited to your first month if you're approved.
- Basic plan: load search, truck posting, an authority age filter, backhaul search, Canadian loads, broker factorability data and a free TMS.
- Advanced plan: adds broker ratings, Report a Broker and Book It Now.
- Pro plan: adds Rate Insights, an RPM heat map, load alerts, broker credit and days to pay.
- Mobile app: Truckstop Go for iPhone and Android.
DAT vs Truckstop side by side
- Cost: both are paid monthly. Truckstop adds a one-time application fee that's credited back if you're approved. Compare current prices on each site, since plans change.
- Load volume: DAT is widely seen as having one of the largest networks. Truckstop is also large and is strong in heavy haul with its own dedicated board.
- Rate data: DAT's lane rates improve with each plan. Truckstop's Rate Insights and RPM heat map come with Pro.
- Broker checks: Truckstop's Advanced plan adds broker ratings, and Pro adds credit and days to pay. DAT includes payment protection on higher plans.
- Booking: both offer instant booking on some loads.
- Best fit: DAT suits carriers who rely on rate data and routing tools. Truckstop suits carriers who want broker ratings and a dedicated heavy haul board.
For a wider view, see our list of the 30 best load boards for truckers in 2026.
A free alternative to add to either board
A paid board doesn't have to be your only source of loads. Just Tracking is a free load board with 250,000+ daily loads across 74+ equipment types and no subscription. What you get without paying:
- The broker's credit score, days to pay and minimum authority age on every load.
- Instant chat with the broker from any load, with the load details attached automatically.
- Rate offers on any load and load alerts on the web or in the driver app.
- Free load tracking and trip tools for your drivers.
Many carriers keep one paid board for rate data and use a free board to find extra loads and check brokers. If you want to try boards without paying first, our guide to the best free load board in the USA walks through the options.
Which load board should you choose?
New authority or tight budget
Start with free boards and broker apps, then add a paid plan once you know your lanes. Watch each load's minimum authority age so you don't waste calls on loads you can't book yet.
Heavy haul, flatbed and specialized
Truckstop's dedicated heavy haul board is worth a look. Also check free flatbed loads to fill gaps between runs.
Rate-focused owner-operators
If you negotiate hard and plan around market rates, DAT's higher plans with detailed lane rates and TriHaul can pay for themselves.
Small fleets with several trucks
Compare DAT's Select and Office plans with Truckstop Pro, and look at how each handles multiple users and broker checks.
How to tell if a paid board is worth it
A subscription is a business expense, so judge it like one. Give any new board at least a full month before you decide, and keep simple notes as you go.
- Count the loads you book from it. If a board brings you only one or two loads a month, a free board may cover the same freight.
- Compare its rates with your costs. A load only helps if the rate per mile beats your real cost per mile. Our guide on calculating your operating cost per mile shows how to find that number.
- Use the tools you pay for. Set up saved searches, load alerts and broker filters on day one, or you are paying for features you never use.
- Track how fast brokers pay. A board that shows credit and days to pay can save you more than its monthly price if it helps you avoid one bad broker.
Whatever board you use, check the broker
A paid subscription doesn't protect you from a broker who doesn't pay or a scammer using a real broker's name. Before you book, check authority, the bond, contact details, credit and days to pay with our 7 broker checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DAT better than Truckstop?
Neither is better for every carrier. DAT is known for its large network and rate data, while Truckstop offers broker ratings and a dedicated heavy haul board. The right one depends on your equipment, lanes and budget.
Can I use DAT and Truckstop at the same time?
Yes. Some carriers pay for both, but most small carriers choose one paid board and add free boards and broker apps to cover the rest.
Is there a free alternative to DAT?
Yes. Free load boards let you search loads from many brokers without a subscription, and some show broker credit and days to pay on every load. Broker apps like Amazon Relay and Uber Freight are also free, but only show their own freight.
Do DAT and Truckstop show broker credit scores?
Both offer broker credit information depending on the plan. On Truckstop, credit and days to pay come with the Pro plan.
Do DAT and Truckstop offer free trials?
Neither lists a free plan on its pricing page. Check each site for current offers before you subscribe.
Try a free load board today
Before you commit to a subscription, see how many loads you can find for free. Sign up for Just Tracking and search 250,000+ daily loads with broker credit and days to pay on every load.
