How to Read a Load Board Posting
What every field in a freight load board listing means — origin and destination, miles, rate, weight, equipment type, post age, broker details, and the credit score that tells you whether a broker pays.
Load board postings look like a wall of numbers and abbreviations. Once you know what each field means, you can scan dozens of postings quickly and identify which ones are worth a call. Here’s what you’re looking at.
The Core Fields in a Load Board Posting
Origin and Destination
The pickup city/state (or zip code) and delivery city/state. Some postings show exact addresses; many show just the metro area until you call the broker.
What to consider:
- Is the pickup within a reasonable drive of your current location?
- Does the destination put you somewhere with return freight (or are you deadheading back from a freight dead zone)?
- What are the pickup and delivery appointment windows? A load that requires you to be at pickup in 4 hours when you’re 6 hours away isn’t a real option.
Miles
The distance between pickup and delivery. This is usually loaded miles — point to point on the primary route. It doesn’t include your deadhead to get to the pickup.
Watch for significant underestimates. Some platforms calculate miles differently, and actual driving distance can vary from the posted miles depending on routes, DOT preferred routes, and restrictions.
Rate
The freight rate, usually shown as total load revenue or rate per mile (RPM). Postings can show:
- Total rate: “$2,400 all-in” — gross freight revenue for the load
- Rate per mile: “$2.15/mi” — multiply by miles for total revenue
- Base rate + FSC: Some postings separate the freight rate from the fuel surcharge
Always clarify what’s included before finalizing. See Rate Per Mile Explained for how to evaluate whether a rate works for your operation.
Weight and Commodity
Weight: Gross weight of the freight. Confirm your combination (truck + trailer + freight) doesn’t exceed your registered weight limits for IRP or state legal limits.
Commodity: What’s being shipped. Common types:
- General freight: Typical dry van goods
- Food grade: Requires specific trailer cleanliness certification
- Hazmat: Requires hazmat endorsement on CDL and hazmat placard
- Oversized/overweight: Requires permits and possibly escort vehicles
- Refrigerated (reefer): Requires refrigeration equipment
Don’t accept a commodity you’re not equipped or endorsed to haul.
Equipment Type
What trailer the shipper requires:
- V or Van: Dry van
- R or Reefer: Refrigerated trailer
- F or Flat: Flatbed
- SD: Step deck
- RGN: Removable gooseneck
- Tanker: Liquid or bulk tanker
Only accept loads matching your equipment. Trying to haul reefer freight in a dry van isn’t an option.
Pickup and Delivery Dates and Times
PU: Pickup date/time (sometimes shown as a window: “M 0600-1600” = Monday between 6am and 4pm) DEL or DL: Delivery date/time or window
Confirm whether the times are appointments (you must arrive at a specific time) or windows (any time in the range). Appointment freight has stricter consequences for late arrival.
Post Age
How long ago the load was posted. Many load board platforms show this as hours and minutes since posting.
A 4-hour-old posting in a well-covered lane may be gone when you call. A 2-day-old posting in a difficult lane may still be available. Post age gives context — call and confirm availability before planning your schedule around a load.
Broker Information
Broker name and contact: Who posted the load, and how to call or message them about it.
Credit score / payment score: Most load boards display a broker credit or payment rating — a score or letter grade based on payment speed and consistency. DAT uses a 1–100 credit score; some boards use A-F letter grades; others show days-to-pay averages.
This is important information. A broker with a low credit score is a risk. See Broker Credit Checks for how to interpret broker ratings before booking.
Days-to-pay: Some boards show average days to payment. 25 days is fast; 60+ days means you’re waiting longer (or need factoring to bridge the gap).
Common Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FTL | Full Truckload |
| LTL | Less Than Truckload |
| DH | Deadhead miles (to pickup) |
| FSC | Fuel Surcharge |
| RPM | Rate Per Mile |
| OD | Oversize/Overdimensional load |
| HH | Hazardous materials |
| PP | Partial load |
| FP | Full payload |
| TONU | Truck Order Not Used (load cancelled by broker) |
Specific abbreviations vary by platform. DAT and Truckstop.com both have glossaries in their help documentation.
What to Do When You Find a Load You Want
- Verify the post age is recent enough that the load is likely still available
- Check the broker credit score before calling
- Confirm the miles and rate make sense for your cost structure
- Call the broker, ask specifically about the load reference number
- Have your MC number, equipment details, and availability ready
- If they book you, ask for the rate confirmation immediately
- Review the rate confirmation before signing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'FP' or 'TP' mean in a load board posting?
'FP' typically means Full Payload or Full Truckload Posted — the broker is looking for a full truck. 'TP' sometimes means Team Priority — the broker prefers team drivers. Load board abbreviations vary by platform; check the specific board's legend or documentation.
What is the difference between the 'rate' shown and what I'll actually receive?
The rate shown may be the all-in rate, or it may be the base rate before fuel surcharge (FSC) is added. Some postings show RPM (rate per mile); others show total load revenue. Always confirm the exact rate and what's included before accepting. The rate confirmation document is the binding number.
How old is too old for a load board posting?
Load board postings that are more than a few hours old in a hot market may already be covered. In slower markets, loads can sit for days. Post age is shown in most listings. A load posted 18 hours ago in a well-covered lane may still be available but call and confirm before planning your route.