How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- DAT One and Truckstop carry the largest national load pools, but cargo van freight is a smaller share next to dry van and flatbed loads.
- 123Loadboard is the cheapest paid board here, which suits a solo van owner who books a modest number of loads each month.
- Uber Freight, TruckSmarter, and Trucker Path are free to join, so they work well as second boards alongside a paid one.
- GoShare and Curri fit local, same day delivery work with a cargo van, without the authority paperwork that interstate load boards require.
- Check equipment filters, broker credit, and deadhead miles before accepting any load, since a cheap rate on a long empty return can erase the profit.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 DAT One | Largest national load pool | See website | Free trial |
 Truckstop | Broker vetting and instant booking | $42.00 per user/month | Free trial |
 123Loadboard | Budget paid board | $39.00 per user/month | Free trial |
 Uber Freight | Free instant booking | Free | Yes |
 GoShare | Local same day delivery jobs | Free | Yes |
 Curri | Construction and building supply delivery | Free | Yes |
 TruckSmarter | Free board with rate tools | Free | Yes |
 Trucker Path | Free supplemental board | Free | Yes |
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The best app for cargo van loads
Starting priceSee website
Free planFree trial
DAT One is the default load board for most owner operators, and cargo van owners benefit from its size even though most listings target larger equipment. Filtering by cargo van or sprinter equipment narrows the pool, and rate data helps a driver judge whether a posted rate covers fuel, time, and the empty return. The board also shows broker details, which matters when a new carrier is choosing whom to trust.
The cost structure needs a close read. Entry plans are far cheaper than the top tiers, and rate analytics sit on higher plans. A cargo van owner who runs steady regional freight may not need the top tier, while a driver chasing new lanes each week may value the rate data. DAT fits drivers who want the widest choice and who will check rates before calling a broker.
What we like- Largest load and truck network in North America
- RateView lane rate data on higher tiers
- Strong mobile app
- Carrier monitoring tools
Watch out for- Cargo van loads are a smaller share of listings
- Higher tiers cost far more than entry plans
- Per user pricing adds up for small fleets
Starting price$42.00 per user/month
Free planFree trial
Truckstop earns its place through broker vetting. Credit scores, days to pay, and performance data appear before a carrier accepts a load, which reduces the risk of slow payment. Book It Now lets a carrier confirm certain loads without a phone negotiation, which saves time when a good load appears and other drivers are calling too.
Cargo van owners should still filter carefully, since much of the board serves flatbed, hotshot, and dry van freight. The entry plan starts at $42.00 per user per month, with Pro and Premium tiers adding credit data and analytics. Truckstop fits drivers who rank payment safety high and who want to book quickly without repeated calls.
What we like- Broker credit scores and payment history
- Book It Now instant booking
- Modern interface
- Strong flatbed and hotshot coverage
Watch out for- Total volume is smaller than DAT
- Some brokers post on only one board
- Higher tiers rise sharply in price
Starting price$39.00 per user/month
Free planFree trial
123Loadboard starts at $39.00 per user per month for the carrier Standard plan, with Premium plans at $59 and $79 per month. The board includes credit scores and rate checks at entry level, which is useful for a solo driver who cannot justify a premium DAT or Truckstop tier. Load alerts, bidding, and messaging keep the workflow in one place.
The pool is smaller, so a driver in a thin freight area may still need a second board. As a primary board for a budget conscious cargo van owner, or as a backup to DAT, 123Loadboard is a sensible pick. It fits drivers who book a modest number of loads each month and want credit checks without a high monthly fee.
What we like- Lowest entry price among paid boards here
- Carrier credit scores included
- Rate check tools
- Load alerts and messaging
Watch out for- Smaller freight pool than DAT or Truckstop
- Fewer advanced analytics
- Some loads also appear on larger boards
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Uber Freight lets carriers search, book, and manage loads from a phone, with upfront pricing shown before booking. There is no subscription fee for carriers, which makes it an easy second board to check alongside a paid one. Digital paperwork and tracking reduce the phone and fax work that still appears on some traditional boards.
The limit is supply. Uber Freight freight concentrates in certain lanes and markets, and cargo van loads appear less often than full truckload freight. A van owner in a strong Uber Freight market can book steady work, while a driver elsewhere may see few suitable loads. Uber Freight fits drivers who want free, instant booking and who check it daily for new postings.
What we like- Free to join for carriers
- Instant booking on many loads
- Upfront pricing on booked loads
- Digital documents and tracking
Watch out for- Smaller load pool than DAT
- Cargo van and sprinter freight varies by market
- App based workflow suits some drivers more than others
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
GoShare connects independent delivery professionals with businesses and people who need local moving and delivery help. Cargo vans are a central vehicle type, used for items such as furniture, appliances, and building materials that need dry, enclosed transport. Drivers receive alerts for jobs near them, accept the ones they want, and get paid through the platform within a few business days.
This is gig style local work, not interstate freight. A driver needs a background check and a vehicle inspection, but not the motor carrier authority that interstate load boards require. GoShare fits cargo van owners who want local work, flexible hours, and same day jobs, especially in larger metro areas where job volume is higher.
What we like- Cargo van is a core vehicle type
- Local same day and scheduled jobs
- Platform handles payment and cargo cover
- No interstate authority needed for local gig work
Watch out for- Work is local, not interstate linehaul
- Job supply varies by city
- Earnings depend on job type and distance, not a set rate
#6
Curri
Best for: Construction and building supply delivery
Visit curri.com
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Curri serves construction, industrial, and building supply delivery, where suppliers need same day runs to job sites. Cargo vans suit many of these loads, since materials such as tools, parts, and fixtures fit enclosed van space and need quick, local delivery. Drivers use the app to accept jobs and track deliveries.
The niche focus cuts both ways. In cities with strong construction activity, Curri can provide steady local work. In smaller markets, job volume may be thin. Curri fits cargo van owners near building supply hubs who want repeat local runs rather than one off interstate loads.
What we like- Focus on construction and industrial supply
- Same day delivery demand from suppliers
- Cargo van friendly loads
- Driver app with job alerts
Watch out for- Niche market, so coverage varies by city
- Work depends on local supplier demand
- Less useful for general freight or long haul
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
TruckSmarter gives carriers a free load board with rate guidance, which makes it a useful check before accepting a load found elsewhere. The app focuses on a clean mobile search, and brokers can post loads free, which helps supply. For a cargo van owner, the free price means there is no downside to checking it alongside a paid board.
The trade-off is depth. Broker vetting and lane analytics are thinner than on Truckstop or DAT, so a driver should still check broker credit before hauling for an unknown broker. TruckSmarter fits drivers who want a free second board and a quick rate sanity check on every load.
What we like- Free for carriers to search loads
- Rate tools and fuel insights
- Simple mobile workflow
- Brokers can post free, which adds supply
Watch out for- Smaller pool than DAT
- Fewer vetting tools than Truckstop
- Rate data is less deep than DAT RateView
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Trucker Path started as a truck stop and parking app, and its load board now gives carriers a free way to search freight. The app also helps with parking, fuel, and weigh stations, which makes it a handy daily tool for a working driver. As a load source, it works best as a supplement to a paid board or to Uber Freight.
A cargo van owner should not rely on Trucker Path alone in a slow market, since the pool is thinner than DAT or Truckstop. As a free backup that also handles trip planning, it earns its place on the phone. It fits drivers who want one app for loads plus roadside planning, and who check several boards before booking.
What we like- Free load search for carriers
- Large driver community and truck stop data
- Mobile first design
- Useful as a backup board
Watch out for- Load depth is thinner than paid boards
- Fewer broker tools
- Best as a supplement, not a sole source
How we chose
We compared vendor pricing pages, carrier documentation, and public reviews from drivers on G2, Capterra, and Reddit, and we checked each board for cargo van or sprinter equipment filters, broker vetting, and rate tools. We favored boards that a cargo van owner can actually use, including free boards and local delivery apps, rather than listing only large truck boards. We also weighed the honest limit of each option, such as a small cargo van pool on a national board or thin local supply on a niche app, because that limit decides whether a driver finds work on a given day.
How to find steady cargo van work
Cargo van freight rewards drivers who check several sources, know their costs, and protect their return trip. A single board rarely covers every day.
Run one paid board plus two free boards
Pick the paid board that fits your budget and market, then check Uber Freight and TruckSmarter or Trucker Path each morning. Post your truck with your location, equipment, and availability, since brokers also search for vans. Set load alerts for your home area and for the cities you run to most, so new postings reach you before other drivers call.
Price the whole trip, not one leg
Before accepting a load, add fuel, tolls, and time for the loaded miles plus the empty miles back to freight. A rate that looks strong on the outbound leg can lose money if the destination has little van freight. Check return lane rates on the same board, and be ready to decline a load that leaves you stranded in a dead market.
Vet the broker every time
Check broker credit, days to pay, and recent reviews before hauling for a new broker, even on a board with vetting tools. Confirm the rate, detention terms, and payment timing in writing before pickup. A fast booking is worth little if payment takes months or never arrives.
Mix interstate boards with local delivery apps
Interstate boards suit longer runs and higher revenue per load, while GoShare and Curri suit local days and gaps between longer trips. A driver who mixes both can fill a slow board day with local delivery jobs, and a local driver can use a board for a longer run when local demand dips. Keep both profiles active, and track which source produces the best return per hour in your market.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need motor carrier authority to use a load board?
For interstate freight booked through DAT, Truckstop, or 123Loadboard, yes, in most cases you need active motor carrier authority and insurance that meets broker requirements. Local delivery apps such as GoShare and Curri use a different model, where drivers work as independent contractors under the platform. Check the requirements for each platform before signing up.
What is the best free app for cargo van loads?
Uber Freight is the strongest free national option, with instant booking and no carrier subscription. TruckSmarter and Trucker Path are also free and work well as backup boards. For local work, GoShare is free to join and lists cargo van jobs directly, though job supply varies by city.
How much does a load board cost per month?
Entry carrier plans in this guide start at $39.00 per user per month for 123Loadboard and $42.00 per user per month for Truckstop, while DAT pricing varies by plan and is shown on the vendor site. Higher tiers with rate analytics and monitoring cost far more. Free boards cost nothing to join, but they usually offer a smaller load pool.
Can a cargo van run loads from DAT or Truckstop?
Yes, if you filter by cargo van or sprinter equipment and meet the broker insurance and authority requirements. Cargo van freight is a smaller share of these boards than dry van or flatbed freight, so results vary by lane and market. Drivers in large metro areas and near distribution hubs tend to see more van loads.
Is GoShare or a load board better for a cargo van owner?
GoShare suits local, same day work with flexible hours and no interstate authority, while a load board suits longer interstate runs with higher revenue per load. Many van owners use both: a board for linehaul days and GoShare or Curri for local days. The better choice depends on your city, your authority status, and whether you prefer local or regional work.
How do I avoid deadhead miles with a cargo van?
Check return freight before accepting an outbound load, and favor lanes where both directions carry van freight. Post your truck in the destination city as soon as you accept a load, and set alerts for that area. If return freight is scarce, raise your outbound rate to cover the empty return, or decline the load and wait for a better lane.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.dat.com
- https://truckstop.com
- https://www.123loadboard.com
- https://www.uberfreight.com
- https://goshare.co
- https://www.curri.com
- https://trucksmarter.com
- https://truckerpath.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.