Direct Freight

Direct Freight is a load-matching service for carriers searching loads posted mainly by brokers, with some direct-shipper freight. It is strongest for carriers who want search and truck-posting tools on web and mobile, and who may benefit from paid credit and rate tools. Occasional users can start free; regular users should weigh unlimited searches against the fact that most listings omit pay rates.

Overview

Direct Freight combines a load board with carrier-focused tools. Carriers can search for loads, post trucks and receive matching alerts, with mileage and maps included even on the free plan. The board’s breadth is tempered by two practical limitations: a listing can remain after the load is gone, and the poster sets the rate, which is absent from most postings.

Key features

Direct Freight says thousands of loads are available daily, and its Driver app searches more than 300,000 loads daily. Those figures indicate reach, not guaranteed availability: brokers and shippers must update their own listings, so carriers should confirm a load before planning around it. Most postings are for 48- or 53-foot trailers, though partial and LTL loads are also represented.

Matching alerts, truck posting, mileage and maps are available on every tier. The free plan’s three daily searches make it suitable for occasional checking, but not for a carrier who needs to scan the board continuously. Basic Carrier removes that search cap.

Enhanced Carrier adds credit scores, days to pay, full credit reports, heat and density maps, and a profit calculator with reports. These features make the tier more useful to carriers assessing counterparties and route economics, though credit information cannot make an unavailable load current.

Professional Carrier adds current and historical freight rates, toll costs, high and low rate ranges, saved rate lanes, and teams and multiuser management. Direct Freight’s lane pricing tool uses millions of load records to provide spot-market rates for thousands of lanes. Rate context can help with planning, but it is not a substitute for confirming the poster’s actual pay: most listings have no rate, and the broker or shipper determines it.

The company names McLeod Software, Aljex Software, the Transportation Intermediaries Association, MercuryGate, Trimble, Freight Management Systems and PostOnce.Net as partners. Its privacy statement says it uses SSL and encryption to protect personal information, while cautioning that internet data security cannot be guaranteed. Support is available by phone at 888-894-4198 and email at [email protected], Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm CST.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing, billed free forever. It includes three load searches per day, truck posting, matching alerts, the iOS and Android app, mileage and maps. That is a useful entry point for light use, but the daily search cap is restrictive for active dispatching.

Basic Carrier costs $39 a month, billed 15 days for $1, then $39.00/month. It keeps the free plan’s posting, alerts, app, mileage and maps while allowing unlimited load searches. It is the sensible paid starting point for carriers who search regularly but do not need credit or rate analysis.

Enhanced Carrier costs $49 a month, billed 15 days for $1, then $49.00/month. For $10 more per month than Basic, it adds credit scores, days to pay, full credit reports, heat and density maps, and profit calculations and reports. Choose it when counterparty checks and route profitability matter to the operation.

Professional Carrier costs $69 a month, billed 15 days for $1, then $69.00/month. It includes Enhanced features plus freight rates, toll costs, high and low rate ranges, saved lanes, and team and multiuser management. This is the plan for carriers who can use rate comparisons and shared access; a solo carrier who mainly needs searches may not need the extra cost.

Paid tiers begin with a 15-day $1 period, then renew monthly at the stated price. There is no contract, but accounts renew until canceled; cancellation must be requested before the next billing date to avoid another charge.

Platforms

Direct Freight is available on web, Android and iOS. The mobile app is included across plans, so free and paid users can search and use the core tools away from a desktop.

Who it's for

Direct Freight fits owner-operators and carrier teams that want a searchable load board, truck posting and alerts, with optional paid tools for credit review, lane economics and multiuser work. It is less compelling for carriers who need every listing to show a rate or who cannot spend time confirming that a posted load is still open. The free tier suits occasional searches; frequent board users will need Basic or above to remove the daily search limit.

Pros and cons

Free access includes useful basics: truck posting, matching alerts, mileage, maps and mobile apps accompany the three daily searches.

Paid tiers build in practical steps: unlimited searches start at $39 a month, followed by credit tools and then lane rates, tolls and team management.

Load currency requires follow-up: listings can persist after a load is taken because the poster must update them.

Most loads lack a posted rate: carriers may have to contact the broker or shipper before deciding whether a trip works.

Search capacity is limited on Free: three searches per day may not be enough for active load hunting.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison of options, see Load Board Software.

Doft Load Board is worth considering for owner-operators and small fleets who want unlimited load searching on a free carrier plan.

LoadBetter offers free broker and carrier plans, a possible fit for users seeking a free alternative.

BulkLoads has a free Load Board plan with forum, washout search, multiple users, app access and load search; its Load Board Pro is a paid option.

Carrier 360 by J.B. Hunt is free for approved carriers, though some loads are not eligible for instant booking.

Carrier First Management offers a free broker plan with load postings, quote and bid management, carrier communication, invoicing and document management.

FreightLink is free for approved members and includes API access.

RXO Connect is a free carrier and representative service intended for commercial or business use in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

123Loadboard is a paid alternative with a Standard plan at $39 a month, unlimited load searching and truck posting, web and mobile access, real-time updates and load alerts.

Verdict

Direct Freight is a good fit for carriers who want web and mobile load search with a free entry tier and a clear progression into credit, rate and team tools. Its main advantage is that users can begin without paying and add capabilities as their needs grow. Look elsewhere if posted rates and reliably current availability are essential: most loads omit pay, and stale listings require confirmation.