FlatLoads vs LoadMatch

FlatLoads is a load board and online community for flatbed and open deck freight, connecting carriers, owner-operators, brokers, and shippers. It is available on the web, Android, and iOS. The free plan lets members browse load and truck boards, use the forum, and post a truck or classified. Listings cover flatbed, step deck, removable gooseneck, double drop, lowboy, B-train, Conestoga, and hotshot equipment; each load includes dimensions, weight, tarping responsibility, and securement requirements. Carrier memberships add direct contact details, text and push lane alerts, broker ratings and pay history, filters, and truck posting. The Carrier plan is $29.99 a month. Shipper and Broker memberships cost $99 a month and include unlimited load posting, carrier search and broadcast, vetting, direct messaging, and posting performance reporting. The service also has member ratings and broker pay-speed history. One account works across FlatLoads and several related services. Memberships are month to month, have no application fee or annual commitment, and can be cancelled at the end of the paid period.

LoadMatch connects buyers and sellers of intermodal and import/export transportation services across North America, matching loads with truck capacity, intermodal equipment, and terminal locations. Its customers include freight forwarders, brokers, intermodal marketing companies, beneficial owners, motor carriers, and equipment suppliers. Members can post availability through a web form, batch file, FTP, or a direct connection; both free and paid members can also post from dispatch software. Batch uploads support text, Excel, and Access files, with XML accepted and tab-delimited text preferred. The free plan allows posting loads, equipment or power, and jobs, but excludes viewing loads and equipment and receiving email alerts. Paid membership costs $600 a year and adds full access and visibility, alerts, load and equipment viewing, and a company logo and directory link. New paid-account customers receive a 30 day free trial. LoadMatch says there is no contract and members can cancel at any time, but payments are non-refundable after payment. It is a web service, and the company was incorporated in 1999.