How To Find Loads On DAT Load Board | Step-By-Step Guide

Welcome to Guild 22

In this section, the speaker introduces the topic of navigating the DAT load board and aims to guide viewers through booking their first load.

Introduction to DAT Load Board

• The video provides a step-by-step guide on using the DAT load board for booking loads.

• It targets new owner operators and carriers but offers valuable insights even for those with some experience.

• Hidden features within the DAT dashboard have proven lucrative for the speaker, emphasizing their importance.

Overview of DAT Load Board

This part delves into the significance of the DAT load board in the trucking industry, highlighting its vast database and user base.

Importance of DAT Load Board

• DAT is a prominent and extensive load board provider in the US with approximately 850,000 loads posted daily.

• It caters not only to owner operators but also carriers, brokers, and shippers due to its wide reach in the logistics sector.

• Various load board options are available to meet specific needs of different players in the industry.

Navigating Through Load Programs

This segment focuses on understanding different programs offered by DAT and provides guidance on selecting an appropriate program based on individual requirements.

Understanding Load Programs

• A quick guide is presented listing various DAT load programs tailored for owner operators, carriers, and brokers.

• Viewers are encouraged to explore specific programs further on the DAT website or seek clarification by commenting on the video.

Initiating Load Booking Process

Here, practical steps are outlined for initiating load bookings through setting up an account and accessing the chosen program.

Setting Up Account

• After selecting a preferred program like "DAT Power," users need to create an account by providing basic contact details about themselves and their business.

• Signing up enables access to start using the selected load board program efficiently.

Logging into Your Account

This part guides users through logging into their accounts via the DAT website and accessing relevant features for load booking.

Accessing Your Account

• Users can log in by visiting www.dat.com, clicking sign-in at the top right corner, selecting their purchased program (e.g., D80 Power), and entering login credentials.

Detailed Guide to Using Load Boards for Trucking

In this section, the speaker provides a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use load boards for trucking purposes.

Selecting Destination and Date

• Select Las Vegas as the destination or leave it blank for carriers going out of Phoenix.

• Use zones instead of listing individual states by accessing the zone map tool.

• Choose an available date to filter results based on competition routes.

Setting Deadhead Miles and Filters

• Set deadhead miles for origin and destination cities.

• Understand deadhead miles as non-revenue-generating distances.

• Specify trailer length, weight capacity, and search back filter duration.

Filtering Options and Search Results

• Filter by full truckload, partial truckload, or both.

• Adjust weight capacity to match preferences and filter out carriers accordingly.

• Utilize search back filter duration wisely for relevant search results.

Reviewing Matches and Similar Matches

• View exact matches based on set filters followed by similar matches feature explanation.

• Appreciate the importance of different filters in refining search results effectively.

Detailed Guide to Using DAT Load Board

In this section, the speaker provides a detailed guide on using the DAT Load Board, emphasizing the importance of considering similar matches and exact matches when searching for trucks or loads.

Navigating Similar Matches and Exact Matches

• The option to view both exact matches and similar matches on the DAT Load Board is beneficial for users filtering their searches.

• Users can hide similar search results by adjusting settings in the dashboard, but it is recommended to keep this option enabled for a comprehensive search experience.

• Differentiation between highlighted dark gray areas (differences) and filters set by users under similar matches helps in understanding carrier preferences.

Posting Trucks on DAT Load Board

This section focuses on posting trucks on the DAT Load Board, highlighting steps to make trucks visible to brokers and ensuring effective communication channels.

Posting Trucks for Broker Visibility

• Posting trucks as the initial step upon logging into DAT Power ensures visibility to brokers seeking carriers.

• Details like reference ID, contact information, and preferences should be accurately filled out during truck posting.

• Emphasize providing a phone number under contact information for immediate broker communication rather than relying solely on email correspondence.

Enhancing Truck Post Visibility

Tips are provided to enhance truck post visibility and streamline interactions with brokers through additional comments and notifications.

Maximizing Truck Post Reach

• Utilize comments sections to inform brokers about load preferences or contact methods beyond phone numbers.

• Consider turning on bell notifications to stay updated on new matching loads posted by brokers.

• Adjust deadhead miles and load type settings before reviewing potential loads matched with posted trucks.

Optimizing Truck Post Features

The speaker discusses advanced features for optimizing truck posts, including saving preferred routes and refreshing posts for increased visibility.

Advanced Optimization Techniques

• Use the star icon feature to save preferred truck postings for recurring routes like Phoenix, Arizona, to Zone Z7.

How to Use Market Conditions to Negotiate Higher Rates

In this section, the speaker explains how to utilize market conditions on a load board to enhance negotiation power with brokers effectively.

Using Search Loads Page

• Utilize the search loads page at the top for better organization and detailed load viewing.

• Separate tasks for easier workflow and access load details efficiently.

• Differentiate between exact matches and similar matches on the search loads page.

Leveraging Market Conditions Feature

• Access market conditions by clicking on the provided link in your search.

• Market Conditions Index (MCI) offers insights into supply and demand trends in freight markets.

• Consider factors like load to truck ratio, historical trends, post/search behavior for effective decision-making.

Understanding Market Dynamics

• Analyze the heat map provided based on equipment class, area, and time frame selection.

• Red indicates a hot market with more loads than trucks, allowing for higher rate negotiations.

• Blue signifies a weaker position with fewer negotiating opportunities; may need to settle for spot rates.

Negotiating Strategies with Brokers

This segment focuses on practical tips for negotiating higher rates with brokers effectively.

Initiating Negotiations

• Utilize broker-to-carrier spot rate as a reference point but aim for higher rates during negotiations.

• Be assertive in negotiations; don't hesitate to decline offers that do not meet your desired rate.

Overcoming Nervousness

• Acknowledge initial discomfort when negotiating but emphasize the importance of confidence in discussions.