Understanding load details

5 minute to read

After running a search for loads on DAT One, the website will display a list of results that match your search criteria. Click on a specific load to view more details

1 Load information

• Trip: refers to the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations. In the given example, the trip covers a distance of 771 miles from Fort Worth, TX to Denver, CO. To view the route on a map, simply click on  icon.
• Origin: refers to the specific location where the load is to be picked up. In the given example, the origin is Fort Worth, TX. The number specified within parentheses denotes the deadhead mileage, which is the distance a truck travels without carrying any cargo to the pickup location. In this scenario, I conducted a load search with Dallas, TX as my specified origin. As a result, I would have to deadhead 34 miles as deadhead mileage to pick up the load in Fort Worth, TX.
• Date: refers to the date the loads need to be picked up. In our example, it is April 6th.
• Load: this specifies whether this a Full truckload or a Partial trucload.
• Truck: this section displays the type of equipment required to haul the load. For example, dry van, flatbed, or reefer.
• Length: refers to the length of the trailer needed to haul this load.
• Weight: refers to the cargo weight in lbs.
• Commodity: displays the type of commodity that is being transported. Brokers may leave this section blank. When that happens, you will have to contact the broker to find out.
• Reference ID: (or load ID) is a convenient identifier brokers use when booking a load. If you (the carrier) need to inquire about a load with a broker, just provide them with the Reference ID and they can easily locate the load in their system. Some brokers may leave this section blank, but if you provide the origin and destination of the load when you call them, they will be able to quickly identify which load you are referring to.

2 Rate information

• Rate:

  • Total: refers to the total amount the broker is willing to pay for the load. You can negotiate the rate when you call the broker. If this section is left blank by a broker, it may indicate their desire to negotiate the rate.
  • Trip: refers to the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations.
  • Rate / mile this is the Rate (total amount) divided by the trip mileage. Knowing the rater per mile can be helpful for budgeting and understanding your costs.

• Market Rates: the content of this section will differ depending on the level of subscription you have. For instance, if you have a standard subscription to DAT One, you will not have access to market rates information.

  • Spot Rate: also known as spot market rates, are the prices that carriers charge for transporting goods on a one-time basis. These rates are determined by the current supply and demand of available shipping capacity, as well as other market factors such as fuel prices, weather conditions, and the overall health of the economy. Spot rates are typically higher than contract rates, as they reflect the immediacy and urgency of the shipment.
  • Contract Rate: are pre-negotiated prices between shippers and carriers that cover a set period of time, often ranging from several months to a year or more. These rates are agreed upon in advance, and are typically based on factors such as the volume and frequency of shipments, the type of goods being transported, and the distance between origin and destination. Contract rates are generally lower than spot rates, as they offer carriers more stability and predictability in their operations.
  • For more information on how DAT obtains these rates, please click Here

3 Company information

The section displays:

• Company name
• Phone number
• MC#
• Office location
• Reviews stars rating: These reviews are submitted by carriers who have conducted business with this company. To read all reviews, simply click on icon and select Read All Reviews.
• Credit Score: refers to the credit score of the broker and is provided by Ansonia, a credit reporting company.
• Days to pay: indicates the average number of days it takes for a broker to pay the carrier after delivering the load. This information is also provided by Ansonia

4 Book

To book the load, click the BOOK button when you're ready. Please note that some brokers may choose to complete the booking via their website, in which case clicking the BOOK button will redirect you to their website. However, other brokers may not have this option available for their loads. If this is the case, you will need to contact the broker and book the load over the phone.

5 Save As...

This feature enables you to store a load for future reference. You can mark a load as:

• Saved,
• Booked,
• Or called

Once you finish, the load will be displayed under My Loads.

6 Load Resources

• DAT Assurance: Assurance from DAT One helps carriers collect past due freight payments and keep their businesses running smoothly.
• Per Load Insurance: DAT Freight & Analytics has partnered with Loadsure, an all-risk digital insurance solution that operates on a pay-as-you-go basis.

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