Trucker Path Loads vs DAT: Free vs Premium Load Board
Trucker Path
Average Score
DAT
Average Score
Category Breakdown
Load Volume
DAT winsDAT's load volume dwarfs Trucker Path's freight offerings. DAT processes hundreds of millions of loads annually from thousands of brokers and shippers. Trucker Path's load board is a secondary feature of an app primarily known for truck stop data, and the load inventory is significantly smaller. For consistent load availability on any lane, DAT is not close to matched.
Pricing
Trucker Path winsTrucker Path offers free load searching as part of its app, with optional premium features at a low monthly cost. DAT subscriptions range from $50 to $200+ per month. For truckers who occasionally need to find loads but have established customer relationships, Trucker Path's free option eliminates a recurring expense entirely.
Rate Data
DAT winsDAT's rate analytics with RateView provide detailed historical and real-time market rates that are essential for rate negotiation. Trucker Path provides basic rate information but lacks the historical depth, lane-specific trends, and market forecasting that make DAT's data actionable for maximizing revenue per load.
Additional Features
Trucker Path winsTrucker Path offers valuable non-load-board features including real-time truck stop data, parking availability, fuel prices, weigh station alerts, and a large trucker community. DAT is focused purely on freight matching and rate data. As an all-in-one trucking companion app, Trucker Path provides more diverse utility beyond load finding.
Broker Quality
DAT winsDAT's broker network is larger and generally includes more established, reputable brokerages with verified credit history. Trucker Path's load postings can include less-vetted freight sources. For carriers concerned about broker payment reliability and professional standards, DAT's broker ecosystem is more trustworthy overall.
Score Summary
| Category | Trucker Path | DAT | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load Volume | 68 | 95 | DAT |
| Pricing | 92 | 65 | Trucker Path |
| Rate Data | 55 | 94 | DAT |
| Additional Features | 86 | 78 | Trucker Path |
| Broker Quality | 70 | 88 | DAT |
| Overall Average | 74 | 84 | DAT |
Our Verdict
DAT wins decisively for any trucker who depends on load boards for finding freight. Its load volume, rate data, and broker quality are simply in a different league. If load boards are central to your business model, the subscription cost is a necessary business expense.
Trucker Path is not really competing with DAT as a load board — it is a trucker companion app with free load access as a bonus feature. Its real value lies in truck stop data, parking, and community features. Using Trucker Path alongside DAT gives you the best of both worlds.
The one scenario where Trucker Path's load board is sufficient: if you have dedicated customers and only occasionally need a load board to fill deadhead or gaps. In that case, free is hard to argue against.
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Published March 24, 2026