DAT Freight & Analytics Expands Load Board with 8 New Vehicle Categories
Major update includes Sprinter vans, box trucks, and power-only options to serve growing specialized freight segment
DAT Freight & Analytics Expands Load Board with 8 New Vehicle Categories
DAT Freight & Analytics, one of North America's largest load board operators, has announced a significant expansion of its DAT One platform with eight new load and equipment categories, making it easier for carriers with specialized vehicles to find freight opportunities.
New Categories Added
The expansion includes:
- Sprinter-Style Cargo Vans: High-roof cargo vans for expedited and last-mile delivery
- Box Trucks: Straight trucks ranging from 16-26 feet
- Power-Only Loads: Trailer-only freight for carriers with tractors
- Temperature-Controlled Sprinters: Refrigerated cargo van capacity
- Liftgate-Equipped Vehicles: For locations without loading docks
- Small Straight Trucks: Under 16-foot box trucks
- Cargo Van Expedited: Time-sensitive cargo van freight
- Specialized Box Trucks: Including hazmat and high-value cargo
Why This Matters
The addition of these categories reflects the growing diversity in the freight transportation market. With the boom in e-commerce and last-mile delivery, demand for smaller, more agile vehicles has surged.
"We're seeing exponential growth in demand for specialized vehicle types beyond traditional Class 8 trucks," explained a DAT spokesperson. "This update ensures our platform serves the full spectrum of freight transportation needs."
Benefits for Carriers and Brokers
For Carriers:
- Better visibility into freight that matches their specific equipment
- Reduced competition from mismatched vehicle types
- More accurate rate benchmarking for specialized equipment
- Improved load-to-truck matching efficiency
For Brokers:
- Faster carrier sourcing for specialized freight
- Access to previously underserved vehicle segments
- Better coverage for last-mile and final-delivery needs
- Reduced time searching across multiple platforms
Market Trends Driving Change
The expansion aligns with several key industry trends:
- E-Commerce Growth: Continued demand for final-mile delivery solutions
- Supply Chain Fragmentation: More diverse shipping requirements
- Owner-Operator Diversity: Growing number of carriers with specialized equipment
- Power-Only Surge: Increased demand for drop-and-hook operations
Impact on the Load Board Industry
This move by DAT is expected to prompt competitors to expand their own offerings. Industry analysts suggest that load boards that don't adapt to serve specialized vehicle segments risk losing market share.
The update is already live on the DAT One platform and available to all users at no additional cost. DAT has also updated its mobile app to include the new categories, ensuring drivers can access specialized freight opportunities on the go.
For the thousands of owner-operators and small fleets running cargo vans and box trucks, this development opens up new opportunities to find freight more efficiently and compete more effectively in their segments.
