What Is a Freight Exchange? How It Works and Why Use One
Learn how freight exchanges work, how shippers find carriers and carriers find loads, what to check for safety, and how to choose the right platform.
What Is a Freight Exchange? How It Works and Why Use One
A freight exchange (also called a load board or transport exchange) is an online platform where shippers and freight forwarders find carriers, while carriers find loads or offer their available truck space. It helps both sides connect without spending hours on phone calls, emails, and messages.
Got an empty truck heading back from a delivery? Or a shipment that needs a carrier? That's exactly where a freight exchange can help.
And there's a good reason these platforms exist. According to Eurostat, 21.8% of road freight vehicle-kilometres in the EU were driven empty in 2025.
Let's look at how freight exchanges work, what they offer, and how to choose one that actually makes your job easier.
How Does a Freight Exchange Work?
The process is usually pretty simple:
- Post a load or available truck space. Shippers share their transport requirements, while carriers can advertise available capacity.
- Find a match. Carriers look for loads that fit their routes and vehicles. Shippers search for suitable carriers.
- Agree on the transport. Both sides discuss the price, pickup and delivery details, and payment terms.
On a typical freight exchange, shippers and carriers agree on the transport directly. Unlike a traditional freight broker, the platform doesn't necessarily organise the shipment on their behalf.
What's in It for Shippers and Carriers?
| For Shippers & Forwarders | For Carriers |
|---|---|
| Find carriers beyond your usual contacts | Find new loads and potential customers |
| Compare transport offers | Find loads for return journeys |
| Search by route and vehicle type | Advertise available truck capacity |
| Check carrier details and documents | Reduce time spent looking for work |
| Keep transport communication organised | Build direct relationships with shippers |
For carriers: The biggest advantage is finding relevant loads without constantly calling around, especially when a truck has available space or needs a return load.
For shippers: It's having more options when you need transport, without searching for available carriers one by one.
Of course, the experience depends on the platform, its carrier network, and the features it offers.
Different Types of Freight Exchanges
Not every freight exchange works the same way.
- Open freight exchanges: Registered users can browse available loads or capacity, depending on the platform's access rules.
- Private freight exchanges: Companies share transport opportunities with selected carriers or trusted partners.
- Freight marketplaces with matching: Shippers enter their transport requirements, and the platform helps identify carriers that match the route and vehicle type.
What about pricing?
Some platforms charge monthly subscriptions, others charge commissions, and some offer free access to certain users.
Before signing up, check exactly what you're paying for and whether the platform covers the routes you actually use.
Are Freight Exchanges Safe?
Freight exchanges can help you find new business partners, but it's important to know who you're working with.
A company profile or registration number alone doesn't guarantee that a carrier is legitimate.
Before arranging transport with a new partner:
- Check the company: Confirm its registration details and contact information.
- Verify transport licences: Check that the carrier holds the licences required for the planned transport.
- Check insurance: Ask for valid insurance documents and confirm the coverage. Read our CMR insurance guide to understand the carrier's liability.
- Confirm contact details independently: Use an official company contact rather than relying only on information provided in a message.
For EU businesses, you can also use the European Commission's VIES service to check VAT registration for cross-border trade. Remember, a valid VAT number alone doesn't prove that a carrier is trustworthy.
One more tip: Agree on payment terms before loading, and keep the transport details in writing.
How to Choose the Right Freight Exchange
Before joining another platform, ask yourself five questions:
- Does it cover my routes? A large carrier database isn't much help if nobody operates where you need transport.
- Can I trust the companies? Look for verification processes, company information, and relevant transport documents.
- How much does it cost? Check subscription fees, commissions, and any limitations.
- Is it easy to use? You shouldn't need a training course just to post a load or send a quote.
- Can I communicate directly? Clear communication makes it easier to compare offers and arrange transport.
The best freight exchange isn't necessarily the biggest one. It's the one that helps you find the right transport opportunities without making your work more complicated.
How Does HUBBIG Work?
At HUBBIG, we're working to make finding loads and carriers simpler for both sides.
Whether you're organising several shipments a week or looking for your next load, the idea is to keep everything straightforward.
For Shippers and Freight Forwarders
- Find carriers: Search for companies based on their routes and vehicle types.
- Send transport requests: Enter your cargo details, pickup and delivery locations, and required vehicle.
- Compare offers: Receive quotes and communicate with carriers directly.
- Know who you're working with: View carrier profiles and available verification documents.
- Keep things organised: Manage requests, offers, and communication in one place.
For Carriers
- Receive load requests: Get relevant transport opportunities for your routes and vehicle types.
- Publish available capacity: Let potential customers know when and where you have space available.
- Send quotes: Respond to transport requests through the platform.
- Reach new customers: Connect directly with shippers and freight forwarders.
- Use HUBBIG for free: No carrier subscription fees and no commission on transport deals.
HUBBIG connects shippers, freight forwarders, and carriers across more than 30 European countries. And because we don't take a commission on transport deals, the agreed transport price stays between you and your business partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Freight Exchange?
A freight exchange is an online marketplace connecting companies that need goods transported with carriers that have available vehicles or cargo space.
How Do Freight Exchanges Make Money?
Depending on the platform, revenue may come from subscriptions, commissions, paid features, or other services. Some exchanges offer free access for carriers.
Is a Freight Exchange the Same as a Freight Broker?
Not exactly. A freight exchange provides a platform for companies to connect. A freight broker arranges transport between parties. The exact responsibilities depend on the service.
Can I Find Return Loads on a Freight Exchange?
Yes. Carriers can search for loads on their return routes or advertise available truck capacity, depending on the platform.
How Do I Know If a Carrier Is Reliable?
Check company registration, required transport licences, insurance, and contact details. Platform verification can help, but you should still carry out appropriate checks before the first shipment.
Is HUBBIG Free for Carriers?
Yes. Carriers can register, receive transport requests, and use the platform without subscription fees or commissions. Shippers have separate access plans.
Ready to Find Your Next Load or Carrier?
Whether you've got freight to move or available space in your truck, HUBBIG helps you connect with the right people without unnecessary complications.
- Shippers: Find carriers and send transport requests.
- Carriers: Register for free and find load opportunities.
- Explore routes: See the HUBBIG carrier network across Europe.
Less time searching. More time getting things moving.