DAT Expands Load Board: Cargo Vans, Box Trucks, and Power-Only Get a Seat at the Table

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

📦 Intro – Trucking’s Big Tent Just Got Bigger

DAT Freight & Analytics, the folks behind one of the most popular load boards in trucking, just announced an expansion of its DAT One platform. They’re rolling out eight new categories, including cargo vans, box trucks, and power-only options.

Why? To keep pace with e-commerce growth, last-mile delivery demand, and evolving logistics needs.

On the surface, it looks like a win for flexibility. But what does it really mean for drivers, carriers, and the already-bumpy world of freight rates? Let’s dig in.

🚚 What’s New in DAT One?

DAT added eight new categories, with the headliners being:

Cargo Vans – perfect for expedited freight and last-mile deliveries.

Box Trucks – bridging the gap between small van ops and Class 8 rigs.

Power-Only – allowing carriers with tractors but no trailers to connect with shippers.

In other words, DAT is moving beyond just the big rigs and dry vans. They’re acknowledging that freight isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore.

📈 Why Now? The Market Shift

E-commerce and last-mile demand are booming, and shippers want faster, more flexible solutions. At the same time:

Retailers are leaning on smaller vehicles to meet customer expectations.

Shippers want to cut costs and reduce risk with shorter hauls.

Independent operators are flooding the market with cargo vans and box trucks because of lower entry costs than a full Class 8 rig.

DAT’s move is about keeping up with these changes — and staying ahead of newer competitors who’ve been nibbling at their market share with niche platforms.

🧠 Real Talk – What This Means for Drivers

For drivers, this expansion could open doors — but it also raises some questions.

🚀 The Upside:

More opportunities for small operators – You don’t need to drop $150K on a semi to start booking freight.

Expedited work gets visibility – Cargo van owners, rejoice.

Power-only ops grow – Perfect for folks who want steady work without investing in trailers.

🤔 The Concerns:

Flooded market – More operators = more competition = lower rates.

Box truck headaches – Lower pay than semi work, but insurance and maintenance costs still sting.

Platform dilution – Will shippers now expect cargo van rates instead of paying fair freight rates?

Drivers are already feeling squeezed — and if DAT doesn’t balance this right, the “opportunity” could just turn into another race to the bottom.

📣 Industry Response

The industry is buzzing about this move:

Small fleet owners see it as validation that “hotshot” and non-traditional freight are here to stay.

Traditional carriers are worried about freight fragmentation and downward pressure on rates.

Freight brokers like it — because it gives them more options to cover loads quickly.

As one fleet manager put it:

“DAT’s smart — they’re just following the freight. But I worry they’re making it too easy for lowball players to undercut the market.”

🧮 Big Picture – Freight Evolution

This isn’t just about DAT. It’s about the evolution of trucking itself:

Freight is no longer dominated by just the big rigs.

E-commerce changed consumer expectations — “2-day shipping” is now the norm.

Shippers want smaller, faster, cheaper delivery solutions.

Technology is leveling the playing field for smaller operators.

The lines between long-haul, regional, and last-mile are blurring fast. DAT just confirmed it by expanding their load board.

✅ Bottom Line – A Double-Edged Sword

DAT’s expansion is a sign of the times.

On one hand: more opportunity for drivers with cargo vans, box trucks, or tractors but no trailers. On the other: more competition, which could mean lower pay and tougher hustles.

This is trucking in 2025 — the hustle’s evolving, and if you’re not adapting, you’re getting left behind.

📢 Call to Action – Don’t Just Adapt, Get Ahead

Whether you’re rolling an 18-wheeler or a Sprinter van, the message is clear: trucking’s changing.

👉 Get the latest insights and survival strategies at LifeAsATrucker.com

👉 Start building a backup income stream before the freight squeeze hits harder: RetireFromTrucking.com

Because the game is shifting fast — and if you wait for DAT or FMCSA to “fix” it for you, you’ll be stuck holding the bag.