Which DAT Subscription Should New Trucking Companies Choose?

Mar 13
3 min read

Starting a trucking company is exciting—but finding consistent loads can be one of the biggest challenges for new carriers and owner-operators. One of the most trusted tools in the industry is the DAT load board, used by thousands of brokers and carriers across North America.

But if you're just starting out, you may be wondering: Which DAT subscription should new trucking companies choose?

In this guide, we’ll break down the different DAT plans, explain which one makes the most sense for new carriers, and show you how to start finding loads quickly using DAT One.

What Is DAT One?

DAT One is the latest platform from DAT that combines load board access, market rate data, and route planning tools all in one system.

With DAT One, carriers can:

Search millions of available loads
Compare average market rates
Filter loads by equipment type
Identify high-paying freight lanes
Contact brokers instantly

For new trucking companies, this platform helps simplify the process of finding profitable freight.

DAT Subscription Plans Explained

DAT offers several subscription tiers designed for carriers at different stages.

1. DAT One Mobile (Best for New Owner Operators)

This plan is designed for drivers who primarily search for loads from their phone.

Features include:

Mobile load searching
Basic load filtering
Broker contact information
Quick load booking

Best for:

New owner-operators
Single truck companies
Drivers who dispatch themselves

This is usually the most affordable way to start using the DAT load board.

2. DAT One Standard

This plan adds additional features that help carriers make better business decisions.

Features include:

Full load board access
Market rate data
Advanced load filters
Broker credit scores

Best for:

Growing trucking companies
Carriers running multiple lanes
Companies that want better rate insights

Many new trucking companies upgrade to this plan after their first few months in business.

3. DAT One Pro

DAT One Pro is the most advanced plan, offering detailed market intelligence.

Features include:

Advanced lane analytics
Rate trends
Demand forecasting
Detailed market reports

Best for:

Dispatchers
Freight brokers
Fleet owners
Companies managing multiple trucks

Most brand-new carriers don’t need this plan right away, but it becomes useful as your fleet grows.

Which DAT Plan Is Best for New Trucking Companies?

For most startups, DAT One Mobile or DAT One Standard will provide everything needed to start finding loads.

Here’s a simple recommendation:

Trucking Business Type	Recommended Plan
Owner Operator	DAT One Mobile
1-3 Trucks	DAT One Standard
5+ Trucks	DAT One Pro

Starting with a lower-tier plan allows you to control startup costs while still accessing thousands of loads daily.

Don’t Forget Trucking Insurance

Before you start hauling freight, your trucking company also needs proper insurance coverage. Most brokers will not work with carriers that don’t meet required coverage limits.

Wexford Insurance — **REQUEST A TRUCKING INSURANCE QUOTE**

A common requirement includes:

$1,000,000 liability coverage
$100,000 cargo coverage

If you’re still shopping for coverage, you can request a trucking insurance quote from Wexford Insurance, a provider that works with new trucking companies and owner-operators.

Getting the right insurance in place ensures you can start booking loads immediately.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right load board is one of the most important decisions a new trucking company can make. With the right tools in place, you can find reliable freight, reduce empty miles, and start building strong relationships with brokers.

For most new carriers, starting with DAT One Mobile or DAT One Standard provides the perfect balance of affordability and functionality. As your trucking business grows, you can always upgrade to more advanced tools that offer deeper market insights and lane analytics.

If you're ready to: