Every day, millions of trucks around the world drive empty. These “empty miles” represent one of the biggest inefficiencies in modern transportation—burning fuel, wearing down vehicles, adding to carbon emissions, and most importantly, losing money for drivers and carriers. For shippers, meanwhile, the lack of visibility into these empty trucks means missed opportunities to move goods at lower costs.
Thankfully, innovative platforms have emerged to solve this problem by connecting drivers with unused truck space to shippers who need affordable transport. Whether you’re a professional trucker, a small business, or someone planning a house move, these platforms can save you money and turn waste into opportunity. Here’s our in-depth look at the top five empty truck platforms, with RouteAlign taking the #1 spot for its simplicity, efficiency, and user-first design.
1. RouteAlign 🚛 (Our #1 Pick)
RouteAlign is redefining the way empty miles are handled. Unlike traditional load boards that primarily focus on freight brokers and carriers, RouteAlign is built with both drivers and everyday shippers in mind. The platform is easy to use, affordable, and prioritizes transparency. Its standout features include:
- Smart Scheduling – Drivers can list their upcoming routes with exact dates and times of departure, giving shippers confidence about availability.
- Location-Based Search – Shippers can find trucks already heading their way, saving time and money.
- Real-Time Matching – Empty space is filled quickly through live availability updates.
- Secure Payments – All transactions are handled safely within the platform, ensuring peace of mind.
- 50% Cost Savings – Shippers often pay less than half of what they would with traditional movers or dedicated carriers.
- Eco-Friendly Design – Every booking reduces wasted fuel and carbon emissions, making it a greener choice.
What makes RouteAlign truly special is its dual-sided benefit: drivers make extra money without going out of their way, and shippers get affordable, reliable moving options. For a student moving apartments, a small business shipping goods, or a trucker looking to maximize revenue, RouteAlign is a win-win solution.
2. Truckstop
Truckstop is one of the largest digital freight marketplaces in the United States. It connects carriers, brokers, and shippers across a wide network. Its strength lies in its industry reputation and the sheer volume of available loads. Truckstop also offers additional services like freight factoring and fuel cards.
However, Truckstop is primarily geared toward professional truck drivers and fleets. It’s less accessible for individual shippers looking for small or personal moves. Still, it’s a powerful platform for filling empty trucks in the freight industry.
3. uShip
uShip is one of the most well-known platforms for connecting people with transport providers. From moving furniture to shipping vehicles, uShip offers flexibility and competitive pricing. Users can post a shipment request and receive multiple bids from carriers, often driving prices down.
The downside is that the bidding system can sometimes create uncertainty—shippers may be tempted to go for the lowest price, which doesn’t always guarantee reliability. Nonetheless, uShip remains a popular choice for both individuals and businesses.
4. DAT Load Board
DAT is one of the oldest and most trusted load boards in North America. It offers a massive network of loads and is widely used by trucking professionals. DAT provides advanced features like lane rate analytics, broker credit scores, and mobile apps for easy booking.
While powerful, DAT is primarily designed for carriers and owner-operators in the freight industry. It’s less focused on smaller shippers or one-off moving jobs. That said, for professional drivers looking to reduce empty miles, DAT remains an essential tool.
5. CitizenShipper
CitizenShipper takes a more community-based approach, connecting drivers with people who need items shipped, including pets, household goods, and vehicles. It’s particularly popular for niche shipments that larger freight platforms don’t always handle. Drivers bid on jobs, and shippers can review driver ratings and reviews before booking.
The platform works best for small to mid-size moves, though it may not always match the efficiency or affordability of RouteAlign for larger shipments. Still, its focus on personal connection and flexibility makes it a unique addition to the list.
Why RouteAlign Stands Out
While all these platforms have their strengths, RouteAlign takes the top spot because of its focus on simplicity, affordability, and real-world usability. Here’s why:
- It bridges the gap between professional freight and personal moves.
- It’s easy to use, even for first-time movers or casual drivers.
- It promotes sustainability by cutting down wasted trips.
- It provides transparency with date-specific scheduling and secure payments.
Think of it as the “Airbnb of moving”—connecting underutilized truck space with people who need affordable logistics.
Final Thoughts
Empty miles are an age-old problem in the trucking world, but modern technology is creating smart solutions. From large load boards like DAT to consumer-friendly options like CitizenShipper, the industry is evolving fast. Yet for those seeking a platform that balances affordability, transparency, and efficiency, RouteAlign remains the clear #1 choice.
Drivers can earn more money without taking detours. Shippers can save up to 50% on moving costs. And the planet benefits from fewer wasted miles. That’s the power of alignment.
👉 Ready to save on your next move or earn from your empty truck space? Visit RouteAlign.com and start today.