What is truck dispatching?

Truck dispatching is the process of finding loads, negotiating rates, assigning drivers, tracking shipments in transit, and handling the paperwork that gets carriers paid.

A dispatcher is the bridge between shippers, brokers, and drivers. Good dispatchers maximize revenue per truck per week while keeping drivers running legal and on-time.

Core dispatcher responsibilities

Finding profitable loads, booking and confirming rates, assigning drivers based on hours of service, sending pickup and delivery details, monitoring location, handling exceptions (breakdowns, detention, late deliveries), and submitting paperwork for payment.

Independent vs in-house dispatchers

Independent dispatchers charge 5-10% per load to small carriers. In-house dispatchers are W-2 employees of larger fleets. Owner operators increasingly self-dispatch using software like Dispatch Tool.

Frequently asked

How much do truck dispatchers charge?

Independent dispatchers typically charge 5-10% of gross revenue per load.

Do I need a license to be a dispatcher?

No federal license is required, but you should have a written agreement with each carrier and not represent yourself as a broker.