Working with a truck dispatch service company can be one of the best – or worst – decisions that you ever make. It’s a decision you should make carefully. In this article, we discuss:
- Can a truck dispatcher help your company?
- How to select the right dispatcher
- How do they compare to freight brokers?
Does your current dispatcher have the following boxes checked? Freight Girlz does:
- Authorized Freight Broker under FMCSA final ruling — bonafide agent status. Most dispatchers are NOT and risk $10,000 fines per carrier.
- Legitimate U.S.-based business entity (LLC, Corp, etc.) — no anonymous social media or overseas “dispatchers.”
- $1 million Errors & Omissions and Professional Liability Insurance coverage.
- 100% USA-Based and registered with Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) and the BBB (A+ Rated).
- Dedicated support specialist from Truckstop.com.
- Proprietary dispatch software we also license to other companies. TurboDispatcher.com
- Internal 50-page SOP manual signed by every dispatcher for consistency and compliance.
What is a truck dispatcher? What do they do?
A truck dispatch service helps owner-operators manage many of the back-office aspects of running a trucking company. Some freight dispatchers provide end-to-end services, managing everything from finding the loads to ensuring shippers pay on time.
They commonly offer services such as:
- Finding loads: Essential for new operators with no direct clients.
- Assigning loads and managing drivers: They track driver availability and route preferences.
- Maintaining compliance: Ensure FMCSA readiness and ongoing eligibility to haul.
- Handling delays and issues: Mitigate weather, traffic, and unexpected disruptions.
- Managing customer care: Interface with brokers and shippers professionally.
- Billing and paperwork: Handle invoicing, collections, and factoring submissions.
Will they help your trucking company?
The right dispatch service can be a valuable partner, especially for drivers transitioning from company drivers to owner-operators. Many fail in their first year due to lack of load access and time-consuming admin tasks.
Before choosing a dispatcher:
- Ask around: Get referrals from experienced carriers.
- Know your needs: List all your business tasks and determine what the dispatcher can actually handle.
- Understand costs: Be clear about their fee model and how it impacts your bottom line.
Freight broker vs. truck dispatcher
Freight brokers connect shippers and carriers and often profit by maximizing the shipper’s rate while minimizing your pay. They are valuable — but their interests differ from yours.
A truck dispatcher works for you and should have your best interests in mind. But many dispatchers rely on brokers and load boards, meaning you may interact with both.
The best-case scenario? Find a dispatcher like Freight Girlz with their own shipper network and advanced tech to support you — and ultimately, find your own high-paying shippers over time.
