Truck dispatch FAQ
Straight answers about how our dispatch desk works: approving loads, fees, the equipment we dispatch, getting started, paperwork and factoring. Each answer links to the page that covers it in more depth. Can't find yours? Ask the desk.
Load approval and rate confirmations
The core of how we work: we find and negotiate the load, you decide whether your truck hauls it, and the contract for the load is between your company and the broker.
01How fast do you need my answer on a load?
As fast as you can. Good loads move quickly, so we bring offers with the details you need to decide in a minute. If you're driving, tell us when you'll be free to answer, or set limits in advance for the loads you'll always take.
02Do you negotiate rates?
Yes, on every load. We price each offer against your floor rate for that truck and counter when the posted rate is too low, then bring you the best offer we can get along with the miles and timing.
03Do I have to take every load you find?
No. We bring each load to you with the rate, miles, pickup and delivery times, and you say yes or no. If you pass, it costs you nothing and we keep looking. Nothing is booked for your truck without your approval.
04Who receives the rate confirmation?
You do. The broker contracts with your company and sends the rate confirmation straight to you to sign. We negotiate the rate and handle the calls, but the agreement for the load is between your company and the broker.
05Can I set rules for the loads you offer?
Yes. Tell us your minimum rate per mile, lanes you prefer or avoid, home-time rules for each truck, and freight you won't haul. We search inside those rules and plan each truck's week around them.
06What happens if a load goes wrong?
We handle the calls with the broker: delays, detention, breakdowns and appointment changes. We file detention, layover and TONU claims when they apply, and keep you and the broker updated so you aren't on the phone while driving.
Fees
One fee, a percentage of loads you accept and haul, with three tiers set by fleet size and authority age. Here is how each one works.
07How is the fee calculated on a load?
It's a percentage of the load you accept and haul. Your dispatch agreement spells out exactly which charges on the rate confirmation the percentage applies to, in writing, before you start, so there are no surprises on your first invoice.
08How much does dispatch cost?
5% of the load for one truck, 4% per truck for fleets of two or more, and 7% while your MC is under 6 months old. The fee is charged only on loads you accept and haul.
09Is there a setup fee, minimum or contract?
No setup fee, no minimum and no long contract. Service is month to month, and you can leave with 30 days notice.
10What happens to the new authority rate?
It steps down automatically once your MC reaches 6 months, to the one-truck or fleet rate that fits your size. You don't have to ask.
11Do I pay if a load is cancelled or I turn it down?
No. The fee applies only to loads you accept and haul. Passing on an offer costs nothing, and a load cancelled before it's hauled carries no fee.
Equipment
We dispatch eleven types of equipment at the same rates, from box trucks to heavy haul. Here is what we do and don't take on.
12Do you dispatch hazmat and oversize loads?
Yes. We dispatch hazmat and tanker equipment for carriers with the right endorsements, registrations and insurance, and oversize and heavy haul loads for carriers set up for permits and escorts. You approve every load the same way.
13What equipment do you dispatch?
Eleven types: 26 ft box trucks, hotshots, dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, step decks, power only, car haulers, dump trucks, oversize and heavy haul, and hazmat and tankers. All at the same rates.
14Do you dispatch cargo vans or sprinters?
No. We dispatch 26 ft box trucks and larger. We don't dispatch cargo vans, sprinters or box trucks smaller than 26 ft.
15Can you dispatch a mixed fleet?
Yes. Many fleets run more than one type, such as dry vans and a flatbed, or company trucks and leased owner-operators. We plan each unit by its own equipment, lanes and driver's home-time rule.
Getting started and adding trucks
From the first call to the first load, and what changes as your fleet grows.
16Do I need my own authority?
For our standard dispatch service, yes: the broker contracts with your company under your authority. If your authority is in progress, apply anyway and we'll plan the first loads for when it's active.
17What do you need from me to start?
Your authority details, insurance certificate, W-9, equipment and lanes, your floor rate per truck and the home-time rules for each driver. We use them to set up broker packets and plan the first week.
18How do I get started?
Fill in the short application. A dispatcher calls you at the time you pick, learns your trucks, lanes and rules, and sets up your carrier packets with brokers. Then we start bringing you loads to approve.
19Can you dispatch a brand-new authority?
Yes. New authorities face broker restrictions in the first months, so we focus on brokers who work with new carriers and build history from the first load.
20What happens when I add a truck?
Tell us before it starts running. We set it up with brokers and plan its first weeks alongside your other units. From two trucks, every truck moves to the 4% fleet rate once your MC is past the new authority period.
21Do you dispatch leased owner-operators?
Yes, for the carrier they're leased to, within the terms of each lease. Each leased unit counts toward your fleet size.
Paperwork
The documents around every load: setup packets, bills of lading, proof of delivery and the reports you get back.
22Who invoices the broker?
Your company invoices the broker, or sends the paperwork to your factoring company, since the load is contracted to you. We collect and organize the documents so invoices can go out the day after delivery.
23Do you handle carrier packets and broker setup?
Yes. We send your authority, insurance certificate and W-9 to brokers, complete their setup forms, and keep your packets current when your insurance or details change.
24Do you collect BOLs and PODs?
Yes. We collect bills of lading and proof of delivery for each load so you can invoice, or send them to your factoring company, and keep them organized per truck.
25Will I get reports?
Yes. You get a weekly report for each truck with its loads, revenue and miles, so you can see what every unit earned and where it ran empty.
Factoring
Factoring is optional. These answers explain our referral relationship and how dispatch works with any factoring company.
26Will you require me to factor?
No. Factoring is your choice. Many carriers invoice brokers directly; others factor to get paid faster. Our desk works the same way either way.
27Do you offer factoring?
We don't factor invoices ourselves. We refer carriers who want factoring to RTS Financial and may be paid for referrals. Using factoring is your choice and isn't required to work with our desk.
28Can I use my own factoring company?
Yes. Tell us who you factor with, and we'll send the paperwork the way they need it so your invoices move without delay.
29How do partner referrals work?
Some pages point to partners: RTS Financial for factoring, Vertical Identity for DOT drug and alcohol testing for CDL carriers, and TruckClub for breakdown protection. We may earn a fee when you sign up; it doesn't change your price.
Still have a question? Ask a dispatcher.
The application takes about two minutes, and we call you at the time you pick.
4% for 2+ trucks, 5% for one, 7% while your MC is new