The American Trucking Associations reports that the trucking industry transports 72% of the
nation’s freight by weight. A strong support system, especially a dedicated freight dispatcher,
is key to any successful driver. A dispatcher can help owner-operators and small fleet
owners achieve regular income instead of facing hard times.
This blog will explain the top five reasons why every truck driver should work with a
dedicated freight dispatcher. No matter your experience in trucking, realizing how a
dispatcher helps your business could be your smartest action.
Who Is a Freight Dispatcher?
Before discussing the advantages, we should first explain what a freight dispatcher does. A freight dispatcher is the main source of information for a truck driver. They handle office tasks, including finding suitable loads, planning schedules, communicating with brokers or shippers, and ensuring all paperwork is accurate. Basically, they ensure your business keeps operating and earning more.
1. Get the Best Rewards by Taking High-Paying Loads
Finding reliable, good loads is a major problem for truck drivers. Looking through load boards takes a lot of your driving time, and choosing lower-paying jobs reduces your earnings.
A good dispatcher makes sure you get the best loads so you can stay focused on your driving.
How Dispatchers Help You Earn More Money.
● They help you get the highest-paying loads that fit your truck and where you are.
● Dispatchers try to reduce deadhead miles by carefully planning the routes for each driver.
● They are aware of lane rates and seasonal changes, which helps them get better freight deals.
DAT Freight & Analytics reports that the average spot rate for dry vans in 2024 was $2.34 per mile. Dispatchers assist drivers in reaching better results by using top lanes and special contracts.
2. Cut Down on Time and Lessen Your Stress
Admin work, talks with clients, and planning routes take away time you could be driving. Dispatchers help you by handling the load for you.
Things Dispatchers Do to Make Your Job Easier:
● Reserving and confirming loads
● Carrier packets and rate confirmations are used.
● Talking to brokers and shippers
● Airlines deal with detention, layovers, and TONU negotiations.
● Making route and schedule plans
Rather than handling calls and paperwork in your breaks, you can relax, eat, or sleep, since someone else is taking care of the business.
3. Try to Drive Your Truck Regularly
Any day your truck is not being used is a day you lose money. A committed dispatcher helps your truck stay filled and moving as often as possible.
Why Consistent Freight Is Important:
● Cash flow that is easy to predict
● Less downtime
● Better relationships with brokers
● Better business forecasting
If your dispatcher has strong relationships with brokers and access to top load boards, they might find reloads for you while you’re still unloading, keeping your work smooth and profitable.
4. Manage Compliance and Documentation Smoothly
There is a lot of bureaucracy in the logistics industry. The paperwork required includes DOT regulations, rate confirmation, and carrier setup packets, and it can build up quickly. A good dispatcher makes sure you are compliant and that your documents are always submitted correctly and on time.
The following are the main compliance areas included:
● Receive the load confirmation and BOL.
● IFTA and tracking mileage
● Planning for Hours of Service (HOS)
● Insurance verification
● Support for ELD management
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that over 100,000 violations were given in 2023 for not following Hours of Service rules. A dispatcher can make sure you don’t get fined by tracking your work hours and creating the right schedules.
5. Expand Your Trucking Business Using a Reliable Partner
Consider a dedicated dispatcher to be part of your business team. They are collaborating with you, not only working for you. When they know what you like, where you go, and what you aim for, they can give you tips to improve your business.
Advantages of Working with a Dispatcher over Time:
● Building a brand by offering custom lanes and serving preferred clients
● Load planning should be improved to support your business aims.
● Help in growing from one truck to a larger fleet.
● The ability to negotiate with brokers because of the large amount of business.
A suitable dispatcher will suit your business, help you manage your work, and guide you toward growth.
Picking the Right Dispatcher for Your Trucking Business
There are differences in the abilities of dispatchers. When hiring a dedicated dispatcher, pay attention to the following:
● Experience in the type of freight you handle (dry van, reefer, flatbed, etc.)
● The company charges fees that are easy to understand (usually about 5–10% of the
gross revenue).
● Good relationships with brokers
● 24/7 availability
● Load tracking, invoicing, and compliance management are examples of software tools.
Avoid working with dispatchers who try to convince you to take loads that are not in line with your plans.
In the end, drive smartly instead of driving aggressively.
Your time as a truck driver is worth money. Having a dedicated freight dispatcher can give you more free time, less stress, and higher earnings, helping you grow your business with careful planning.
The Five Most Important Points:
● Dispatchers are able to locate better loads in less time.
● They manage the office tasks so you can focus on your work.
● Having a good dispatcher helps your trucks move and your income rise.
● They make sure your business is following all the rules and has all the necessary paperwork.
● A good dispatcher helps the business grow.
If you want to make the most of your time, money, and future on the road, hiring a dedicated dispatcher is a good idea.
