Because of the tough competition in trucking, owner-operators are under pressure to work more efficiently and earn more money. With rising fuel costs, stricter delivery windows, new regulations, and tight freight markets, every decision counts.
A good dispatch setup can simplify shipment management, secure better freight rates, and reduce deadhead miles. In this blog, B-LOADED looks at how owner-operators can increase profits by partnering with dispatch services, what factors to consider, and how to know if your current dispatch approach is doing the job.
It Pays to Use a Good Dispatch Service
Larger Paychecks
Dispatchers work with brokers and shippers daily, gaining access to higher-paying freight and stronger negotiation positions.
Fewer Empty Miles
A dispatcher plans backhauls and multi-leg trips to reduce deadhead miles. According to DAT Freight & Analytics, cutting deadhead by just 10% can increase annual profits by $5,000 to $15,000.
Time Saved
Instead of hours spent sorting through load boards and emailing brokers, truck dispatching teams handle it all—freeing you up to drive or focus on growth.
More Efficient Load Planning
Freight dispatchers coordinate loads around HOS rules and preferred regions. This leads to more consistent work and better work-life balance.
Measuring ROI on a Dispatch Service
Let’s break down a simple comparison:
Without Dispatch:
$2.00 per mile
2,500 miles per week
$5,000 weekly gross
With Dispatch (10% fee):
$2.30 per mile
$5,750 weekly gross
$575 fee
$5,175 weekly net → That’s $175 more per week, or $9,100 more per year
Questions to Ask Before Signing
Before working with any dispatch service, ask:
What types of loads do you work with?
Can I see examples of past rate confirmations?
Where do you find your loads?
What’s the average rate per mile for your current clients?
Are there setup or cancellation fees?
Do you handle compliance and paperwork?
In-House vs. Outsourced Dispatch
Some owner-operators try to manage dispatching themselves to save on costs. While this gives full control and flexibility, it also requires a significant time commitment and limits access to freight networks. In-house dispatching often means relying on public load boards, handling rate negotiations without industry support, and spending several hours a week managing paperwork and route planning. On the other hand, outsourcing dispatch services connects you to a broader freight network, expert negotiators, and back-office support, all for a standard fee—usually 5–10% of the gross rate. For those spending over 5 to 10 hours a week on dispatch tasks, outsourcing often leads to better earnings, more efficient schedules, and less day-to-day stress.
Getting the Most Out of Dispatch Services
Clarify Your Preferences
Share your preferred lanes, minimum rate-per-mile, empty haul limits, and delivery windows. That clarity helps your dispatcher find the right freight.
Stay Organized
Send documents quickly, keep your calendar up to date, and maintain clean records. It helps dispatchers do their job efficiently.
Treat It Like a Partnership
This is not a vendor relationship—it’s a working partnership. Respect, communication, and trust make both parties more successful.
Track Performance Metrics
Monitor load-to-load time, MPG, deadhead percentage, and total weekly earnings. This data helps measure dispatching success.
What to Look For
Not all dispatchers operate the same way. Look for services that:
Background in the Field – Do they work with your type of freight and equipment (reefer, dry van, flatbed, hotshot)?
Upfront Pricing – Avoid dispatchers with hidden fees. Most charge a fixed 5–10% of the gross rate.
Quality Load Access – Ask where they find loads—direct shipper networks are stronger than public boards.
Strong Communication – You want someone responsive and clear—not someone you chase down.
Contract Terms – Make sure you’re not locked into long-term commitments with steep penalties.
If you’re already using dispatch services but not seeing results, watch for these red flags:
You’re still finding your own loads most weeks
Your dispatcher is slow to respond or never proactive
Your rate per mile hasn’t improved in months
You don’t receive help with paperwork or coordination
These could be signs it’s time to switch providers or reevaluate how dispatch is supporting your business.
