How much does truck dispatch cost?
Most dispatchers charge a percentage of each load or a flat weekly fee. Here's how to compare them.
Key takeaways
- A percentage fee is a share of each load's gross. Rates vary by dispatcher, truck and lanes, so get yours quoted in writing.
- Flat fees charge the same every week, even slow ones.
- A percentage only costs you when you haul.
- Watch out for upfront fees, long contracts and forced dispatch.
The two pricing models
Percentage of gross. The dispatcher takes a share of each load’s rate. The percentage varies by dispatcher, equipment and lanes, so ask for it in writing before you start. You pay more in strong weeks and nothing in weeks you don’t haul.
Flat weekly fee. The dispatcher charges the same amount each week, often a few hundred dollars per truck. It can cost less in a strong week, but you usually pay even when you’re home or broken down.
Example math
| Week (example) | Gross | Each 1% of gross | $250 flat fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong semi week | $5,000 | $50 | $250 |
| Normal semi week | $4,000 | $40 | $250 |
| Box truck week | $2,500 | $25 | $250 |
| Home time week | $0 | $0 | $250 |
To get a percentage fee, multiply the 1% column by the rate you were quoted. A percentage fee goes down with your gross and is $0 in a week you don't haul; a flat fee stays the same. Try your own numbers in the dispatch fee calculator.
What should be included
At minimum: load search, rate negotiation, broker vetting, booking, setup packets, rate confirmations and invoicing paperwork. Good dispatchers also plan lanes to cut deadhead, chase detention and TONU, and give you a weekly report. Back office work like authority setup, IFTA or bookkeeping is usually priced separately.
Red flags
- Large upfront or “setup” fees before any load is booked
- Long contracts with cancellation penalties
- Forced dispatch: pressure to take every load
- The dispatcher takes money from brokers or wants freight payments to go through them
- No written dispatch agreement
What Fleetorica charges
A simple percentage of each load’s gross, quoted for your truck and lanes before you start. Your first load is free, there’s no contract and no forced dispatch. See pricing.
Questions carriers ask
What percentage do truck dispatchers charge?
It varies by dispatcher, equipment and lanes, so there is no single standard rate. Get the percentage quoted in writing before you start, and ask what it includes.
Is a flat fee or percentage better?
A flat fee can be cheaper in strong weeks. A percentage is cheaper in slow weeks and costs nothing when you don't haul.