Most truck dispatchers charge either a percentage of each load's gross, commonly in the range of 5% to 10%, or a flat weekly fee per truck. Rich Hauler charges 5% per load for semi trucks and 10% for box trucks, hotshots and other non-semi trucks.
The common pricing models
| Model | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage per load | A share of each load's gross | Carriers who want fees to rise and fall with their revenue |
| Flat weekly fee | A fixed fee per truck per week | High-grossing trucks running steady weeks |
| Flat fee per load | A fixed amount for each load booked | Occasional or very short loads |
Percentage or flat fee?
With a percentage, you pay less in slow weeks and more in strong weeks. With a flat fee, you pay the same amount even in a week with one load or no loads. Compare them using your typical weekly gross, not your best week.
What should be included
- Load searching and booking
- Rate negotiation and broker checks
- Carrier setup packets
- Rate confirmations, BOLs and invoicing
- Detention, layover and lumper follow-up
Ask every dispatcher which of these are in the fee and which cost extra.
When does dispatch pay for itself?
A dispatcher earns the fee when they raise your rate per mile by more than the fee, cut your empty miles, or fill days you would have sat waiting. Test your own numbers with our dispatch calculator, and know your floor with the cost per mile guide.