The short answer
Choose a truck dispatcher who works only for you, asks your approval before booking any load, charges a clear fee only on loads they book, has no long contract, never asks for your bank or load board logins, and knows your equipment and lanes. Ask how they negotiate rates and how they handle broker setup.
Questions to ask a truck dispatcher before you sign up
- How do you charge, and do you charge anything in a week with no loads?
- Is there a contract or a cancellation fee?
- Will you ever book a load without my approval?
- Which equipment and lanes do you dispatch most?
- Do you work with new authorities?
- Who fills out broker setup packets and checks rate confirmations?
- How do I reach you at night and on weekends?
Red flags
- Asking for your bank login, load board password or factoring login
- Booking loads without asking you first
- Upfront fees or long contracts with cancellation penalties
- Guaranteeing a weekly gross no matter the market
- Taking money from the broker side of the deal
How Prime Trucks Dispatch answers these
| Fee | 4.9% of gross on booked loads only |
| Contract | None. Stop any time |
| Load approval | Every load, before booking |
| Equipment | Dry van, reefer, flatbed, step deck, box truck, hotshot |
| New authorities | Yes |
| Hours | 24/7 by call or text |
The one test that catches most bad dispatchers
Ask the dispatcher to explain, in plain words, how they get paid on a load and who pays them. A clear answer that matches what you'll sign is a good sign. A vague answer is the biggest of the truck dispatcher red flags.
Common questions
Should I pay a dispatcher upfront?
Be careful with upfront fees. A percentage of booked loads means the dispatcher only earns when you do.
Can I switch dispatchers easily?
With no contract, yes. Make sure you keep copies of your broker setups and paperwork.
Is a cheaper dispatcher always better?
No. Compare what's included and how well they negotiate. A lower fee on low-paying loads can cost more.