Searching for cargo and processing documents takes up as much driver’s time as the road. No wonder, high-quality independent truck dispatch services https://avnlogisticstm.com/truck-dispatch-services/ are becoming increasingly popular among small and medium-sized carriers. The business owner remains in the black, focusing on the road and safety, because the paperwork and negotiations are left to professionals.
Interested, what is an independent freight dispatcher? Read on to know more!
What is an Independent Freight Dispatcher?
It is a self-employed specialist or service company that contracts with several carriers simultaneously. The dispatcher is not a member of the transport company’s staff but provides professional services to organize transportation. For this, the dispatcher receives a fixed commission fee (often 5–10% of the flight cost).
Core Tasks of an Independent Freight Dispatcher
The process of independent truck dispatching includes monitoring cargo boards, checking brokers’ creditworthiness, and direct bidding for the best rate. In addition, the dispatcher:
- fills in Carrier Setup Packs;
- signs Rate Confirmations;
- accompanies the driver during the trip;
- resolves issues with downtime or delays;
- assists in issuing invoices.
When there is a professional who completes all these tasks, the driver has fewer reasons to stress.
Key Qualities of a Good Independent Trucking Dispatcher
Good independent freight dispatchers know the market: in which states prices are falling, and in which there is high demand. They also know how to find common ground with brokers and convince them to sell the cargo at a higher price. Response speed is also an important quality. Profitable cargo is picked up in seconds, so a real pro is online 24/7.
Independent Freight Dispatcher vs. In-House Dispatcher: Key Differences
Full-time employees work for one company and receive a stable salary regardless of the profitability of the cargo they find.
Independent dispatchers work for a percentage of the order value. And since their income directly depends on your earnings, they are interested in finding truly profitable options. In addition, with independent specialists, the driver has much more freedom to choose destinations and rest times.
How to Find an Independent Truck Dispatcher?
You should look for partners in thematic groups on Facebook, Reddit, or through recommendations from colleagues. To avoid making a mistake with your choice, evaluate independent truck dispatchers according to the following criteria:
- Specialization and geography. Have they worked with your type of trailer and in the states you are interested in?
- Credit control. How are brokers checked for solvency?
- Support schedule. Can I contact you at any time of the day to resolve problems during unloading?
- Experience in conflict resolution. How do they build communication with brokers and extract payment for detention?
Experienced partners carefully assess the market and do not promise unrealistically high rates unless there are grounded prerequisites.
Why Carriers Choose to Work With Independent Freight Dispatchers?
Carriers choose independent dispatcher services mainly for cost reasons. After all, there is no need to pay rent, employee taxes, or buy software licenses. The driver pays for the service when earning.
And, after all, hiring a self-employed specialist is convenient. There is no binding to rigid corporate schedules. And if the driver wants to take a break, it is enough to notify them in advance.
What to Expect When You First Work With an Independent Freight Dispatcher?
After signing the service agreement, you provide the dispatcher with a copy of the MC authority, insurance, and W-9 form. Next, the independent truck dispatcher starts monitoring loads according to your parameters. Establish communication in the first week: agree on the minimum rate per mile, desired destinations, and work schedule.
Choose dispatching by AVN and just transport the cargo while your specialist takes care of everything else.
