The two ways dispatchers charge
Percentage: a share of each load's gross rate, so you pay more only when you earn more. Flat weekly fee: one price per week no matter how much you gross, so it's cheaper in big weeks.What's normal
Dispatch services commonly charge 5–8% per load for semis and 8–10% for box trucks and hotshots, or about $250–350 per week as a flat fee. We start at 4% or $250 a week for semis and power only, and 8% or $300 a week for box trucks and hotshots.
Which one costs less?
Divide the weekly fee by the percentage. At 4%, a $250 weekly fee breaks even at $6,250 gross. Gross more than that in a week and the flat fee is cheaper; gross less and the percentage is cheaper. Our pricing page does this math for your truck.
Watch out for
- Setup fees and long contracts
- Forced dispatch: being pushed into loads you didn't approve
- Dispatchers who take money from brokers too: they should work only for you
Dispatch from 4%, or run under our authority from 15%.
Quick answers
What is a good dispatch fee for a semi?
Many charge 5–8%. With us it's 4% or $250 a week.
Do I pay in weeks I don't run?
Not with us. Flat fees are charged only for weeks you haul a load we booked.
More guides: Loads with a new MC · Lease on vs own MC · How to choose a dispatcher · Box truck loads (no CDL) · Hotshot loads guide · Best load boards · Get your MC & DOT number · Factoring explained · IFTA filing guide · Cargo van loads guide
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