From filing documentation to communicating with brokers, truck dispatchers complete various tasks that benefit owner-operators. Their unique back-end services allow truck drivers to focus on safely transporting freight. Still, many owner-operators wonder if using a dispatching service is worth it.

In this guide, explore how truck dispatching services work and their benefits. You should also consider various factors when choosing to self-dispatch and which option suits your business best.

What Are Dispatchers for Owner-Operators?

While self-dispatching allows truck drivers to secure and manage cargo loads independently and take complete control of their business, a truck dispatching service provides support and completes various duties for owner-operators. While their primary focus is finding and assigning loads to truck drivers, they also complete back-office tasks that help owner-operators efficiently manage and transport their freight.

Owner-operator dispatch services help truck drivers grow their business by managing payments and communication with customers and brokers. They build valued relationships between brokers and shippers to help truck drivers develop their network.

Dispatch services charge owner-operators per load at a fixed amount or a percentage of the shipment.

What Do Truck Dispatching Services Do?

The services of dispatchers for owner-operators vary from business to business. Their core function is to find relevant loads that match your truck and equipment. It reduces the deadhead risk and ensures you always have preplanned loads. Apart from handling back-office tasks and communication, dispatchers help owner-operators maintain and comply with industry standards.

How Do Dispatchers Find Loads?

Dispatching services find suitable loads in various ways. The primary method is load boards, also known as trucker and freight boards. These list helpful information about the load by the shipper, including size and destination. The dispatcher uses these details to match the relevant cargo load to the owner-operator. Dispatchers can also list the owner-operators’ trucks and equipment, allowing the shipper to find them.

Experienced dispatcher services have additional methods to find cargo loads. They connect owner-operators by using their industry insight and freight brokers for loads that are not on trucker boards yet.

Benefits of Truck Dispatching Services for Owner-Operators

When you choose truck dispatching services, you get a range of advantages to develop your business and build valued relationships.

  • Connect drivers with suitable loads: Dispatchers use all the information from truck drivers and load boards to find and assign cargo. After you deliver your freight, your dispatcher will already have the next cargo load planned to keep you busy.
  • More time to focus on driving: As the dispatcher finds cargo loads, you can focus on transporting the freight. You spend less time completing back-office tasks and more on the road. Owner-operators can complete efficient deliveries, allowing them to earn more money.
  • Plan owner-operator route and schedule: Delivering freight on time is essential to every trucker. Dispatch services ensure owner-operators stick to a reliable schedule. They choose the most suitable routes to avoid delays, monitor routes to track changes and provide information on weather conditions that can hold up services.
  • Negotiate pricing: Brokers often negotiate lower transportation costs to make money by acquiring the difference paid for the shipment. Dispatchers have excellent negotiation skills to discuss higher rates that will help you get more money.
  • Manage billing and invoices: Dispatch services send invoices and manage billing. They can track and collect payments from shippers and manage finances to help you make a profit.
  • Communicate with brokers: With expert communication skills, dispatchers can communicate with brokers to get the best rates. They also rely on brokers to find the best-suited freights for truck drivers.
  • Complete back-office tasks: Owner-operator dispatch services complete various back-office tasks, including administration, filing, managing and tracking payments and maintaining carrier compliance.
  • Communicate with customers: Dispatchers contact customers to relay valuable information, such as delays. In the same way, customers can communicate with dispatchers concerning changes that affect owner-operators. It helps build and maintain client relationships.

Should Owner-Operators Use Truck Dispatching Services?

It can be a wise decision for owner-operators to use dispatching services. While truck drivers focus on transportation, they have peace of mind knowing that a reliable partner has their essential paperwork and other functions under control.

Additionally, dispatching services for owner-operators provide a work-life balance by minimizing the stress and additional work of finding cargo loads. Many owner-operators are experienced truck drivers who know how to manage their operation. But in such a competitive industry, you need all the advantages you can get.

Depending on the location, picking up the load to transporting and delivering the shipment can take hours. By self-dispatching, you extend your work hours to complete paperwork while reducing your time on the road.

Can Owner-Operators Self-Dispatch?

Though owner-operators can self-dispatch and find cargo loads from online trucker boards, you must weigh several pros and cons.

Self-dispatching benefits your budget, since you do not have to pay a third party a percentage or fixed rate. Owner-operators also have more control over their business by managing their operations independently.

However, time is money. You can’t find your next load, fill out paperwork or map out future routes while you’re driving. Consequently, your operations may be inconsistent, or you could struggle to make timely deliveries.

How to Choose the Right Dispatching Services for Owner-Operators

Choosing the best-suited truck dispatching services is essential. Since many dispatchers offer the same services at competitive prices, consider several factors to make an informed decision.

  • Dispatcher’s reputation: The dispatcher you select must provide optimal service. Besides finding loads, they should complete various back-end duties to help you manage your operations.
  • Business compatibility: If you need to maintain carrier compliance or track payments, choose a dispatcher that provides these services.
  • Added benefits: Dispatchers offer various benefits that make them unique and the best choice. For example, some dispatchers provide owner-operators with cargo loads that have yet to appear on trucker boards — giving you the first pick.
  • Ask your network: Professionals in the trucking industry can offer advice on which dispatch service to choose. Some truckers in your network can provide insight into the dispatchers’ services and their experiences.
  • Service cost: Consider how partnering with a dispatcher will affect your finances. While you want quality service, you will only see a significant profit if you can afford it.

Choose Porter Freight Funding for Reliable Dispatching Services

At Porter Freight Funding, we provide quality dispatching services with the help of our reliable partners. We take pride in helping your business grow by managing back-office tasks and communicating with brokers and clients.

Our quality services let you focus on your operations. Complete our online contact form to get started today.