How Much Does a Truck Dispatcher Charge?
Short answer: most truck dispatchers in the USA charge 3% to 10% of the gross load, or a flat weekly fee. Semi-truck equipment like dry van, reefer and flatbed usually sits at the low end. Box trucks, hotshots and sprinter vans usually pay a higher percentage. The fee should be paid only after the broker pays you, with no setup fee and no long contract.
The three ways dispatchers charge
| Model | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of the load | A share of each load's gross, commonly 3% to 10% | Owner-operators whose weekly gross changes |
| Flat weekly fee | One fixed price per truck per week, whatever you haul | Trucks that gross a lot every single week |
| Per-load fee | A fixed dollar amount for each load booked | Carriers who only want help with some loads |
The percentage model is the most common because the dispatcher only earns when you earn. If a load pays more because the dispatcher negotiated well, both of you benefit.
What it costs in real money
Here is what each percentage costs on a single $3,000 load and on a $10,000 week:
| Fee | $3,000 load | $10,000 week |
|---|---|---|
| 3% | $90 | $300 |
| 4% | $120 | $400 |
| 5% | $150 | $500 |
| 6% | $180 | $600 |
| 8% | $240 | $800 |
| 10% | $300 | $1,000 |
A good dispatcher should pay for themselves. If they negotiate even $0.10 more per mile on a 2,500-mile week, that is $250 extra, which covers most dispatch fees on its own.
Why the rate changes by equipment
Finding, negotiating and booking a load takes roughly the same work whether it pays $800 or $4,000. That is why box trucks, hotshots and sprinter vans, which haul lower-paying loads, usually pay a higher percentage than semis. Specialized semi work like flatbed and step deck can need more phone time with brokers, but the higher load value keeps the percentage low.
What the fee should include
- Searching load boards and broker contacts for your lanes
- Negotiating the rate, plus detention and layover terms
- Checking the broker's authority, credit and payment history
- Rate confirmations, carrier packets and booking paperwork
- Check calls and problem solving while you are on the road
- Sending invoices and following up until you are paid
If a dispatcher charges extra for any of these, compare the total cost, not just the headline rate.
Red flags when comparing prices
- Setup fees. Paying hundreds of dollars before a single load is booked.
- Long contracts. Three- to twelve-month terms with cancellation penalties.
- Paying before you are paid. The fee should come after the broker pays you.
- Forced dispatch. You should always be able to turn down a load.
- No written agreement. Get the fee, terms and power of attorney scope in writing.
For a full checklist, read how to choose a truck dispatch service.
Priority Dispatch rates
Priority Dispatch LLC is a US truck dispatching company based in Kissimmee, Florida. Our fees are paid only after the broker pays you, with no setup fee and no contract:
| Equipment | Dispatch fee |
|---|---|
| Dry van | 4% of gross |
| Reefer | 4% of gross |
| Flatbed | 4% of gross |
| Step deck | 4% of gross |
| Power only | 4% of gross |
| Box truck | 6% of gross |
| Hotshot | 6% of gross |
| Sprinter / cargo van | 10% of gross |
Running two or more trucks? Fleet rates are negotiable. See the pricing page or talk to a dispatcher.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a truck dispatcher charge per load?
Most percentage-based dispatchers charge between 3% and 10% of the gross load. On a $3,000 load that is $90 to $300. Priority Dispatch charges 4% for dry van, reefer, flatbed, step deck and power only, 6% for box trucks and hotshots and 10% for sprinter vans.
Is a percentage or a flat weekly fee better?
A percentage fee is better when your weekly gross changes a lot, because you pay less in slow weeks. A flat weekly fee can be cheaper for a truck that grosses a lot every week, but you pay it even when the dispatcher books few loads.
Should I pay a dispatcher before I get paid?
It is safer not to. Ask for a dispatcher that charges only after the broker pays you, and avoid large setup fees or long contracts with cancellation penalties.
Do dispatchers charge more for box trucks and hotshots?
Often yes. Smaller trucks haul lower-paying loads, so dispatchers usually charge a higher percentage to cover the same amount of work. The dollar fee per load is still usually lower than for a semi.
About the Author
Muhammad Faisal Bilal is the Founder & CEO of Priority Dispatch LLC, a truck dispatching company in Kissimmee, Florida, serving owner-operators and small fleets in all 48 states.
More about Faisal →