Dispatch fees are simple to quote and easy to misunderstand. The amount you pay depends on the fee basis, and the value you receive depends on the scope of service behind the fee. This guide explains both.
Common fee structures
The structures below are common in U.S. trucking. Your agreement defines your actual terms — always confirm them in writing.
Percentage of gross revenue. The dispatcher earns a set percent of what the load pays. On a hypothetical $2,200 load at 8%, the fee is $176.
Percentage of revenue minus fuel surcharge. The fee is calculated after subtracting the fuel surcharge portion. On the same load with a $320 fuel surcharge included, 8% of ($2,200 − $320) is $150.40. The fee basis matters — the same percentage produces different dollars.
Flat fee per load. A fixed dollar amount regardless of the rate, for example $150 per load. On very low-paying loads the flat fee is a large percentage; on high-paying loads it is small.
What the fee typically buys
Scope varies by provider and agreement, but dispatch services commonly include:
- Finding and negotiating loads that fit your equipment and lanes
- Confirming load details and paperwork requirements
- Communicating with brokers on pickup and delivery
- Tracking loads and relaying updates
- Helping file paperwork such as rate confirmations and lumper receipts
A dispatcher does not remove the carrier's responsibilities: you remain responsible for safety, compliance, hours of service, and the condition of your equipment. Your authority, insurance, and permits stay yours.
What a fee does not guarantee
No legitimate dispatcher can guarantee load availability, rates, or income — freight markets move daily. Be cautious with promises that sound too specific, and check that guarantees in marketing also appear in the written agreement.
Questions to ask before signing
- What is the fee basis — gross, net of fuel surcharge, or flat?
- What exactly is included in the service?
- How are loads communicated and confirmed before you accept them?
- Who handles detention follow-up and lumper reimbursement paperwork?
- What are the termination terms and notice period?
- Are there setup fees, minimums, or additional charges?
Run the numbers
The Dispatch Fee Value Calculator compares a dispatcher's fee against the cost of your own time, and the Dispatch Fee and Take-Home Calculator shows what a fee costs on a single load under each basis. Our guide to evaluating a dispatch service covers the decision in more depth.
Fees are only half the picture — compare them against scope, communication, and what the service does when a load goes wrong.
This article is for general education only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Fee examples use hypothetical figures; your agreement controls.