How Much Do Truck Dispatchers Charge? A Straight Answer for Owner-Operators

Truck dispatch fees explained: how percentage pricing works, what affects the rate for your truck type, and how to judge a dispatcher by your net revenue — not just the fee.

If you're an owner-operator thinking about hiring a dispatcher, the first question is always the same: how much is this going to cost me? The honest answer is that most truck dispatch services charge a percentage of the gross revenue on the loads they book — and that percentage varies by equipment type, fleet size and the level of service you get.

Why dispatchers charge a percentage

Percentage pricing ties the dispatcher's income to yours. When your truck books a $3,000 load instead of a $2,500 load, both of you earn more. That's a healthy incentive: a percentage-based dispatcher is motivated to negotiate harder, keep your truck loaded, and avoid wasting your time on cheap freight.

Flat weekly fees exist too, but they reward the dispatcher whether your truck runs well or not. If you choose a flat fee, make sure the service level is clearly defined.

What affects the percentage for your truck

• Equipment type: different trucks haul different freight at different rates. Smaller equipment like box trucks and hotshots often has a slightly higher percentage than 53' vans, reefers and flatbeds because the loads are smaller and take more work to find.
• Number of trucks: carriers running several trucks with one dispatch company can usually negotiate a better rate.
• Services included: broker setups, invoicing, factoring paperwork and accessorial claims should be included. If they're extras, factor them into the real cost.
• Availability: 24/7 dispatch costs more to staff than 9-to-5 dispatch — but it's worth it when you're stuck at a shipper at midnight.

The number that actually matters: your net

A cheaper dispatcher isn't necessarily a better deal. Imagine two dispatchers. The first charges a point less but books your truck at $0.20 per mile below market. Over 2,500 miles a week, that's $500 in lost revenue — far more than the difference in fees. The right way to compare dispatchers is your weekly gross minus fuel, costs and dispatch fee. In other words: what lands in your pocket.

Questions to ask any dispatcher about pricing

• Is the fee a percentage of gross, and is it negotiable for my equipment?
• Are broker setups, invoicing and accessorial claims included?
• Do brokers pay me directly, or does payment go through you?
• Is there a contract or a cancellation fee?
• How many trucks does each dispatcher handle?

How Pro Dispatch prices dispatch

At Pro Dispatch, box trucks and hotshots are 7–8% of load gross and all other trucks are 5–7%, with a 5% minimum — or you can choose a flat $100 per load or $400 per week. Every rate is negotiable, and you propose your own rate when you sign up. Every load is booked under your MC, so brokers pay you or your factoring company directly — we never hold your money. Paperwork, broker setups, invoicing and detention, layover, lumper and TONU claims are included, and there's no long-term contract. See the full breakdown on our pricing page.