Dispatch Fee
A dispatch fee is the amount charged by a truck dispatch service for finding and booking loads on behalf of an owner-operator. Dispatch fees are typically calculated as 5–10% of gross load revenue per load dispatched.
In Depth
Dispatch fees come in several structures: percentage-based (5–10% of each load), flat fee per load ($50–$150), or monthly retainer ($300–$800/month regardless of load volume). Percentage-based is the most common and aligns the dispatcher's incentive with finding higher-paying loads.
For an owner-operator grossing $22,000/month, a 7% dispatch fee is $1,540/month. This is justified if the dispatcher consistently secures rates $0.20–$0.30/mile above what the driver could find independently — at 10,000 miles, that premium is $2,000–$3,000.
Dispatch services do not require a broker license to operate. They act as representatives of the carrier, not intermediaries between shipper and carrier. This distinction matters legally and for how rate confirmations are structured.
Usage Example
Example: 'My dispatcher found me a $3,400 load. At 7% dispatch fee, I paid $238 — still netted $3,162 compared to finding a $2,800 load myself.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Dispatch Service
A truck dispatch service finds loads for owner-operators in exchange for a percentage of gross revenue, typically 5–10% per load. Dispatchers handle broker negotiations, documentation, and load planning so drivers can focus on driving.
Broker Fee / Commission
A broker fee (or broker commission) is the margin a freight broker keeps between what a shipper pays to move freight and what the carrier receives for hauling it. The typical broker margin is 15–25% of the shipper's total rate.
Owner-Operator
An owner-operator is a truck driver who owns and operates their own commercial truck, running freight either independently (with their own authority) or leased onto a motor carrier.
Gross Revenue
Gross revenue in trucking is the total amount a carrier invoices for transportation services before deducting any expenses, including linehaul, fuel surcharge, detention, and other accessorials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dispatch fee the same as a broker commission?
No. A broker earns a spread between shipper and carrier rates. A dispatcher charges the carrier directly and acts as their agent.