Box truck dispatch FAQ
Short answers to what owners ask us most, grouped by topic. Each one links to the page that covers it in depth. Can't find yours? Ask a dispatcher.
Pricing
What does your box truck dispatch cost?
7% of the gross pay on each load we dispatch for a single truck, and 6% for 2+ trucks (limited-time). No setup fee and no monthly minimum.
When am I charged?
Only on loads you haul. A week off, a week in the shop or a cancelled load costs you nothing.
Is there a contract?
The agreement is month-to-month. You can leave with 30 days notice in writing, with no cancellation fee.
How does the fleet rate work?
Once we dispatch 2 or more of your trucks, every truck moves to 6% of gross. It is a limited-time rate; the rate in your signed agreement is the one that applies.
What will the fee be on my numbers?
Put your weekly gross and truck count into the dispatch fee calculator. It shows the fee per week, month and year.
Getting started
Which trucks do you dispatch?
26 ft box trucks only: dry vans, liftgate trucks and reefers, with or without a CDL. We don't dispatch other truck sizes or other equipment.
Do you work with new MC numbers?
Yes. A new authority takes longer to set up because some brokers won't onboard a carrier in its first months, so we start with the ones that will and tell you plainly how it is going.
I don't have a CDL. Can you still dispatch me?
Yes, as long as the truck is rated 26,000 lb GVWR or less. We book loads that keep the loaded truck under 26,001 lb.
What do I need before applying?
Your MC or DOT number (or where you are in getting one), a W-9, a certificate of insurance, and your truck details from the door sticker. The application itself takes about two minutes.
I haven't started my business yet. Where do I begin?
With the business entity, USDOT number and operating authority, insurance and a truck that fits the freight. Our startup guide walks through the steps in order with the official links.
How loads are booked
Where do your loads come from?
Major load boards plus brokers and shippers we already work with. Posted box truck loads go fast, so a dispatcher watching all day and calling right away matters.
Do I have to take every load you find?
No. You see the pickup, delivery, weight and rate first, and nothing is booked without your approval. Pass on anything you like.
Can you promise a weekly income or a number of loads?
No, and be careful with anyone who does. Rates and volume change with the market and your lanes. What we control is how hard we search, how we negotiate and how well we plan reloads.
Do you dispatch refrigerated loads?
Yes, for 26 ft reefer box trucks. Brokers will ask about your reefer unit, temperature records and food-grade box before tendering.
How do we stay in touch?
Load offers and check calls mostly by text, a call when something needs a fast decision, and one weekly report with every load, its gross and the fee.
Paperwork
Who fills out broker carrier packets?
We do, with your documents: authority, W-9, certificate of insurance and your factoring notice if you factor. You sign where a signature is needed.
Are you a broker?
No. We work for you, the carrier. Loads are booked under your authority with the broker or shipper, and they pay you directly.
What insurance do brokers ask for?
The federal minimum for interstate for-hire general freight is $750,000 of liability, but brokers often ask for $1,000,000 liability and $100,000 cargo. Check with your agent; we are not an insurance agency.
Who handles detention, layover and TONU?
We do. We note the times at the dock, claim detention, layover or truck-ordered-not-used pay from the broker, and make sure it lands on the paperwork.
New to dispatch? Start with how box truck dispatch works for your truck, then the steps from application to first load.
Put a dispatcher on your box truck
7% of gross for one truck, 6% for 2+ trucks (limited-time). No setup fee, month-to-month, 30 days notice to cancel. If you don't haul, you don't pay.
Or start with your truck