How to Find a Truck Dispatch Service That Meets Your Needs

But how do you choose a truck dispatch service that meets your needs and expectations? How do you know which one to trust and which one to avoid? How do you make sure you get the best value and quality for your money?

In this blog post, I will share some useful tips and recommendations for truckers who are looking for a truck dispatch service that meets their needs. We will cover the following topics:

• The advantages of using a truck dispatch service
• The factors to consider when choosing a truck dispatch service
• The best practices to follow when working with a truck dispatch service

The Advantages of Using a Truck Dispatch Service

Using a truck dispatch service can have many benefits for your trucking business. Here are some of the main advantages:

• Save time and energy. Finding loads can be a tedious and stressful process, especially if you have to search through multiple load boards, make cold calls, or compete with other truck drivers. A truck dispatch service can do the research and screening for you and find you the best loads that match your preferences. They can also handle the paperwork, permits, and insurance for you, so you don’t have to deal with the administrative hassle. If you want to learn more about how to save time and energy as a trucker, you can check out this blog post: Trucking Industry 2023 Guide.
• Get better rates and opportunities. A truck dispatch service can use their network and connections with shippers and brokers to get you access to more loads and better rates. They can also negotiate on your behalf and secure you the best deals possible. They can also help you find dedicated lanes, backhauls, or drop and hook loads that can improve your efficiency and profitability. If you want to learn more about how to get better rates and opportunities as a trucker, you can check out this blog post: The Reason Why Truck Dispatching is Hard.
• Manage your cash flow. A truck dispatch service can help you manage your cash flow by working directly with your factoring company. Factoring is a financial service that allows you to sell your invoices to a third-party company for a small fee. This way, you can get paid immediately after delivering the load, instead of waiting for the shipper or broker to pay you. This can help you avoid cash flow problems and improve your financial stability. However, you should be aware of the pros and cons of factoring before you decide to use it. Some of the benefits include quick access to cash, reduced risk of non-payment, and an improved credit score. Some of the drawbacks include high fees, loss of control over your invoices, and potential damage to your reputation. If you want to learn more about how to manage your cash flow as a trucker, you can check out this blog post: Freight Transportation Cost Drivers.
• Receive support and guidance. A truck dispatch service can provide you with ongoing support and help throughout your trips. They can help you plan your routes, find parking spots, deal with breakdowns, or handle many other issues that may arise. They can also give you feedback and tips on how to improve your performance, safety, and compliance. If you want to learn more about how to receive support and guidance as a trucker, you can check out this blog post: Freight Dispatcher Questions to Ask.

The Factors to Consider When Choosing a Truck Dispatch Service

Not all truck dispatch services are the same. Some may offer more value and features than others, while some may charge higher fees or have hidden costs. To avoid any unpleasant surprises or disappointments, you should do your research and compare different options before you sign up with a truck dispatch service. Here are some of the factors to consider:

• Experience and reputation. You want to work with a truck dispatch service that has a proven track record and a good reputation in the industry. You can check their reviews, ratings, testimonials, or references from other truckers who have used their services. You can also ask them about their experience, credentials, and affiliations. You want to make sure they are professional, dependable, and honest. If you want to learn more about how to find a truck dispatch service with experience and reputation, you can check out this blog post: Top Rated Truck Dispatchers.
• Services and features. You want to work with a truck dispatch service that offers the services and features that you need and want. You should ask them about what they can do for you, such as finding loads, negotiating rates, handling paperwork, providing support, etc. You should also ask them about what they can’t do for you, such as booking loads without your approval, charging you for loads you don’t take, or requiring you to work with certain clients or lanes. You want to make sure they are flexible, transparent, and customer-focused. If you want to learn more about how to find a truck dispatch service with services and features that you need and want, you can check out this blog post: Dispatch Services for Small Trucking Companies.
• Fees and costs. You want to work with a truck dispatch service that charges reasonable and fair fees and costs. You should ask them about how they charge you, such as a percentage of the load, a flat fee, or a combination of both. You should also ask them about any additional fees or costs, such as fuel surcharges, cancellation fees, or membership fees. You want to make sure they are upfront and clear about their pricing and billing. If you want to learn more about how to find a truck dispatch service with reasonable and fair fees and costs, you can check out this blog post: Fleet Dispatching: Escape Load Board Labyrinth in 2024.
• Communication and availability. You want to work with a truck dispatch service that communicates well and is available when you need them. You should ask them about how they communicate with you, such as phone, email, text, or app. You should also ask them about their availability, such weekdays, and their business hours. You want to make sure they are responsive, friendly, and helpful. If you want to learn more about how to find a truck dispatch service with good communication and availability, you can check out this blog post: The Best Truck Dispatcher for Your Business in 2024?

The Best Practices to Follow When Working with a Truck Dispatch Service

Once you have chosen a truck dispatch service that meets your needs, you should follow some best practices to make the most of your partnership. Here are some of the best practices to follow:

• Set clear expectations and goals. You should communicate with your truck dispatch service about what you expect and want from them, such as the type of loads, the frequency of loads, the preferred lanes, the minimum rates, etc. You should also share your goals and plans, such as your income target, your growth strategy, your personal schedule, etc. This way, you can align your vision and work together towards achieving your objectives. If you want to learn more about how to set clear expectations and goals with your truck dispatch service, you can check out this blog post: Your Dispatch Company: Your Secret Weapon for Trucking Success.
• Provide feedback and input. You should provide feedback and input to your truck dispatch service about their performance and service quality. You should let them know what they are doing well and what they can improve on. You should also give them suggestions and ideas on how they can serve you better. This way, you can build trust and rapport and foster a positive and productive relationship. If you want to learn more about how to provide feedback and input to your truck dispatch service, you can check out this blog post: Why Truck Dispatching is Crucial in Today’s Market!.
• Be flexible and open-minded. You should be flexible and open-minded when working with your truck dispatch service. You should be willing to try new things, such as different types of loads, new clients, or new routes. You should also be open to feedback and advice from your truck dispatch service, as they may have valuable insights and recommendations for you. This way, you can expand your opportunities and optimize your results. If you want to learn more about how to be flexible and open-minded with your truck dispatch service, you can check out this blog post: Unleash the Power of a Dispatch Service.

Compare Different Truck Dispatch Services

Using a truck dispatch service can be a smart and beneficial decision for your trucking business. It can help you save time and energy, get better rates and opportunities, manage your cash flow, and receive support and guidance. However, you should do your homework and compare different options before you choose a truck dispatch service that meets your needs. You should look for a truck dispatch service that has experience and reputation, offers services and features that you need and want, charges reasonable and fair fees and costs, and communicates well and is available when you need them. You should also follow some best practices to make the most of your truck dispatch service, such as setting clear expectations and goals, providing feedback and input, and being flexible and open-minded.

If you are looking for a truck dispatch service that meets all these criteria and more, you should consider AFT Dispatch. AFT Dispatch is a truck dispatch service that offers a comprehensive range of services and features for motor carriers operating under their own MC Authority. We have over 11 years of experience in the industry and have booked over 75,000 loads for more than 100 carriers. We charge a flat rate of 7% and have no long-term contracts or hidden fees. We communicate with you via phone, email, text, or app. We work with every factor in the country and run credit checks on every load. We handle the packets, insurance certificates, and even billing and invoicing. All of the proceeds go directly to you and you’re always paid first, as it should be.

AFT Dispatch is more than just a truck dispatch service. We are a full-service partner committed to helping your trucking business succeed. We also provide free educational trucking videos on our YouTube channel, where you can learn more about the trucking industry and how to grow your business. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch our informative and engaging videos.

If you are interested in working with AFT Dispatch, you can contact us at (801) 448-6363. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you get started with our truck dispatch service. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your trucking business to the next level with AFT Dispatch.