How Do You Know If It's Time To Use A Dispatcher?
Independent Carriers do a lot of work besides driving. Sometimes it’s best to get some help, for your business and your peace of mind. Hiring a dispatch service is like having your own personal assistant – it can make your job a lot easier, leaving you more time to just focus on the road. So how do you know it’s time to use a dispatch service?
Dispatchers Can Make You Money
Whether you have a hard time negotiating with brokers or are always behind the wheel when the good loads get posted, dispatchers can lend a hand.
A good dispatcher will more than cover their fee by getting you better loads and keeping those loads coming.
They’ll also help you keep all your paperwork in order, making it easier to get paid on time, every time.
5 Signs You Should Be Using a Truck Dispatch Service
1. You dread talking with brokers
Engaging with multiple freight brokers every day can be mentally draining. When negotiating contracts for large sums of money in a fast-paced environment, you have to stay on top of your game and pay attention to every detail. Negotiation is an art that takes a lot of time and energy. Some brokers may take advantage of you if you’re not firm in your negotiation techniques. Other brokers might refuse to work with you completely if you’re too pushy. A good dispatcher will represent your business in a professional manner, making you more attractive to brokers. They also help you build strong relationships with brokers that let you keep getting good loads, even in a shipper’s market.
2. You’re spending too much time looking for work
You’re already working 14-hour days – why should you be adding even more time to comb the load boards? If you have a dispatcher working for you, you could actually “clock out” when you’re shut down. Instead of scrolling and calling brokers, a dispatcher could text you your next load when you’re ready to drive again.
3. You’ve missed the fine print in a rate con
Carriers can lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars per load if they don’t read every single word of their rate confirmation. Yes – Every. Single. Word. You have to cover all your bases to protect your business income. Brokers often change the fine print when it comes to things like detention pay, TONUs, and delivery schedules. All carriers hope for things to run smoothly, but sometimes they don’t. Logistical complications can hurt your income. A great dispatcher will help you cut that risk by carefully reviewing your contracts before you book a load.
4. You’re wasting money on load board subscriptions
Just because you’re subscribed to a load board doesn’t mean you’re getting your money’s worth. Most loads are gone in minutes, so you’re missing out on future loads if you’re driving. Why pay for something you can’t get full use of?
Dispatchers can scout and book loads for you while you keep your eyes on the road. While you’re taking care of business, they’re negotiating the best rates with brokers and making sure rate confirmations are accurate. They also keep your paperwork squared away so you get paid the correct amount, on time, every time.
5. Your office is a mess
Did you know carriers should keep all records for their loads for at least a year? Just to start, that means you have to have a filing system for your bills of lading, rate confirmations, and invoices for every single load you’ve booked.
That doesn’t even cover your maintenance and repair expenses, fuel receipts for IFTA filing, or safety and compliance records. Any special permits or certifications? There is so much to keep track of! Having a trustworthy dispatching company can help you keep the back end of your business well-organized so that if you ever need a specific document, you can actually find it!