What is Flatbed Dispatch Services?

flatbed dispatch services can be an excellent option for owner operators who need to find loads regularly. They can help you get more revenue while removing many of the hassles that can keep you from finding loads yourself.

Dispatchers work with shippers and freight brokers to negotiate the best rates for you. They also provide a great deal of guidance on lanes and markets that you may not be familiar with.

Dispatchers Find Loads for You

Dispatchers can be a great resource for owner operators who are looking to connect with shippers. They can find loads, manage your delivery schedules and handle all the back-office work for you, so you can focus on running your business. Many dispatchers also help you negotiate freight rates and provide customer service, which can help increase your revenue.

They can also help you plan efficient driving routes based on traffic congestion or weather delays while you’re on the road. This can lead to more profitable trips and fewer empty-load hours.

Most dispatchers charge between 5-10% of your profits from each load, but it’s important to get clear details on these costs before hiring a freight dispatcher. Brokers are another option for owner operators who are interested in connecting with shippers but don’t want to pay a percentage of each load.

Dispatchers and Brokers

The main difference between dispatchers and brokers is that brokers match shippers with carriers, while dispatchers are an intermediary between you and shippers. This can save you time and money since they will do all the legwork.

A good dispatcher should know your lane preferences, rig specifications and freight rates, so they can help you get loads quickly. They should also have a comprehensive knowledge of your drivers’ routes and availability so they can assign loads that best suit their capabilities.

Dispatchers can also help you manage your trucking fleet’s fuel efficiency by analyzing fuel usage and providing advice on how to optimize your fuel use. This can reduce fuel costs and improve driver safety.

Trucks Maintenance 

Finally, dispatchers can help you manage your trucks’ maintenance and repairs. They can also help you stay up-to-date on motor carrier compliance requirements.

Dispatcher jobs are typically entry-level, but they do require a high school diploma or GED certificate and some employers give preference to applicants with associate or bachelor’s degrees. The ideal candidate will be able to communicate well and stay organized, as well as have superior multi-tasking skills.

Dispatchers can be vital in emergency situations, as they are responsible for handling calls from people in need of assistance and deploying response teams. These calls can be stressful, but they can also be life-saving. They must remain calm and composed, and they need to be able to deploy appropriate responses without too much supervision.

They Manage Your Logistics

If you have a large fleet, you may need to rely on dispatchers to help manage your logistics. These professionals can find loads for you, connect you with shippers, and keep track of your drivers’ schedules so that they don’t fall behind on their deliveries.

Dispatchers can also help you build relationships with your customers and make sure they’re getting what they need from you. They can help you respond to inquiries and communicate delays in a way that shows your clients you are there for them, no matter what.

Some freight dispatchers also handle multiple tasks at once, such as tracking a delivery and informing the driver of roadblocks that might delay his or her route. This can require dispatchers to have strong multitasking skills, so they can handle these duties efficiently and without mistakes.

Flatbed Trucking Dispatch Service

When it comes to finding the right flatbed trucking dispatch service, you’ll want to start by making a list of what services you need from your freight dispatcher. Are you looking for a company that can help you find loads, or do you need someone who can help you build customer relationships?

You might also need someone to help you negotiate with brokers. These companies can help you get the best rates on your shipments, so you can earn more money while doing what you love.

If you’re not sure where to start, ask your peers for recommendations or look for reviews online. Those will give you a good idea of which companies are truly the best at what they do.

Freight Dispatchers

In addition, you’ll want to be sure that the freight dispatcher you choose can meet your needs for a long time. Some companies only offer a week of dispatch, while others require contracts that last for months or even years.

Having reasonable dispatch standards in place and agreed to by your carriers can help you hold them accountable for delays, which can impact your supply chain. For example, if your freight is supposed to be delivered 250 miles from the pickup location in one day but a carrier misses that appointment by three days, it can have serious consequences for your operations and your customers.

They Help You Build Reputation

When you own and operate your own flatbed trucking company, you likely appreciate serving clients that understand what you do and are happy to see you succeed. But there are also a minority of customers who aren’t as happy with your work and may not be easy to deal with.

With a dispatch service on your side, you can focus on your job. The dispatcher is there to help you secure loads that match your truck’s capabilities and schedule. They can also assist you in making connections with shippers, brokers and other potential customers.

The best dispatchers are also excellent communicators, and they should be able to answer any questions you have in a timely manner. A good dispatcher will keep you informed about upcoming loads, new drivers and any other developments that might impact your bottom line.

Dispatching Company

One of the most important things you need to know is how much a dispatching company charges for their services. Some will take a percentage of your earnings, while others charge a flat rate each week or month.

Other companies might charge more based on the type of loads or volume. It’s worth asking these questions before signing a contract.

A reliable dispatch service will also make it easier for you to forecast your income, which will allow you to plan for future growth and expansion. This is important, because without a solid revenue stream, it’s difficult to build a business and become an industry leader.

Flatbed Trucking

In the world of flatbed trucking, the best dispatchers are those who can help you find the jobs that will pay you well while keeping your customers satisfied with your service. They also do all the back-office work that you don’t have time to do yourself, so you can concentrate on driving and earning your money.

Choosing the right dispatcher is no small task, but it’s not impossible. Using a professional service will make your job less stressful and give you the time to build a solid reputation in the flatbed industry.

They Offer Insurance

Flatbed trucks are a great way to transport heavy or oddly shaped loads. Their low center of gravity makes them an ideal choice for carrying pipes, machinery, generators, tractors and pumps. These trucks can also be loaded from top, side and rear — a feature that is especially useful for cargo that is too tall or wide to fit on standard box trailers.

In order to make sure that your fleet has the coverage it needs, you should work with a truck dispatcher who offers insurance for your flatbed trucks. These types of insurance policies are designed to protect your equipment and your drivers, as well as your business, during transport.

Some dispatch services offer both trucking and non-trucking liability coverage for their clients. This means that they can provide you with coverage when you are operating your flatbed trucks off dispatch or without a trailer attached. It’s important to note, though, that this coverage only extends while you are hauling a load – once it’s disconnected, the policy will end.

COI

You should always check to ensure that any freight dispatcher you’re considering offers insurance before you sign a contract with them. If they do, you’ll be able to get your Certificate of Insurance (COI) quickly and easily.

Dispatchers can also help you build relationships with shippers, which can improve your chances of finding loads. They can help you negotiate contracts with these companies and keep you up to date on the latest information. This can be helpful when it comes to securing contracts that will last for years.

Another benefit of working with a dispatcher is that you can focus on your driving and getting your loads to their destination. Your dispatcher can handle everything from scheduling your trips to contacting the shipper about weather delays or other issues that could impact the terms of your contract.

If you’re an owner operator, a good truck dispatch service will understand your situation and can work with you to make sure that you get the best pay per mile and routes available to you. They will also negotiate for you, so you don’t have to worry about being paid less than you deserve for the loads you accept.