5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dispatch Service

Not every dispatch service operates the same way. Before committing, it’s worth getting clear answers to a few key questions.

1. How do you find and vet loads?

Ask whether they rely on load boards, direct broker relationships, or both — and how they check a broker’s payment history before booking you on a load.

2. What’s your fee structure, exactly?

Get the percentage or flat rate in writing, along with what it does and doesn’t include.

3. Who do I talk to day-to-day?

A dedicated dispatcher who knows your lanes and equipment is generally more valuable than a rotating call center.

4. What happens outside business hours?

Breakdowns and detention issues don’t wait for 9-to-5. Ask how support works nights, weekends, and holidays.

5. Can I see how you handle paperwork?

Rate confirmations, BOLs, and accessorial documentation should be organized and easy for you to access, not buried in a group chat.