What does truck dispatch cost?
Compare the fee basis before comparing the percentage. Then include the operating costs that remain after the dispatcher is paid.
Three models. Different trade-offs.
Percentage of revenue
The fee changes with the revenue charged under the agreement. Ask whether that basis includes fuel surcharge, detention, layover or reimbursements. A smaller percentage applied to a broader amount can still cost more.
Fixed weekly or per-load fee
A weekly fee is predictable, but ask whether it still applies during downtime. A per-load fee changes with booking count. Confirm cancellation rules, minimums and charges on freight you book yourself.
Compare your own numbers.
This calculator compares dispatch fees only, assuming the same service scope and revenue basis. It does not estimate earnings or service quality.
Money left is not profit.
Illustration: $2,500 linehaul less a 10% dispatch fee leaves $2,250 before fuel, driver pay, insurance, maintenance, factoring, tolls and taxes. The subtraction is a fee calculation, not a claim that the truck earned $2,250 in profit.
For DriveDataQ’s current service, the published fee is 10% of paid linehaul. Detention and layover pay stay with the carrier. Confirm the treatment of every other charge in your agreement. Review the service terms.
Get the quote in writing.
- The exact revenue basis and excluded charges.
- The fee during a week with no booked or paid loads.
- Whether self-booked loads incur a fee.
- Invoice timing, payment route and cancellation terms.
- The named tasks and after-hours coverage included.