The carrier’s desk

Truck dispatch resources for owner operators

Practical articles, dispatch checklists and planning tools for owner operators and small fleets. Understand the fee, evaluate the whole trip and prepare the information your dispatcher needs.

Interactive worksheet

What does this load leave after costs?

Enter load pay, loaded and empty miles, fuel and other trip costs. See the dispatch fee, remaining revenue and break even pay with the assumptions explained.

Open the load cost calculator

40 terms, explained

Make sense of dispatch terminology.

Find clear definitions of deadhead, rate confirmations, TONU, trailer interchange and other terms, plus what each means for a load decision.

Browse the trucking glossary

Start with the decisions that matter

Published by Rai Dispatch. Examples identify their assumptions; agency requirements link to primary sources. Read our editorial standards and correction process.

Choose the right dispatch support

Understand the work a dispatcher handles, compare your options and review the cost before committing.

6 minute read

What does a truck dispatcher do for an owner operator?

See how truck dispatch works from load search to delivery paperwork. Compare dispatcher tasks, carrier decisions, fees and a practical load approval example.

6 minute read

How to choose a truck dispatcher

A practical dispatcher selection checklist: equipment fit, fees, load approval, communication and contract terms for owner operators and small fleets.

5 minute read

Truck dispatch fees by equipment

Compare 4 to 12% truck dispatch fees by equipment. See dry van, reefer, flatbed, hotshot, box truck and cargo van pricing, with a dedicated dispatcher included.

5 minute read

Self dispatch or a truck dispatch service?

Compare self dispatching with paid truck dispatch support. Review time, load approval, broker communication and the full fee before choosing a workflow.

5 minute read

Load board vs. dispatch service: what does each do?

Understand the difference between a load board and dispatch support. Compare search tools, booking work, account access and costs without confusing listings with loads.

5 minute read

Truck dispatcher vs. freight broker: questions for carriers

Understand the carrier facing difference between dispatch support and freight brokerage, with practical questions about scope, approval and payment terms.

7 minute read

Truck dispatch service agreement: a carrier review checklist

Review a dispatch agreement before signing: scope, carrier approval, fee base, account access, communication, cancellation and the handover of existing loads.

Find loads and evaluate the whole trip

Compare equipment fit, total miles, schedule and destination before deciding whether a load works for your truck.

8 minute read

How to find box truck loads that fit your operation

Find and evaluate box truck loads using actual dimensions, payload, loading access and trip costs. A practical search worksheet for straight truck carriers.

5 minute read

Local, regional or OTR trucking: choose a workable dispatch plan

Compare local, regional and OTR trucking by home time, appointments, total miles and reload planning. Build a useful lane brief for your dispatcher.

6 minute read

How to evaluate a freight rate before booking

Compare loaded miles, deadhead, dispatch fees and trip time with a worked example. A practical rate per mile checklist for owner operators.

5 minute read

How to review and reduce deadhead miles

Review pickup distance, reload timing and total trip miles before booking freight. A practical deadhead planning checklist for owner operators and fleets.

5 minute read

Partial truckload vs. LTL: a carrier's load planning guide

Understand partial truckload, LTL and exclusive use freight. Review usable space, co loading terms, delivery sequence and trip costs before accepting partial loads.

6 minute read

Fuel surcharge calculation: a practical guide for carriers

Understand diesel fuel surcharge inputs, index dates, mileage and invoice checks with a worked example. Confirm the actual formula in your load agreement.

Prepare your carrier and load documents

Use practical checklists for onboarding, broker review, rate confirmations and accessorial requests.

5 minute read

Truck dispatch onboarding checklist

Prepare carrier documents, equipment specifications, lane preferences and dispatch terms. A clear onboarding checklist for owner operators and fleets.

5 minute read

New authority broker approval: a practical review checklist

Prepare for broker review as a new trucking authority. Separate operating status, carrier documents and shipment eligibility, with practical follow up questions.

5 minute read

Rate confirmation checklist: review the load before booking

Review rate confirmations for pay, appointments, cargo, accessorial terms and document instructions. A practical carrier checklist with a worked example.

5 minute read

Detention, layover and TONU: a carrier documentation checklist

Prepare detention, layover, TONU and lumper requests with clear load terms, timestamps, receipts and follow ups. A practical carrier documentation checklist.

6 minute read

How to verify a freight broker’s identity before booking

Check broker identity, official records, contact details and changed load instructions. A practical verification workflow for owner operators and dispatch teams.

Prepare for equipment specific loads

Check the details that change the booking: temperature instructions, deck preparation, trailer handoffs and hotshot load fit.

6 minute read

Reefer load checklist: temperature instructions before booking

Prepare a reefer load brief covering written temperature instructions, operating mode, trailer preparation, appointments, records and changes during transit.

6 minute read

Flatbed load checklist: dimensions, tarping and loading details

Review flatbed freight before booking with a cargo, tarp, loading site and appointment worksheet. Compare the work behind the rate and clarify written terms.

6 minute read

Power only loads: trailer handoff and return checklist

Review a power only load from trailer pickup to return. Clarify equipment identity, written trailer terms, inspections, responsibility, mileage and release records.

6 minute read

Hotshot load planning: a checklist before accepting freight

Plan hotshot loads around actual truck and trailer capability, cargo dimensions, loading, securement, appointments and total miles before carrier approval.

Apply the guide to your equipment

The same rate can mean different work in a dry van, reefer, flatbed or box truck. Review the details that matter for your truck before deciding which loads to pursue.

Explore equipment dispatch

Understand the dispatch scope

Learn how load booking, rate negotiation, broker communication, paperwork and scheduling fit together, then decide what support your operation needs.

Explore dispatch services

Start with your truck and your lanes

Talk through your operation.

Tell us your equipment, current location and preferred lanes. We will review service fit and explain the dispatch fee before you start.

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