Carrier guide · Dispatch pricing
Truck dispatch fees by equipment
Rai Dispatch charges equipment specific percentage fees of 4 to 12% on loads we book, with a dedicated dispatcher for each truck. Rai Dispatch uses percentage only pricing for every truck type. There are no setup fees, fixed weekly or monthly charges, or other Rai Dispatch fees. Use the schedule below to find your rate, then confirm the billing base and service scope before starting.
By Rai Dispatch · Published · Updated · 5 minute read
Sources, examples and corrections- Exact rates by equipment
- Dedicated dispatcher for each truck
- Percentage only; no other Rai fees
The dispatch rate for your truck
The equipment type determines the published percentage. A dedicated dispatcher is provided for each truck to learn its equipment, preferred lanes and schedule, coordinate the agreed dispatch work and present loads for your approval.
For a mixed fleet, use the rate for the equipment assigned to each dispatched load. Confirm the equipment classification and billing base in the agreement. Specialized operations still require a service fit review before onboarding.
| Equipment | Dispatch fee |
|---|---|
| Dry van | 5% |
| Reefer | 4% |
| Flatbed | 5% |
| Hotshot | 6% |
| Box truck | 7% |
| Power only | 5% |
| Step deck | 5% |
| Cargo van | 12% |
| Sprinter van | 5% |
| Conestoga | 4% |
| RGN / lowboy | 5% |
| Car hauler | 5% |
| Tanker | 5% |
| Dump truck / trailer | 5% |
| Curtain side trailer | 5% |
| Other equipment | Other truck types have a published 5% fee, subject to service availability and written rate confirmation. Select a listed type or request confirmation before calculating a fee. |
Calculate the fee using your equipment rate
Multiply the agreed revenue base by the equipment’s percentage. For example, a dry van load with a $2,000 billing base has a $100 dispatch fee at 5%. Use the individual equipment rate below for each truck; cargo vans and Sprinter vans have separate published rates.
The examples below use the same hypothetical $2,000 billing base to make that difference clear. They are fee calculations, not live load offers or earnings forecasts. The amount remaining is before fuel, insurance, maintenance and other carrier expenses.
| Equipment example | Percentage | Dispatch fee |
|---|---|---|
| Box truck | 7% | $140 |
| Dry van | 5% | $100 |
| Reefer | 4% | $80 |
| Flatbed | 5% | $100 |
| Power only | 5% | $100 |
| Step deck | 5% | $100 |
| Hotshot | 6% | $120 |
| Cargo van | 12% | $240 |
| Conestoga trailer | 4% | $80 |
| Sprinter van | 5% | $100 |
Ask what counts toward the billing base
Two quotes with the same percentage may produce different invoices. Ask whether the fee applies to linehaul only or also to fuel surcharge, detention, layover, extra stops, tarping and other accessorials. Clarify how a cancellation, unpaid load or payment dispute is handled.
Put those answers in the agreement and compare a sample invoice with a sample rate confirmation. That exercise often reveals more than comparing headline percentages alone.
Compare the actual services
A dispatch arrangement may include load search, rate negotiation, booking coordination, broker communication, lane planning and document follow ups. Check who does each task and which work sits outside the dispatch service, such as services provided by a separate third party.
Ask about the dispatcher contact, desk hours, escalation process and how you approve loads. Factoring, compliance management, insurance, permits, accounting and legal advice should not be assumed to be included just because a plan is described as full service.
Percentage only pricing with no other Rai Dispatch fees
Rai Dispatch uses percentage only pricing for every truck type. There are no setup fees, fixed weekly or monthly charges, or other Rai Dispatch fees.
For a box truck, a hypothetical $2,000 agreed billing base produces a $140 dispatch fee at 7%. That percentage fee is the total Rai Dispatch charge on that billing base; no fixed weekly or monthly charge is added. Fuel, insurance, maintenance and third party carrier expenses remain separate from Rai Dispatch fees.
Check billing and cancellation before starting
Confirm when fees are earned, when invoices are issued, accepted payment methods and any notice required to end service. Keep a copy of the signed agreement and the quote you accepted.
Compare the total cost alongside communication, included services and fit for your equipment. A lower percentage is useful only when the scope and billing base work for your operation.
Questions carriers ask
Practical answers before you start
What percentage does Rai Dispatch charge for each equipment type?
Dispatch fees are 7% for box trucks, 6% for hotshots, 4% for reefers and Conestoga trailers, 12% for cargo vans, and 5% for dry vans, flatbeds, power only, step decks, Sprinter vans, RGN and lowboy trailers, car haulers, tankers, dump trucks and trailers, and curtain side trailers. Fees apply to gross revenue on loads we book. Rai Dispatch uses percentage only pricing for every truck type. There are no setup fees, fixed weekly or monthly charges, or other Rai Dispatch fees. Confirm the applicable equipment category, billing base and service scope in writing. The agreement confirms the equipment classification and billing base.
Does Rai Dispatch charge setup fees, fixed weekly or monthly fees, or any other fees?
Rai Dispatch uses percentage only pricing for every truck type. There are no setup fees, fixed weekly or monthly charges, or other Rai Dispatch fees.
Is a dedicated dispatcher included?
Yes. Rai Dispatch provides a dedicated dispatcher for each truck, with free setup and 24/7 live dispatch support for active carriers. Your dispatcher learns its equipment, lanes and schedule. Confirm your direct contact details and backup process during onboarding. The new carrier setup desk operates Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM CT.
Does the fee include fuel, insurance or factoring?
No. The percentage fee pays for the agreed dispatch service. Fuel, insurance, factoring and other carrier operating expenses are separate third party costs, not additional Rai Dispatch fees.
Should I choose a dispatcher only by the percentage?
No. Compare the billing base, service scope, communication, contract terms and fit for your equipment alongside the fee.