Independent Dispatcher experiences?

Hello. So for a few weeks I've been trying to figure out ways to set myself apart from the hundreds of people on FB groups when it comes to starting a new dispatch business. I don't want to type a bunch of questions if nobody is willing to answer. So I will start with the 2 most important to me.

What are the most negative things you've experienced with bad dispatchers?
What are some things I could do to make o/o happy? Like above and beyond happy.

That would be a great start. If anyone out here would let me pick their brain for a few (ok, a lot) more questions I'd appreciate it.

A little about me. I drove a Street Sweeper for 2 years. I finally got my Class A in August but during training with a big company they told me my position/hours had suddenly changed. I decided to go local and drive dumps. That was the end of my driving career. I developed vertigo and they will not clear me to return to driving. So essentially my whole world was flipped upside down and now I'm stuck at home. I decided I wanted to stay in the field and help drivers however I can. Any advice and answers to questions are greatly appreciated. I want to run an honest and reliable service. Thanks for any help

 

No offense taken. I appreciate the advice, I didn't want to make my post any longer than it was.. But I didn't just decide this overnight. I lost my job late October and I have a neurologist telling me to file for disability. NOT an option for me at 45. I have been googling/researching everything since November 1st. DAT wont let me do anything but demo mode without an mc# so I've practiced a lot with the demo. I have a lady who is going to show me the ropes once my llc finalizes in the next 2 weeks. I know some rate cons can be super long and I've been researching the red flags to watch out for. I have carrier packets made. It looks like most dispatchers are doing 5-10% I was thinking about doing 7% and if a driver is a runner and brings in $7500 a week he gets 1% knocked off for every week he achieves that goal. I know the most important thing is figuring out a drivers cpm including his pay. I read an article that half of new truck loans default in the first year. If it's true that is sad. Markets.. I know they can change and seasonal crops affect the areas. It seemed like midwest is decent for the truck types I want to cover (dry van, reefer, flatbed). Generally avoid the Rockies. North and South Dakota. Getting a high paying load into Florida can be a trap if you don't know what your'e doing. Most drivers don't want NYC and loads NE past Pa can be difficult for a backhaul. I know I have more to learn but I'm dedicated to being the best I can be at this. I know there are shady brokers. I'm hoping in a few months I will develop relationships with the trustworthy, non greedy ones.

 

Are you in the dispatch business?
Thank you for the input. Luckily I'm as honest as they come. I know a lot of these Facebook group newbies think a driver is their employee and they can force loads. Not the case, unless they are working under your MC# and insurance. I will always have my partners back but will not tolerate unprofessional behavior (aggressiveness, threats, and so on.) That would be a dealbreaker. If it's someone I have a relationship with for other drivers. I would promise never to send him/her back there if they felt slighted or disrespected though. It would be addressed.

 

I think you are mixing up dispatchers and brokers. Brokers have a pool of customers. It is illegal for a dispatcher to call shippers and have "lanes." Now I can call a shipper on behalf of an individual carrier with MC# and negotiate for that specific driver. I cannot, however, call a shipper and say here are my 4 drivers.. find me loads.

 

With all due respect, Sir, I have been heavily researching this for 3 months almost. I do not know it all and everyone makes mistakes.. even the big companies who half-### train people and call them dispatchers. I will try my best not to make them. I would never do anything to negatively affect my partner carriers. If I'm unsure of something I'm a member of 5 dispatch groups that will answer questions pretty promptly. Thanks for your input.. but it didn't quite answer the topic.