Brokers and Dispatches - Pros & Cons?

Never used or tried a dispatcher. I use a load board, Member's Edge. Might even add Internet Truckstop back to the mix.

 

Gears I have a friend who has 3 trucks (2 Petes and a Freighshaker) He's interested in going from the company hes leased onto (###### freight NYC LI runs) to using a load board like Members Edge or even CH if push comes to a shove. Without getting into details of how much it would cost us to run etc etc? Do you use load boards 100% for your freight? And if So are you constantly kept moving by just using 1 board for all of your work?

 

Mark, I use only Member's Edge as a loadboard. I also am signed up with CHRobinson, Landstar and JBHunt although I've not yet gotten loads from the last two. I've discovered some companies have their own loads or overflow that they post, such as MCT (Midwest Coast Transport). Loads I get are primarily broker loads and some are from carriers (MCT) that have their own boards. I started out using Internet Truckstop and then switched to Member's Edge. I think I'll be adding Internet Truckstop to my mix as I've done demo searches on IT and see plenty that I don't see on Member's Edge.
So to answer your question, I can keep moving using 1 load board, but can't justify just one as many of the others I've listed are free. I'll be going with IT shortly and with everything else, a guy can keep busy provided his overhead is such that he doesn't have to make a killing on every load just to keep solvent.

 

You can ask but I'm not gonna tell ya.... (kidding).

To be honest, I don't spend a ton of time. I'm more of a "casual" guy. My equipment is paid for, my overhead is minimal so I don't have to run my tail off to pay the bills and such.

Now if a dispatch service offered no fee quick-pay or threw some other bones at us owner operators, that might make it more attractive. But if you're getting the loads from the same place I am, why should I yet give up another piece of the pie?

 

Hello MoveFreight FAst, I was looking for a service such as the one you are describing.
Found it in TurboDispatch.com. Take a look and see all they offer.

 

I can't believe paying those rates can make you money. Basic is 7.5% of the load with a $50.00 minimum. That is on top of a brokers fee. Wow. You best stick to doing your own.

My wife has been trying to talk me into starting a dispatch service because I'm having a hard time getting enough money together for my own truck and reefer.

But dang, I was thinking of charging a flat rate of $50.00 per load. Its not that hard. Keep the trucks paperwork on hand for faxing to the broker/shipper. Get his lowest acceptable rate and preferred routes, then get the best rate you can negotiate for him.

Not that big a deal as long as you know the freight rates and what the market will bear in a given situation. (And get a pathological thrill out of hearing brokers squeal...not really, they're mostly nice.)

I think that would all be worth $50.00, but not 7.5% + (their rates go up from there).