Who Is a Truck Dispatcher and How Is It Different from a Freight Broker?

Target keywords: truck dispatcher vs freight broker, what does a truck dispatcher do, freight dispatcher responsibilities, dispatcher duties USA.

The truck dispatching career in the USA is one of the most discussed remote-friendly paths in logistics. But many beginners confuse a truck dispatcher with a freight broker. That confusion creates questions like: what does a truck dispatcher do in real life, and what are the actual freight dispatcher responsibilities compared to a broker?

In this guide, we break down what a dispatcher does, what a freight broker does, the key differences between the roles, and how to start in truck dispatching.

Want a structured path with real workflows, scripts, and practice? Start with the Truck Dispatcher Course (dispatching fundamentals + practice). Learn more about programs at Dispatch42 School, and strengthen compliance basics via the Safety Course for dispatchers (HOS/ELD & risk prevention).

Who Is a Truck Dispatcher?

A truck dispatcher (also called a freight dispatcher) is a logistics specialist who works on the carrier side—supporting trucking companies and owner-operators. The dispatcher’s job is to keep the truck moving on profitable loads while protecting time, ETA, and operational stability.

In plain terms, a dispatcher:

• finds loads using load boards and broker contacts,
• negotiates rates and load terms,
• plans routes and realistic ETA windows,
• communicates with drivers and supports execution,
• handles basic load paperwork and document flow.

What Is a Freight Broker?

A freight broker is an intermediary between the shipper (the company with freight) and the carrier (trucking company/owner-operator). Brokers source freight from customers, post loads, and then contract carriers to move those loads.

• works with shippers and customers who have freight,
• matches freight with carriers,
• earns margin between shipper rate and carrier rate,
• operates under brokerage rules and often a broker authority setup.

Truck Dispatcher vs Freight Broker: The Real Differences

Although dispatchers and brokers talk daily, their incentives and daily workflows are different. Understanding this difference helps you choose the right career path.

• Who they represent: dispatcher represents the carrier; broker represents the shipper-side freight.
• How they earn: dispatcher is paid salary/fee or % of truck gross; broker earns margin between shipper and carrier.
• Daily focus: dispatcher manages execution (ETA, updates, issues); broker focuses on selling freight and covering loads.
• Main relationships: dispatchers work closely with drivers; brokers work closely with shippers and coverage teams.

In short: the dispatcher is “on the carrier side,” while the broker is a “middle layer between shipper and carrier.”

What Does a Dispatcher Do Every Day?

To understand what a freight dispatcher does, look at a typical daily workflow. Dispatching involves constant communication, decision-making, and documentation.

• Load search on load boards and through broker contacts
• Rate negotiation to protect truck profitability
• Route + ETA planning around windows, traffic, parking, and HOS
• Load paperwork (rate confirmation, load details, broker setup)
• Load monitoring (check-ins, status, appointment management)
• Problem-solving (delays, cancellations, dock issues, weather)
• Owner communication on revenue and weekly planning

This is why truck dispatching is not “just computer work”—it’s a high-impact operational role connected to real business outcomes.

Core Freight Dispatcher Responsibilities (3 Areas)

1) Logistics & Planning

• matching loads to the right truck/trailer and lane strategy,
• planning routes and timing to reduce downtime,
• minimizing deadhead and improving weekly mileage economy.

2) Negotiation & Communication

• negotiating with freight brokers on rate, terms, and appointment details,
• maintaining driver communication during the run,
• handling detention/layover and accessorial discussions,
• explaining load profitability clearly to the driver/owner.

3) Documents & Accountability

• reviewing rate confirmations and verifying addresses, times, and pay,
• collecting BOL/POD after delivery for invoicing,
• keeping communication and documents clean for disputes and claims,
• knowing enough compliance basics to avoid preventable failures.

Most of these workflows are built step-by-step inside the Truck Dispatcher Course. To improve HOS/ELD awareness and reduce operational risk, add the online Safety Course.

Who Is Truck Dispatching a Good Fit For?

A truck dispatcher career fits people who can communicate well, react fast, and take responsibility for results.

• want remote work and USD-based income opportunities,
• can learn US logistics basics and lane logic,
• aren’t afraid of negotiation and phone communication,
• can manage multiple tasks and loads at once,
• want an alternative to a standard office job,
• plan to grow into operations/logistics management or a dispatch service.

How to Start a Truck Dispatching Career

1. Learn the basics: dispatcher vs broker, how freight moves, how rates work.
2. Master tools: load boards, trailer types, freight types, appointment windows.
3. Practice load search + negotiation + ETA planning workflows.
4. Understand which dispatcher duties drive results (profit, on-time, stability).
5. Build a resume or service offer and start applying or finding first clients.

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