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Truck Dispatch Fee Calculator

Compare what dispatchers really cost on your typical week: percent of gross, flat weekly or per load. See the fee per week, per year and per mile. Free, no signup.

Your typical week

Rate con total: linehaul + fuel surcharge.

Shows the fee per mile.

Dispatcher 1
Fee type
Dispatcher 2 (optional)
Fee type

Counted only in weeks with at least one load.

Dispatcher 3 (optional)
Fee type

Your results

Fill in your week and at least one fee.

  • Enter how many loads you run a week.
  • Enter your average pay per load.

Estimates only. Based on the numbers you enter. Not tax, legal or financial advice.

How to calculate a dispatch fee

  • Weekly gross = loads per week × average pay per load
  • Percent fee = fee % × weekly gross
  • Flat weekly fee = the fee (in weeks with at least one load)
  • Per-load fee = fee × loads per week
  • Per year = weekly fee × 52; per month = weekly fee × 52 ÷ 12
  • Break-even gross (percent = flat) = flat weekly fee ÷ fee %

Worked example

Two loads a week at $2,500 each ($5,000 gross), comparing an 8% dispatcher, a $300-a-week dispatcher and a $100-per-load dispatcher:

Worked example
8% of gross8% × $5,000 = $400 a week ($20,800 a year)
$300 flat weekly$300 a week ($15,600 a year)
$100 per load2 × $100 = $200 a week ($10,400 a year)
8% equals $300 flat at$300 ÷ 8% = $3,750 gross a week

Questions to ask a dispatcher before you sign

  • Is the fee on linehaul only, or on the whole rate con including fuel surcharge?
  • Do you take a share of detention, layover, TONU or lumper?
  • Is there a contract, a minimum or a cancellation notice?
  • Do I pay in weeks you don't book a load?
  • Can I turn down a load, and who negotiates the rate?

FAQ

How do you calculate a dispatch fee?

For a percentage dispatcher, multiply the fee percentage by the gross pay of each load: 8% of a $2,500 load is $200. For a flat weekly fee, the fee is the same whatever you gross. For a per-load fee, multiply the fee by the loads you run. To compare, work out each one on the same typical week.

Is a percentage or a flat weekly dispatch fee cheaper?

It depends on how much you gross. A percentage fee costs more in big weeks and less in slow weeks. A flat fee is the opposite. The two cost the same when your weekly gross equals the flat fee divided by the percentage: a $250 flat fee equals 5% at $5,000 a week.

Is the dispatch percentage taken from linehaul or the whole rate?

Ask before you sign. Some dispatchers charge on the rate confirmation total including fuel surcharge, some on linehaul only, and some also take a cut of detention or layover. That difference can change what you pay more than the percentage itself.

What does THC dispatch charge?

You choose: 5% of the rate confirmation total (linehaul + fuel surcharge), or $250 per week, only for weeks we book at least one load. Accessorials such as detention, layover, TONU and lumper are not included in the 5%. There is no contract.

Is my information saved or shared?

Your last inputs are saved only in your own browser. Nothing you type is sent to Trucking Help Center's servers, and there's no signup.

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