Difference Between Broker and Dispatcher

What Is a Freight Broker?

A freight broker is a person or company that acts as a middleman between shippers and carriers, facilitating communication and coordinating the transportation of goods. Freight brokers negotiate rates and plan routes on behalf of shippers, and help carriers optimize their routes and increase profits. They make a profit by charging a commission on the difference between the freight rate paid to the carrier and the rate paid by the shipper.

What Is Dispatcher?

A dispatcher is a person or company that manages the receipt and transmission of information about the location of cargo on the road. Dispatchers may be employed by carriers or contracted to them, and often help smaller carriers find loads using load boards and brokers. They coordinate movements to ensure on-time delivery of goods and use a transport management system to optimize fleet movements. Dispatchers represent the interests of the carrier and receive a percentage of the carrier’s rate as payment. They are not licensed or regulated.

Comparing a Freight Broker & Dispatcher

Yes, there are several differences between freight brokers and dispatchers. Freight brokers are licensed and regulated by the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA), while dispatchers are not. Freight brokers negotiate rates and plan routes on behalf of shippers, while dispatchers represent the interests of the carrier and help them find available loads. Freight brokers make a profit by charging a commission on the difference between the freight rate paid to the carrier and the rate paid by the shipper, while dispatchers receive a percentage of the carrier’s rate as payment. Freight brokers invoice the shipper and pay the carrier, while dispatchers do not deal directly with the shipper. Dispatchers may also provide carriers with administrative support, while freight brokers do not.

Dispatchers Represent the Carrier

Dispatchers receive a percentage of the carrier’s rate as payment for their work, so they are motivated to negotiate the best prices for the carrier. They help carriers find available loads and provide them with assistance navigating around risky areas. Dispatchers also play the role of a logistics department in trucking dispatch, coordinating movements and ensuring on-time delivery of goods. They may also provide carriers with administrative support, such as invoicing and revenue collection. 

The Goal of the Freight Broker is to Grow the Business

Dispatchers represent the interests of the carrier and are paid a percentage of the carrier’s rate, while freight brokers work to grow their own business and make a profit by charging a commission on the difference between the freight rate paid to the carrier and the rate paid by the shipper. It is in the best interest of the freight broker to negotiate the lowest transport rate while still maintaining the interest of the carrier. Freight brokers must carefully balance these competing interests in order to be successful.  

Dispatchers are not Licensed

Freight brokers are licensed and regulated by the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA), while dispatchers are not. The FMCSA oversees the actions of freight brokers to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. There have been calls for the FMCSA to raise the standards for dispatch services, as they are currently not regulated. This could help to improve the quality and reliability of dispatch services.. 

Brokers Invoice the Shipper and Pay the Carrier–Dispatchers Deal with Carriers

Freight brokers operate independently and are responsible for billing the shipper and paying the carrier. Dispatchers, on the other hand, do not deal directly with the shipper and do not invoice them. The agreement between the dispatcher and the carrier does not include the shipper, so dispatchers may prioritize their relationship with the carrier over the shipper. This can sometimes lead to conflicts of interest or misunderstandings.

Dispatchers Do a lot of the Admin Work for Carriers

Dispatchers help to reduce the burden of administrative work for carriers, particularly small owner-operators who may not have the infrastructure to manage all the paperwork required for billing and compliance. Dispatchers search load boards to find cargo to fill the truck and maximize utilization, and their income depends on load maximization and higher negotiated transport rates. They also provide carriers with administrative support, such as invoicing and revenue collection. If the carrier uses factoring, many dispatchers will generate invoices and submit them to the factoring company. This allows carriers to focus on their core business of transporting goods.

Which is Best For You?

Freight brokers can help carriers fill their trucks and negotiate the lowest transport rates, which is good for the carrier but may not be the best deal for the shipper. Dispatchers work for carriers and use freight brokers to find loads, and their income depends on finding the best rates for the loads. This can sometimes create conflicts of interest or misunderstandings, as the dispatcher may prioritize the interests of the carrier over the shipper. It is important for shippers to carefully evaluate the services of both freight brokers and dispatchers to ensure that their needs are being met.

FAQ

How Much Do Freight Brokers Charge Per Load?

The amount that a freight broker charges per load can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and type of the shipment, the distance it needs to be transported, and the market rates for the particular route. In general, brokers typically charge a percentage of the total cost of the shipment, which can range from about 10% to 20%. However, it’s important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual rate that a broker charges may be different. It’s always a good idea to discuss the rate with the broker before agreeing to any transportation services.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Trucking Dispatcher?

The amount of time it takes to become a trucking dispatcher can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the individual’s prior experience and education, the type of training they receive, and the specific requirements of the job. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to become a trucking dispatcher. Some trucking companies offer on-the-job training for new hires, while others may require applicants to have prior experience or education in logistics or transportation. Additionally, some states may require trucking dispatchers to be licensed, which can add to the amount of time it takes to become a trucking dispatcher.

Can You Be a Freight Broker and a Carrier?

It is possible for a person or company to act as both a freight broker and a carrier. In this situation, the individual or company would act as a broker, arranging transportation for shipments and negotiating rates with shippers, and also provide their own transportation services as a carrier. However, it’s important to note that there may be certain legal and regulatory requirements that must be met in order to operate as both a broker and a carrier. For example, in the United States, freight brokers and carriers are subject to different regulations, and individuals or companies that want to operate as both may need to obtain separate licenses and meet different requirements. It’s always a good idea to research the specific requirements in your area before starting a business as both a broker and a carrier.