Freight Coordination Services: A Clear Guide to Boosting Your Trucking Business

Running a trucking business or working as an owner-operator means juggling many tasks. One of the most important is managing loads efficiently. This is where freight coordination services come in. They help you find the right loads, handle paperwork, and keep your trucks moving smoothly. In this post, I’ll explain what these services are, how they work, and why they matter for your business.

What Are Freight Coordination Services?

Freight coordination services are designed to connect trucking companies and owner-operators with shippers who need freight moved. Think of them as the middlemen who make sure your trucks are loaded with paying cargo and your routes are optimized. These services handle everything from finding loads to negotiating rates and managing schedules.

Using freight coordination services means less time spent on the phone or searching online for loads. Instead, you can focus on driving or managing your fleet. These services often use technology platforms to match trucks with loads quickly and efficiently.

For example, a dispatcher might find a high-paying load from Chicago to Dallas, negotiate the rate, and then coordinate the pickup and delivery times. This keeps your trucks busy and your income steady.

Freight truck at loading dock

How Freight Coordination Services Help Your Business

Freight coordination services offer several benefits that can improve your bottom line and reduce stress:

• Maximize Earnings: Coordinators find the best-paying loads that fit your truck’s capacity and route preferences.

• Save Time: They handle the paperwork, permits, and communication with shippers, so you don’t have to.

• Reduce Deadhead Miles: By planning routes carefully, they minimize empty miles, saving fuel and wear on your truck.

• Improve Load Consistency: Regular access to loads means fewer gaps in your schedule.

• Provide Support: If issues arise during transit, coordinators can help resolve them quickly.

  
  

For instance, if you’re an owner-operator who prefers regional hauls, a freight coordinator can focus on finding loads within your preferred area, avoiding long hauls that don’t fit your business model.

Using freight dispatch services can be a game-changer. They connect you with reliable shippers and ensure your trucks are always moving with profitable loads.

How Much Do Dispatchers Charge Per Load?

Understanding the cost of dispatch services is crucial before partnering with one. Typically, dispatchers charge a percentage of the load payment. This percentage usually ranges from 5% to 10% per load, depending on the service level and the dispatcher’s experience.

For example:

• A dispatcher charging 7% on a $2,000 load would earn $140.

• Some dispatchers offer flat fees per load, but this is less common.

  
  

It’s important to weigh the cost against the value you get. A good dispatcher can find higher-paying loads and reduce your downtime, which often results in more profit even after paying their fee.

When choosing a dispatcher, ask about:

• Their experience and track record.

• How they find loads.

• What support they provide during transit.

• Any additional fees or hidden costs.

  
  

Remember, the goal is to increase your net income, not just reduce your workload.

Dispatcher managing trucking routes on laptop

Tips for Choosing the Right Freight Coordination Service

Not all freight coordination services are created equal. Here are some tips to help you pick the right partner:

1. Check Reviews and References: Look for feedback from other owner-operators or trucking companies.

2. Evaluate Technology: A good service uses up-to-date software for load matching and communication.

3. Understand Their Network: The wider their shipper connections, the more load options you’ll have.

4. Assess Communication: You want a dispatcher who responds quickly and keeps you informed.

5. Clarify Terms: Make sure you understand the fee structure and contract terms before signing.

   
   

For example, a service that offers 24/7 support can be invaluable if you run into issues on the road outside regular business hours.

Why More People Should Be at the Table, Not in the Truck

One thing I’ve noticed in the industry is the need for more strategic thinking and less time spent behind the wheel. While driving is essential, growing your business means focusing on planning, networking, and negotiating. That means more people at the table meeting and less time spent inside trucks.

By partnering with reliable freight coordination services, you free up time to:

• Build relationships with shippers.

• Explore new markets.

• Manage your fleet more effectively.

• Plan for long-term growth.

  
  

This shift from driving to managing can increase your earnings and reduce burnout. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

Freight coordination services are a vital part of modern trucking. They help owner-operators and companies find better loads, save time, and increase profits. By understanding how these services work and choosing the right partner, you can take your business to the next level.

If you want to streamline your operations and boost your earnings, consider integrating freight coordination services into your workflow. It’s a smart move that lets you focus on what matters most - growing your business.

Trucking company office with dispatchers at work