What is a truck dispatcher?

Many of the close to 40,000 truck dispatchers in the U.S. are making lucrative careers out of being organized, working independently and running their own businesses. But truck dispatching is not the same as truck brokering. Here’s why.

The main difference is that a truck broker generally is considered a bridge between carrier and shipper, whereas a truck dispatcher works mainly with the trucker to find and dispatch loads – often for independent owner-operators.

“A broker’s primary function is business development. They help truck drivers and transport companies find more loads to carry, while also helping shippers reduce their costs and negotiate the best possible rate,” according to Truckstop.com, an online load board and digital freight marketplace.

However, a truck dispatcher’s primary function is execution, the company notes, because dispatchers are the ones who organize schedules and routes and dispatch drivers to fulfill shipments.

“Sometimes these roles and responsibilities overlap, but they are fundamentally different. A freight broker is more like a hockey team’s general manager, while a freight dispatcher is more like a coach. Both play an important role, but a dispatcher has a more hands-on role on the front lines, while the broker is more back of house.”