Truck dispatcher fees: percentage vs. flat rate

Updated October 2026

Most truck dispatchers charge either a percentage of each load's gross pay or a flat fee per week or per truck. Many dispatchers charge somewhere around 5% to 10% of gross, depending on the truck type and what's included, but rates vary.

Percentage of gross

You pay a share of what each load pays. When you run more or book better rates, the dispatcher earns more, so their incentive lines up with yours. In slow weeks, you pay less.

Flat weekly fee

You pay the same amount every week, no matter what you gross. If you gross a lot, a flat fee can cost less than a percentage. In slow weeks, you still pay the full fee.

What's included matters

Compare what you get for the fee: load booking only, or also broker packets, invoicing, factoring paperwork and after-hours support. Ask about any extra charges for things like detention billing or credit checks.

Run your own numbers

Plug your typical weekly gross into the dispatch fee calculator to see which structure costs you less, and what you keep after the fee.

Try it: Dispatch fee calculator