11 Tips For Choosing the Right Truck Dispatch Company

1. Research Reputation and Reviews:

Are they even from the United States?
Do they even have a w9 to operate their own business in the US?
Do they have a brokerage authority to book freight directly from shippers for you?
Will they use your MC Authority to book freight for other truckers without your consent?
**** This is very serious stuff. Be very careful and make sure you ask them for their w9 as well when signing up. ****

2. Understand the Fee Structure:

Clearly understand how the company charges for its services. Some companies charge different fees for different types of trucks!
Be wary of hidden fees or crazy terms in the contract. Some can be that you can’t book loads with anyone else! That’s crazy.

3. Technology and Software

Assess the technology and software the dispatching company uses. Some still use only DAT/Truckstop… It’s not enough anymore.
Ensure compatibility with your existing systems for seamless integration. Have your own factoring company? Make sure they know how to use your portal!

4. Customer Support and Communication:

Evaluate the responsiveness of the company’s customer support. Do they answer your phone calls the first time you call?
Clear communication is crucial for addressing issues promptly. Are they even in the United States?

5. Check Contract Terms:

Thoroughly read and understand the terms of the contract. Sometimes you lose full control of your own authority. Be. Careful!!!!
Look out for any clauses that may restrict your flexibility.

6. Industry Experience:

Consider the dispatching company’s experience in the trucking industry. Have they been around for 13+ years?
A company with a solid track record may better understand your specific needs.

7. Load Matching Accuracy:

Assess the accuracy and efficiency of the company’s load matching process.
Reliable load matching is essential for optimizing your trucking operations.

8. Evaluate Additional Services:

Determine if the dispatching company offers additional services.
Services like fuel card programs or maintenance support can add value.

9. Liability

Confirm the w9 and authority provided by the dispatching company.
Ensure it aligns with your business’s needs and mitigates potential risks.

10. Trial Period and Cancellation Policies:

Check if the company offers a trial period for their services.
Understand the cancellation policies to avoid any financial penalties.

11. Ask for References

Request references from other trucking companies that have used their services.
Direct feedback can provide valuable insights into the company’s performance.

In Conclusion,

Take your time guys. We dispatchers are salesmen and we can convince you to sign up to a service that is not in your favor.

Take your time – Read everything they have to offer. If they say things like “You’ll never be left without a load” or any statements that is almost impossible to believe… Don’t believe it. If they state things like “slots are full, hurry up and join the waiting list”. That’s all bull… They’re conniving you to sign up.

This is trucking.. It’s volatile. We sent one of our trucks to Laredo, tx for 9 months and brought him back for a premium of 2.65$ for 9 months!!! A week later, $1.80 cents. “So, what’s the point Walter?”.

The point is, nothing is a guaranteed except for honesty. You are interviewing them. Not the other way around. If you call us, I expect you to interview us. We must pass YOUR TEST. So again, take.. your.. time.

Make sure your dispatcher is from the states using a valid w9/authority. I’m not saying people outside of the states are bad people. There are many great dispatchers outside of the US as well… I just think it would be wiser to choose to do business with a company that has something to lose if they do anything illegal.

As we all know, this industry has taken a heavy uptick in fraudulent activities.

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Commited To Our Partners

At Balboa Logistics, we want our partners to know just how much they mean to us. You are the lifeblood of our business, and we are committed to treating every single interaction as if it were our last. Your unwavering commitment, integrity, and loyalty are the cornerstones of our success, and we will go to any lengths to honor and uphold the trust you’ve placed in us. Thank you for being an essential part of the Balboa Logistics family.

We sincerely appreciate your visit and contributions to our industry.