Owner-operator dispatch scope
What to expect before dispatch support begins
This service is designed for owner-operators and small carriers that want help organizing load search, offer review, broker communication, rate-confirmation paperwork, route preferences, and status updates. The carrier keeps control of load acceptance, operating authority, equipment, safety, hours of service, insurance, and delivery decisions.
Deliverables are defined in writing
- Equipment, home-base, lane, schedule, and minimum-rate preferences documented during onboarding.
- Load-search and offer-relay process within the agreed hours and communication channel.
- Carrier approval before a load is accepted.
- Broker or shipper contact details and rate-confirmation paperwork organized for the carrier.
- Pickup, transit, delivery, detention, lumper, and paperwork follow-up within the agreed scope.
- A clear escalation path for issues that require the carrier, broker, insurer, safety team, or another professional.
Pricing approach
Gold Rush Freight does not publish one fixed dispatch rate because the scope can vary by equipment, truck count, authority history, lanes, schedule, and back-office needs. After reviewing the request, the team should provide a written quote that explains whether the fee is percentage-based, flat, or another agreed structure; what revenue or services the fee covers; any setup or cancellation term; and when payment is due. Government, insurance, factoring, fuel, toll, lumper, permit, and other third-party costs are separate unless the written scope says otherwise.
Ask for the complete written price before work begins. A lower percentage does not by itself show which tasks are included, and no pricing structure guarantees load availability, a minimum rate, revenue, or profit.
Before onboarding
Be ready to discuss equipment, preferred lanes, operating schedule, authority status, insurance-readiness, and a target based on your own operating costs. Do not upload authority credentials, insurance policies, identity records, bank details, or driver records through the public website. Use the Cost-per-Mile & Bookkeeping Guide to prepare an internal break-even calculation.
Frequently asked questions
Does the dispatcher accept loads without the carrier?
No. The carrier should approve offers under the agreed process and remains responsible for operating decisions.
Are rates or weekly revenue guaranteed?
No. Equipment, lane, season, broker, capacity, market, and operating constraints change. Support does not guarantee a load, rate, schedule, approval, or earnings.
Can a new authority request dispatch help?
The request can be reviewed, but broker requirements, insurance, authority status, and market acceptance vary. Review DOT & MC Authority support and verify active status before operation.
Who is responsible for safety and compliance?
The carrier. Dispatch communication must not direct or encourage a driver to violate hours-of-service, vehicle, safety, insurance, or other requirements. See Safety & Compliance support.
Request a written dispatch-scope review using non-sensitive information. The team will explain availability, required next steps, and the pricing approach that applies to the request.
Compare the dispatch scope before onboarding
- Truck Dispatch Pricing Models — percentage, flat, hybrid, fee-base, and contract questions.
- Carrier Onboarding Documents by Equipment Type — secure packet planning for dry van, reefer, flatbed, power-only, box truck, and hotshot.
- Cost-per-Mile & Bookkeeping Guide — calculate the carrier's own break-even point before comparing a load or fee.


