Booking loads can make or break a trucking business. Many truckers unknowingly lose time, money, and opportunities due to common mistakes. The good news? A skilled truck dispatcher can prevent these costly errors, ensuring steady cash flow, better loads, and fewer headaches.

1. Accepting Low-Paying Loads

  • Many truckers grab the first load they see just to keep moving.

  • This often leads to undercutting their earnings.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: Dispatchers negotiate better rates and ensure consistent profitability.

2. Ignoring Deadhead Miles

  • Empty miles = wasted fuel and money.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: A dispatcher carefully plans backhauls to minimize deadhead and maximize mileage.

3. Not Checking Broker Credit & Reliability

  • Truckers sometimes accept loads from unreliable brokers.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: Dispatchers vet brokers and check credit scores before booking loads.

4. Overlooking Detention & Layover Pay

  • Truckers often lose money waiting at docks without compensation.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: Dispatchers negotiate detention, TONU, and layover pay upfront.

5. Poor Route Planning

  • Bad routes = wasted fuel, tolls, and delays.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: Dispatchers optimize routes for time, cost, and compliance.

6. Not Reading the Fine Print

  • Missed details = unexpected costs.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: Dispatchers carefully review contracts and rate confirmations.

7. Booking Loads Without Considering Hours of Service (HOS)

  • Violations = fines and penalties.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: Dispatchers track HOS and schedule loads accordingly.

8. Wasting Time Searching Multiple Load Boards

  • Truckers spend hours scrolling instead of driving.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: Dispatchers have access to premium load boards and industry connections.

9. Poor Communication with Brokers & Shippers

  • Miscommunication leads to delays and cancellations.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: Dispatchers handle communication professionally, reducing stress for drivers.

7. Accepting Loads Outside Equipment Capability

  • Example: Flatbed truckers taking reefer loads.
    How a Dispatcher Helps: Dispatchers match loads to equipment type: reefer, flatbed, step deck, etc.

Final Thoughts

Booking loads isn’t just about staying on the road—it’s about running a profitable, stress-free trucking business. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial, and partnering with a professional truck dispatcher in Rochester, NY ensures you get the best loads, best rates, and peace of mind.