Ways to Dispatch a Car Hauler
1. Dispatch Yourself or Driver Dispatcher: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Independence: You don’t have to rely on anyone else; you are in complete control.
- Reliability: No worries about losing connection with your dispatcher as you handle everything yourself.
- Preference for Solo Work: Ideal if you prefer working alone.
- Cost Savings: You may save money by not paying for dispatch services.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Finding well-paying loads takes a significant amount of time.
- Profitability Issues: Dispatching for yourself is not as profitable, especially with only one or two trucks.
- Lower Earnings: Self-dispatching can lead to about 30% lower earnings (a true story).
- Inefficiency: You cannot drive and dispatch simultaneously effectively.
What to Do?
Example of Self-Dispatch:
- Preparation: Spend 3 days at home finding good-paying loads.
- Execution:
- 1 day to get loaded.
- 2 days on the road.
- 1 day to unload.
- 3 days finding return loads.
- 1 day to get loaded back.
- 2 days to return home.
- 1 day to unload at home.
- Total: 14 days for a round trip.
Example with a Professional Dispatcher:
- Preparation:
- 1 day to get loaded.
- 2 days on the road.
- 1 day to unload.
- 1 day to get loaded back home.
- 2 days on the road.
- 1 day to unload at home.
- Total: 8 days for a round trip.
Conclusion:
- Self-dispatching requires 6 additional days compared to using a dispatcher.
- Using a dispatcher allows you to focus on driving and earning more money.
- Self-dispatching myths are often unverifiable.
Peace of Mind:
- Dispatching is time-consuming and stressful.
- A Professional Dispatcher lets you focus on driving and other important tasks.
- Even after paying for dispatch services, you can make 30% more money.
2. Having a Relative or Friend Dispatch for You
Pros:
- Comfort and Trust: Knowing the dispatcher personally can provide comfort.
- Keeping Money in the Family: If it’s a relative, the money stays within the family.
Cons:
- Lack of Professional Qualities: Being a good dispatcher requires specific skills.
- Low Responsibility: Friends and relatives might not take the job seriously.
- Quality Issues: Often results in low-quality work.
- Strained Relationships: Can lead to tension and damaged relationships with friends or family.
In Summary:
- While using a relative or friend sounds appealing, it often doesn’t work well in practice.
- Professional dispatch services provide a more reliable and profitable solution.