Truck Dispatcher vs. Freight Broker: Which Do You Need?
Fortuna Trucks · Guide
People use "dispatcher" and "broker" like they're the same job. They're not — and confusing them can cost you money.
A freight broker works in the middle
A broker sits between the shipper (who has freight) and the carrier (who moves it). They're paid from the margin between what the shipper pays and what the carrier gets. That margin is their business — which means it's not always in your interest for you to see the full number.
A dispatcher works for the carrier
A dispatcher represents you. They find loads (often from brokers), negotiate the rate on your behalf, handle the paperwork, and — if they're honest — show you the broker's actual rate confirmation so you know exactly what was paid. Their fee is a transparent cut of your revenue, not a hidden margin.
Which do you need?
If you own the truck and want someone on your side keeping you loaded and negotiating for you, you want a dispatcher. The test of a good one is simple: do they show you the real rate con, every time? If they won't, that's your answer.
That transparency is the whole point of how we work. See what Fortuna does or talk to a dispatcher.