There are several difficulties that come with running a business when it comes to flatbed hauling. Load coordination, managing routes, and other complex steps take a lot of time and are very challenging. Flatbed freight business operations are time consuming and stressful. This is where freight flatbed dispatch services come in.
In this piece, we will discuss the various benefits of hiring flatbed freight dispatch services, the benefits of these services, and how these services will improve efficiency within your trucking business operations. We will also attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions and present testimonials that trucking companies and truck drivers have provided.
Why Services in Flatbed Dispatch Are Important
Running a flatbed trucking service is a specialized business niche. Unlike typical freight, some flatbed loads may be oversized, or have heavy and irregularly shaped cargo, which is more complex than standard trucking operations. This also takes more skill and driving. Here are some of the reasons that explain the significance of flatbed dispatch services.
- Better Load Matching and Distribution: Professional flatbed truck dispatchers improves efficiency supporting the gap of where there are empty miles. With more freight services at a time, there is more revenue.
- Managing Documents: From bills of lading to permits, paperwork is an essential part of the industry. A professional dispatcher makes certain that all paperwork is handled properly and within the deadline.
- Uninterrupted Assistance: Emergencies and changes are a part of every driver’s routine. Changes and drivers’ crises are handled swiftly with the help of 24/7 dispatch services.
When dispatching is done to professionals, trucking companies can concentrate on their top priority: delivering their cargo on time and safely.
What A Flatbed Dispatcher Does
Besides being a coordinator, a flatbed dispatcher has numerous roles to play. Each of these roles is critical to the success of flatbed trucking. A few of these roles include the following:
- Obtaining Loads: Booking and finding loads that meet the truck type and schedule.
- Rate Negotiation: Making sure that every haul is compensated the best.
- Schedule and Route Planning: Constructing trips in a manner that enhances productivity and minimizes downtime.
- Compliance: Making certain that your shipments are compliant to the law and safe.
- Driver Assistance: Handling changes, delays, and emergencies.
Essentially, a flatbed dispatcher fills the role of the intermediary between drivers and shippers, and makes certain that every trip is highly profitable and productive.
PLUSES OF USING FLATBED DISPATCH SERVICES
1. HIGHER PROFIT
With experienced dispatchers working on your behalf, you should have no problems getting more profitable loads. Because dispatchers understand the industry, they are likely to get the truck loads at the top of the market range.
2. TIME EFFICIENCY
You can spend hours daily recording and balancing loads and keeping track of various paperwork required for the trip. By hiring a dispatcher, you can concentrate on your driving and expand your fleet.
3. PEACE OF MIND
You will be less stressed. Navigating logistics in the flatbed industry can be especially difficult. Fending off relaxed and irresponsible dispatchers can be more stressful.
4. COMPLIANCE
You’re more likely to get the proper paperwork in order for flatbed carrying, which includes additional permits and paperwork to follow state laws. Dispatchers can save you from getting docked on more money for compliance issues.
5. IMPROVED BUSINESS RELATIONS
Having a disconnect business relationship can give you a bad reputation in the industry. Having a dependable dispatch service can be a value you bring for the entire transportation cycle for a shipper and increase your value in the supply chain.
Choosing a dispatch service for flatbed trucking can be a determinant factor in operational efficiency and profit maximization. Here are some attributes to consider for selection:
- Industry-Specific Experience: Some dispatchers work for flatbed operations. They understand challenges unique to this industry.
- Fee Structures: Be on the lookout for dispatchers with transparent and reasonable fees. Some might charge a flat service fee, while others work on a commission basis, which is a percentage of the load.
- Availability: Your dispatcher should be contactable and responsive.
- Positive Reputation: Testimonials and reviews from other trucking operations can provide insights on a dispatcher’s reliability and trustworthines.
- Advanced Software: Operational efficiency is improved by the utilization of modern load boards, tracking, and communication software.
- Zero Revenue Miles: Without planning, trucks often turn around and drive back to the place they just left without a load. This results in earned revenue not being realized.
- Stunted Growth: Access to higher paying loads is restricted due to a lack of drive and determination.
- Fines and Delays: Missing or poorly managed permits and other documents can result in non-compliance and delays.
- Stressful Communication: Interfacing with brokers and shippers can be tedious and take a lot of time.
- Inefficient Routing: Poorly structured schedules can increase costs and time on the road.
Professional dispatchers solve these issues, allowing the truckers to drive and grow their business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is flatbed dispatch?
A: Flatbed dispatching is the organizing of activities related to the operation of a flatbed truck (load, rate negotiation, route planning, compliance). It is the most effective and profitable way to use a flatbed truck.
Q2: Why should I hire a flatbed dispatcher?
A: Hiring a dispatcher should increase revenue and profit since it saves time and relieves stress, and keeps everything compliant, so the truckers can drive and not worry about the logistics.
Q3: How much does flatbed dispatching services cost?
A: The price is dependent on the service since some dispatchers have a flat monthly fee while others take a cut from the each load and some have a fee structure that is simple and fair while others a complicated and hidden cost structure.
Q4: Can a dispatcher handle emergencies?
A: Yes, an experienced dispatcher has an emergency support service that is available 24/7 so calls can be answered for emergencies, delays, or last-minute load adjustments.
Q5: Will a dispatcher find high-paying loads?
A: Compared to the services provided by themselves, most professional dispatch services should be able to use their contacts and load boards (which many other professionals should have access to) more effectively and find high-paying loads.
Customer Feedback From Trucking Companies
John T., Fleet Owner:
“EverMark Dispatchers tailored their support to strategically assist our company in the optimization of our routes in order to decrease the amount of wasted driving and to secure loads that pay us more.”
Sarah K., Owner-Operator:
“Managing routes and permits was too much for me. When I hired a Flatbed Dispatcher, I was able to simplify my business and I was able to drive my profits up.”
Mike L., Trucking Company Manager:
“EverMark Dispatchers have a team that is professional, quick to respond, and very knowledgeable. They sort the logistics while we drive.”
Summary
Partnerships with dispatch services like EverMark dispatchers enhance operational frameworks by decreasing the amount of time spent on business processes and increasing revenue. More also, it reduces risks associated with the business.
Hiring Flatbed Dispatchers should be viewed as an investment that will increase the value of the business over time, whether it is from the standpoint of an owner-operator or a fleet management perspective. Take the opportunity of enhanced service in Flatbed Dispatching and enjoy the increase in your business.