Expressway Dispatching Academy
Truck Dispatching Masterclass: Six-Module Learning Path
Read each module, complete its practice assignment, and check your understanding. These are written instructional modules; narrated videos, graded exams, member accounts, and paid enrollment are still being developed.
Module 1
Dispatching Foundations & Legal Boundaries
- The dispatcher supports an authorized motor carrier and must understand the difference between carrier agent and freight broker.
- Before providing services, verify carrier authority, equipment, lanes, insurance, and written authorization.
- The agreement should state duties, fee basis, approval rules, records, and termination.
Practice assignment
A carrier asks you to accept freight under your own company name and resell it to another carrier. Explain why that may involve broker authority.
Knowledge check: Does signing a dispatch agreement automatically remove broker-authority requirements?
No. The actual conduct and relationship matter under applicable FMCSA rules.
Module 2
Equipment, Freight & Load Boards
- Compare box trucks, dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, power-only, and cargo vans by capacity and freight fit.
- Load board listings require verification: broker identity, weight, dimensions, equipment, appointment, commodity, and special requirements.
- Never treat simulated board listings as real freight opportunities.
Practice assignment
A 26-ft box truck has a 7,000 lb available payload; a listing shows 9,000 lb. Explain why this is not a match.
Knowledge check: Should a dispatcher book a load based only on the advertised price?
No. Verify payload, dimensions, appointments, lane, broker, and carrier approval.
Module 3
Rate Per Mile & Negotiation
- Calculate loaded miles and deadhead miles; evaluate all-in effective rate per mile.
- Consider fuel, tolls, driver pay, time, and empty return miles when evaluating a carrier offer.
- Make respectful counteroffers and document every agreed term on the rate confirmation.
Practice assignment
A $1,500 load travels 500 loaded miles with 100 deadhead miles. Calculate the all-in gross rate per mile.
Knowledge check: What is the gross rate per all miles in the scenario?
$1,500 ÷ 600 miles = $2.50 per mile before expenses.
Module 4
Booking, Tracking & Problem Solving
- Get explicit carrier authorization before accepting the rate confirmation.
- Confirm pickup numbers, appointment windows, shipper/receiver contacts, and accessorial terms.
- Communicate delays promptly, document check calls, and preserve POD and rate confirmation records.
Practice assignment
The truck arrives at the shipper but is held for four hours. What documents and rate-confirmation terms would you review?
Knowledge check: Who makes the final decision to accept the load?
The motor carrier or its properly authorized representative under the agreed scope.
Module 5
Carrier Agreements, Fees & Invoices
- Set the compensation model in writing: flat fee or a negotiated percentage of a defined freight-revenue base.
- A $2,500 load at an agreed 8% yields $200 gross dispatch fees before expenses and taxes.
- Invoice with the carrier name, load reference, calculation, due date, and applicable payment terms.
Practice assignment
The carrier earns $3,200 and the agreement specifies 7% of that revenue. Calculate the invoice amount.
Knowledge check: How much is 7% of $3,200?
$224 before expenses and taxes.
Module 6
Launching & Operating a Dispatch Business
- Define a target carrier profile and a truthful service offer without promising guaranteed freight or revenue.
- Create an intake checklist, secure records, a contact workflow, and a repeatable daily dispatch routine.
- Track revenue, invoices, collection status, customer satisfaction, and compliance questions; use qualified professional advice when needed.
Practice assignment
Draft a one-week operating plan with carrier outreach, onboarding, load research, check calls, invoicing, and follow-up.
Knowledge check: What is more reliable than promising every carrier a fixed weekly revenue?
Describe the services, processes, transparent pricing, and realistic limitations.
Capstone assignment
Using a fictional carrier and load, complete a carrier intake checklist, evaluate equipment fit, calculate all-mile rate, write a carrier-approved booking checklist, calculate an agreed dispatch fee, and produce a sample invoice. Explain the regulatory boundaries of the dispatcher role.
Completion status: This self-study curriculum is available as a preview; no certificate or verified course completion is currently issued.