Freight Broker vs. Dispatcher: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?

When you’re an owner-operator or small carrier, knowing who’s on your side—and what they actually do—can be confusing.

Two of the most commonly misunderstood roles in the trucking industry are freight brokers and dispatchers.

Both play an important part in the movement of freight, but they serve very different functions in your business. Understanding the difference can help you avoid frustration, improve your workflow, and ultimately boost your bottom line.

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What Is a Freight Broker?

A freight broker acts as a middleman between shippers (who need freight moved) and carriers (like you, the driver). They are licensed by the FMCSA and legally authorized to broker freight contracts.

Key Responsibilities of a Freight Broker:

• Finds loads from shippers

• Matches those loads with available carriers

• Negotiates rates between shipper and carrier

• Handles contracts and compliance between both parties

Who Do They Work For?

Freight brokers work for themselves or a brokerage. Their goal is to profit by charging the shipper more than they pay the carrier, taking a margin on each load.

Pros:

• Can provide access to large, consistent shippers

• May offer high-volume lanes

Cons:

• May prioritize their profit over your rate

• Less personal connection or support

• Can result in lower pay per mile for the driver

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What Is a Dispatcher?

A dispatcher, by contrast, works directly for the carrier or owner-operator—you. They are not brokers. Their job is to help you find loads, negotiate rates, manage paperwork, and keep your truck moving efficiently.

Key Responsibilities of a Dispatcher:

• Books loads for you from brokers or load boards

• Negotiates the best rates for you

• Handles paperwork like rate confirmations and carrier packets

• Plans your routes to minimize deadhead miles

• Communicates with brokers on your behalf

• Provides real-time support on the road

Who Do They Work For?

Dispatchers work for the driver—not for the shipper or broker. Their goal is to keep your truck full, your rates high, and your schedule optimized.

Pros:

• Advocates for your best interest

• Handles time-consuming admin and broker calls

• Keeps your business organized and profitable

• Customizes loads based on your preferences

Cons:

• Not licensed to broker freight (so they work with brokers to find freight)

• Typically charge a small percentage fee for services

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Freight Broker vs. Dispatcher: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Freight Broker	Dispatcher
Works For	Shippers (and themselves)	You, the driver
Licensure	FMCSA-licensed broker	No FMCSA license required
Controls Freight?	Yes	No (they book loads for you through brokers)
Primary Goal	Profit from freight margin	Support your business growth
Services Provided	Load matching, contracts	Load booking, rate negotiation, admin help, support
Paid By	Shipper	Carrier or owner-operator

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Which One Do You Need?

You don’t have to choose one over the other. In fact, dispatchers often work with freight brokers to find the best loads for their drivers.

But if you’re an owner-operator looking for:

• Consistent support

• Someone who works for you

• Higher paying loads

• Less time dealing with admin and broker calls

• A business partner in your corner

Then a dispatcher is what you need—and that’s where we come in.

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How American Truckers LLC Can Help

At American Truckers LLC, we’re proud to be the trusted dispatch partner for owner-operators and small carriers nationwide. We don’t take a cut of the freight—we work to maximize your earnings and streamline your operations.

What We Offer:

• Dispatch services starting at just 4%

• No forced dispatch – you pick your loads

• Paperwork, broker calls, and route planning handled for you

• Help booking dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, and hotshots

• Fast, reliable, U.S.-based team that works around your schedule

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Ready to Drive Smarter?

Skip the confusion and get the support you need. With American Truckers LLC dispatch services, you’ll always have someone in your corner fighting for your success.

Call us at 612-293-8157 or visit www.americantruckersllc.com to get started today.