VSHonest Comparison
FF Dispatch vs Self-Dispatch: Is DIY Actually Saving You Money?
Self-dispatching sounds free, but between load board fees, time spent searching, and missed opportunities, the real cost might surprise you.
Self-Dispatch Rate
0%
Plus load board fees ($150-400/mo)
FF Dispatch Rate
6%
You keep 94%
Their Avg/Mile
$2.10-2.60
Our Avg/Mile
$2.85
Honest Assessment
Self-Dispatch: The Good & The Bad
+What They Do Well
- No commission fees
- Complete control over loads
- Learn the business inside out
- Build direct relationships
-Where They Fall Short
- Load board fees ($150-400/month)
- 10+ hours/week on admin
- Lower rates without negotiation experience
- No backup support for emergencies
- Miss loads while driving
- Broker relationship building takes years
Feature Breakdown
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
Self-Dispatch
FF Dispatch
Commission Rate
0%
6%
Load Board Costs
$150-400/mo
Included
Avg Rate Per Mile
$2.10
$2.85
Time Spent on Admin
10+ hrs/week
0 hrs
Rate Negotiation
You do it
Expert negotiators
24/7 Support
None
Yes
Emergency Assistance
None
Full support
Broker Relationships
Build from scratch
Established network
Paperwork Handling
You do it
Handled for you
IFTA Reporting
You do it
$75-150/qtr
Finding Loads While Driving
Pull over or miss out
We find them for you
Revenue Increase
Varies
34% avg in 90 days
The Bottom Line
Our Verdict
Self-dispatch seems free, but let's do the math: Load boards cost $150-400/month. You average $2.10/mile vs our $2.85. At 10,000 miles/month, that's $7,500 in lost revenue — way more than our 6% fee. Plus you get 10+ hours back every week. Time is money, and the numbers don't lie.
$2.85
Avg Rate Per Mile
34%
Avg Revenue Increase
5 Max
Trucks Per Dispatcher
Common Questions
FAQ
Ready to See the Difference?
Try FF Dispatch free for 7 days. No contracts, no risk.