I got my first carrier! He found me on Instagram and we had the sales call today, he signed the contract and sent it back after the call. Our onboarding call is Wednesday and he has a 40ft Hotshot. I'm super excited that this is all coming together. Now I don't feel like I'm 'starting a business' like the business is up and running really quick and im just here for the ride lol. I've only been in the paid course for a month so I know I have a lot to learn. If anyone has any experience with Hotshots, or hotshots in the Texas area, I'd love to pick your brain :)

Hi All, I'm a newbie that has become interested in Truck Dispatching. My guy is a driver who now wants to buy his own truck while I learn to dispatch so I can later be his dispatcher with the hopes of me being able to get the kids involved and we make it a family business.

1. Always Use a Written Dispatch Agreement Before you start working with any carrier, sign a Dispatch Service Agreement that clearly includes: - Your service fee (e.g., 5–10% per load or weekly flat rate) - Payment schedule (after each load, weekly, or via invoice) - Payment method (Zelle, Wise, bank transfer, etc.) - Clause stating payment is due regardless of whether the carrier receives broker payment - Termination clause Without a written agreement, it is very hard to enforce payment. 2. Verify the Carrier Before Working Check the carrier to avoid scams or unreliable companies: - Ask for: MC number DOT number Certificate of Insurance (COI) W-9 form - - Confirm their authority is active - Check safety and activity history on FMCSA (to see if they are operating regularly) Carriers with inactive authority or very new MC numbers are higher risk. 3. Charge a Small Upfront Fee (Recommended for New Dispatchers) Many professional dispatchers request: - A setup fee ($50–$200), or - Payment after the first load is booked This helps filter serious carriers from those who may disappear. 4. Use Rate Confirmations as Proof of Work Always: - Keep copies of Rate Confirmations - Keep email or WhatsApp communication records - Maintain a load tracking sheet If a carrier refuses to pay, these documents prove you provided the service. 5. Invoice Immediately After Each Load Send a professional invoice including: - Load details - Rate confirmation reference - Your percentage or flat fee - Payment deadline (e.g., 3–7 days) Consistency reduces late payments. 6. Work With Carriers Who Have Factoring Companies Factoring companies handle payments from brokers. These carriers usually: - Run loads regularly - Have more stable cash flow - Are less likely to avoid dispatcher payments You can ask: “Are you working with a factoring company?” 7. Stop Dispatching If Payment Is Late If a carrier delays payment: - Politely remind once or twice - Do not book new loads until payment is cleared

We are owner/operators so we are carriers and also dispatch our drivers. Our driver just totaled a truck we are leasing. We are just devastated. We were already at $14,000 revenue just this month. We were getting really good at dispatching. We are just so upset. Mind you, this is the second driver we have had to get into an accident and essentially put us out of business. We’ve been in the business for 1.5 years at the point. Almost out of the hell period and pretty much not getting turned down because our MC is too young. And then this happens. Just seems like we cannot catch a break.

Update: I collected my first carrier today. A friend that owns a box truck company with three trucks. Some context: I had to cancel my subscription to the paid portion of Dispatcher University, not because the system does not work but because I can not afford it at the moment. To those that don't know, I was taken advantage of in late 2025 as a lease on owner operator. It left my business near bankruptcy. I transitioned into dispatch because of it. I'm grateful to God I was able to use my contacts in the industry to scale the biggest hurdle to dispatchers, finding carriers. Otherwise I would have to spend lots of money in advertising to let carriers know my company exists. Then afterwards I would have to convince them to work with me. My industry connections helped me bypass that expense and roadblock. Grateful to @Gurpreet Gill for his teaching and expertise that gave me knowledge and tools to help my friends run their businesses more efficiently. I'm encouraged and excited about the future. Once my company returns to the black, I'll return with an update. Thanks to everyone I've met in this community and to all the encouraging words and advice. I can't wait to come back with more good news.