Dispatch
Dispatch is the process of assigning and coordinating the movement of vehicles, personnel, or
goods from one location to another, typically in real-time. It's a critical function in industries like
logistics, transportation, emergency services, field service management, and delivery operations.
Key Responsibilities of a Dispatcher:
Receive and process requests (e.g., for pickups, deliveries, repairs, or emergencies).
Assign tasks to drivers, technicians, or field agents.
Monitor routes and schedules using GPS and dispatch software.
Communicate updates with drivers, customers, and other team members.
Handle delays, issues, or emergencies quickly and calmly.
Truck Types
1. Dry Van Truck
Description: Enclosed, box-shaped trailer with a roof, floor, and walls. No temperature control.
Used For: Palletized freight, retail goods, electronics, furniture, and dry goods.
Typical Dimensions:
◦ Length: 48 ft – 53 ft (16.15 m)
◦ Width: 8.5 ft (2.6 m)
◦ Height: 8.5 ft (2.6 m)
Max Load Capacity: 45,000 lbs (20,400 kg)
2. Reefer (Refrigerated Truck)
Description: Similar to a dry van but with refrigeration unit and insulated walls.
Used For: Perishable goods like dairy, meat, produce, frozen foods, and medicines.
Typical Dimensions:
◦ Length: 48–53 ft
◦ Width: 8.5 ft
◦ Height: 8.5 ft
Max Load Capacity: 42,000 – 44,000 lbs
3. Flatbed Truck
Description: Open trailer with no sides or roof. Ideal for heavy, wide, or oversized loads.
Used For: Construction materials, machinery, steel coils, pipes.
Typical Dimensions:
◦ Length: 48–53 ft
◦ Width: 8.5 ft
◦ Deck Height: ~5 ft (60 inches)
Max Load Capacity: 48,000 lbs (21,770 kg)
4. Step Deck (Drop Deck) Trailer
Description: Flatbed with two levels — a top deck and a lower deck.
Used For: Freight that is too tall for flatbed (up to 10 ft high).
Typical Dimensions:
◦ Lower Deck Length: ~37 ft
◦ Upper Deck: ~11 ft
◦ Width: 8.5 ft
◦ Height (Low Deck): ~3.5 ft
Max Load Capacity: 48,000 lbs
5. Box Truck (Straight Truck)
Description: The cargo area is attached to the same chassis as the cab.
Used For: Local deliveries, household moving, parcel distribution.
Typical Dimensions:
◦ Length: 10–26 ft
◦ Width: ~8 ft
◦ Height: 10–13 ft
Max Load Capacity: 10,000 – 15,000 lbs
6. Hotshot Truck
Description: Heavy-duty pickup truck pulling a gooseneck or flatbed trailer.
Used For: Time-sensitive or LTL (less than truckload) freight.
Typical Dimensions:
◦ Trailer Length: 20–40 ft
◦ Width: 8.5 ft
Max Load Capacity: 10,000 – 20,000 lbs
7. Lowboy Trailer
Description: Extremely low deck height, used for hauling oversized and tall equipment.
Used For: Bulldozers, excavators, transformers, industrial machinery.
Typical Dimensions:
◦ Well Length: 24–29 ft
◦ Width: 8.5 ft
◦ Deck Height: 18–24 inches (low deck)
Max Load Capacity: 40,000 – 80,000+ lbs
(up to 120,000 lbs with permits and axles)
Truck Accessories
1. Dry Van 2. Reefer (Refrigerated Truck)
Purpose: Enclosed transport of general goods Purpose: Transport of temperature-sensitive goods
Accessories:
Accessories:
Load bars & straps (to secure cargo)
Temperature monitoring systems (e.g., Thermo
E-Track systems King, Carrier)
Lift Gate
Insulated curtains
Pallet Jack
Backup power unit
Trailer seals
Temperature data loggers
Interior lighting
Rearview cameras Door alarm sensors
Anti-theft locks Reefer fuel gauge
3. Flatbed Truck 4. Step Deck (Drop Deck)
Purpose: Hauling oversized or heavy items Purpose: Tall freight without height permit
Accessories: Accessories:
Heavy-duty ratchet straps & chains Ramp sets
Tarps (lumber, steel, machinery) Oversize banners
Winches & winch bars Safety flags & lights
Coil racks & dunnage Load levelers
Headache rack Tarps
Flag kits & oversized load signs Chain binders
Edge protectors
5. Box Truck (Straight Truck) 6. Hotshot Truck
Purpose: Local freight, moving & delivery Purpose: Urgent, light to medium-duty loads
Accessories: Accessories:
Hand trucks/dollies Gooseneck/fifth wheel hitch
Liftgate or ramp Toolboxes
E-track or L-track Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Moving blankets Load securement straps
GPS tracking device Auxiliary fuel tank
Fire extinguisher & first aid kit Flashing beacon lights
7. Lowboy Trailer
Purpose: Oversized, heavy machinery
Accessories:
Loading ramps
Tarps
Chains, binders, and winches
Load flags & escorts (if required)
Wide load signs
Axle extensions
Flashing amber lights
Documents Required
MC Authority Letter
W-9 Form
COI – Certificate of Insurance
NOA – Notice Of Assignment (Factoring)
Copy of Voided Check
CDL – Commercial Driving License
MC Letter (Motor Carrier
Letter)
What Is an MC Letter?
An MC Letter is a document that confirms a motor carrier's active operating authority issued by
the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). It is typically used to:
Show proof of active MC (Motor Carrier) authority
Confirm the carrier is authorized to transport goods across state lines
Provide official MC number and DOT number
Support broker-carrier agreements, load boards, and dispatching
This letter is essential for brokers, shippers, or dispatchers to verify the carrier's legitimacy.
W-9 Form
What is a W-9 Form?
A W-9 Form (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) is an IRS document
used by businesses (like brokers and shippers) to collect tax-related information from
independent contractors or vendors — in this case, motor carriers or owner-operators.
Why Trucking Companies Need a W-9:
Required by brokers and dispatchers before assigning loads
Ensures the carrier is properly reported to the IRS
Used to issue a 1099-NEC form at the end of the year (if applicable)
Proves your legal business identity
COI – Certificate of Insurance
What Is a COI?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is an official document issued by an insurance provider that
shows proof of active coverage for a trucking company. It is commonly required by brokers,
shippers, or load boards before assigning loads.
Why Carriers Need a COI:
Proves the carrier is insured to haul freight
Required for load assignments
Protects both broker and shipper from liability
NOA – Notice of Assignment (Factoring)
What Is an NOA (Notice of Assignment)?
A Notice of Assignment (NOA) is a document that informs a broker or shipper that the payment
for a freight invoice has been legally assigned to a factoring company. It tells them to send
payment directly to the factoring company, not the carrier.
Why Is an NOA Important?
Protects the factoring company’s right to collect the invoice payment.
Ensures the broker pays the right party (factoring company instead of carrier).
Avoids double payment issues and legal disputes.
Copy of Voided Check
What Is a Voided Check?
A voided check is a blank check with the word “VOID” written across it, usually in large letters. It is not used
for payment, but instead given to factoring companies, brokers, or shippers to provide:
Bank name
Account number
Routing number
This allows direct deposit of payments via ACH (Automated Clearing House).
Why Carriers Are Asked for a Voided Check:
To set up direct deposit with brokers or factoring companies
To avoid errors in bank transfers
As part of the carrier setup packet or factoring application
CDL – Commercial Driver’s License
What Is a CDL?
A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a specialized license required to operate large or
commercial vehicles, such as trucks, buses, or hazardous material tankers in the U.S. or Canada.
It certifies that a driver is qualified, trained, and tested to safely operate commercial motor
vehicles (CMVs).
Why CDL Is Important in Trucking:
Required by federal law (FMCSA) for vehicles over 26,001 lbs
Needed to operate tractor-trailers, tankers, flatbeds, dump trucks, etc.
Shows carriers and brokers that a driver is legally compliant
Needed to secure insurance, dispatch loads, and get hired
