Resources & guides
Straight answers for owner-operators and new authorities — pricing, rates, broker vetting, and how dispatch actually works.
What Is Deadhead? How to Reduce Empty Miles and Earn More
Deadhead is the miles a truck drives empty, without a load — and those miles cost fuel and time without earning revenue. Here's how to reduce deadhead and raise your effective rate per mile.
Power Only vs. Dry Van: Which Pays More for Owner-Operators?
Power only means pulling someone else's loaded trailer with just your tractor; dry van means owning and pulling your own box. Here's how the two compare on pay, costs, and which fits your operation.
How to Read a Rate Confirmation (Owner-Operator Guide)
A rate confirmation is the document that confirms the load details and pay before you haul. Here's what every rate con should include and exactly what to check before you accept a load.
How Does Freight Factoring Work? (And When It's Worth It)
Freight factoring lets owner-operators sell unpaid invoices to a factoring company for immediate cash, instead of waiting 30–60 days for broker payment. Here's how it works, what it costs, and when it makes sense.
Detention Pay: How to Actually Get Paid for Waiting
Detention pay compensates truckers when a shipper or receiver holds them past the free waiting window. Here's how detention works, typical terms, and how to actually collect it.
Best Load Boards for Owner-Operators in 2026
The best load boards for owner-operators include DAT and Truckstop for volume, plus free options for new authorities. Here's how to choose and use load boards to find better-paying freight.
Is a Truck Dispatcher Worth It for Owner-Operators?
A truck dispatcher is usually worth it if the higher rates they negotiate and the time they save you outweigh their fee. For most owner-operators, it does — especially new authorities without broker relationships.
How to Avoid Double Brokering (and Spot a Bad Broker)
To avoid double brokering, verify the broker's MC authority and bond, confirm the load is theirs before hauling, watch for rates that seem too high, and keep your paperwork tight. Here's how to protect your payment.
How Do Truck Dispatchers Get Paid? (Percentage vs. Flat Fee)
Truck dispatchers are usually paid by the carrier, either a percentage of each load (commonly 5–10%) or a flat weekly fee. Here's how each model works and which favors the owner-operator.
What Is a Good Rate Per Mile in 2026? (By Equipment Type)
A good rate per mile depends on your equipment and costs, but as a rule of thumb, owner-operators aim well above their cost per mile — often $2.00–$3.00+ depending on van, reefer, or flatbed. Here's how to judge a rate.
What Does a Truck Dispatcher Do? A Clear Guide for Owner-Operators
A truck dispatcher finds and books loads, negotiates rates, and handles paperwork so owner-operators can focus on driving. Here's exactly what they do and how it works.
How to Get Your MC Authority and Start as an Owner-Operator
To get your MC authority, register with the FMCSA for a USDOT and MC number, get the required insurance, file a BOC-3, and set up your carrier packet. Here's the step-by-step.
How to Find a Good Truck Dispatcher (What to Look For)
To find a good truck dispatcher, look for transparent pricing, no long contracts, real carrier reviews, strong broker relationships, and a focus on your net-per-mile. Here's a full checklist.
How Much Can an Owner-Operator Make? (Gross vs. Take-Home)
Owner-operators often gross $150,000–$300,000+ per year, but take-home is far lower after fuel, truck payments, insurance, and expenses. Here's how the math really works.
Dispatcher vs. Freight Broker: What's the Difference?
A truck dispatcher works for the carrier to book loads and negotiate rates; a freight broker works between shippers and carriers to move the shipper's freight. Here's the key difference.
Best States for Owner-Operators: Where the Freight Is
The best states for owner-operators tend to be high-freight hubs like Texas, California, Georgia, Ohio, Illinois, and Florida — where dense lanes, ports, and distribution centers keep trucks loaded.
How Much Does a Truck Dispatcher Cost in 2026?
A clear breakdown of truck dispatcher fees — percentage vs flat rate, what's typical, and how to tell if you're paying too much.