Watch Now

Dispatch

 

 

Rob Carpenter Monday, March 24, 2025

What It Means for the Industry as FMCSA Eliminates MC Numbers in 2025

The FMCSA is eliminating MC numbers by October 1, 2025, requiring all motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to operate under a single USDOT number. This change aims to streamline registration, reduce fraud, and improve compliance tracking. While the transition simplifies carrier identification, it raises new challenges for brokers, shippers, and industry professionals accustomed to MC-based vetting. With potential impacts on contracts, insurance, and fraud prevention, fleets must prepare now to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s what the trucking industry needs to know before the deadline arrives.

Read More »
Rob Carpenter Thursday, February 20, 2025

A Practical Guide to Truck Dispatching Services

Truck dispatching is about maximizing efficiency, reducing downtime, and ensuring compliance. The best dispatchers are logistics strategists, connecting drivers with freight, optimizing routes, and handling regulatory and admin tasks so carriers can focus on the road.

With freight markets fluctuating and compliance requirements tightening, owner-operators and small fleets are increasingly turning to dispatching services to stay competitive. The right dispatcher can boost earnings, minimize deadhead miles, and streamline back-office operations. But with so many services available, how do you know which one adds value and which one just takes a cut?

This guide breaks down the role of dispatching services, the benefits of outsourcing logistics, and how to find a dispatcher who actually improves your bottom line.

Read More »
Rob Carpenter Thursday, February 20, 2025

Interlining Freight vs. Freight Brokering

Interlining freight and freight brokering are two often misunderstood functions in transportation. While both involve coordinating freight movement, the distinctions in responsibility, regulatory requirements, and legal compliance are significant.

This article talks about how interlining carriers work together to complete shipments across multiple legs, sharing liability and direct transport duties. It also breaks down how freight brokers facilitate shipments without ever taking possession of cargo and why they must hold FMCSA broker authority and a $75,000 surety bond.

With FMCSA cracking down on unauthorized brokering, understanding the legal and operational differences is crucial for carriers, brokers, and shippers.

Read More »
Rob Carpenter Monday, February 17, 2025

Understanding Spot Freight

Spot freight is the wild card of trucking that offers flexibility, fast solutions, and sometimes, unexpected windfalls. But is it a viable long-term strategy, or just a short-term fix for supply chain disruptions?

This article breaks down how spot freight works, what determines its pricing, and why shippers turn to it instead of contract freight. While it provides an immediate solution for last-minute loads and market shifts, it also comes with financial unpredictability. Learn how businesses can strategically use spot freight to complement their shipping strategy while maximizing opportunities and minimizing risks.

Read More »