Straight answers to trucking's basics.
Plain-English guides to how dispatch, authority and rates actually work — for owner-operators, No-MC drivers and anyone new to the lanes.
What Is a Truck Dispatcher? Duties Explained
A truck dispatcher is a logistics professional who finds and books freight for truck drivers and carriers, negotiates rates with brokers and shippers, and manages the paperwork and communication behind each load. Dispatchers work on the carrier's behalf, letting owner-operators stay focused on driving while someone handles the business side.
ReadMC Number vs USDOT Number: What's the Difference?
A USDOT number is your carrier's safety ID, used by the FMCSA to track inspections, crashes, and audits. An MC number is operating authority — federal permission to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines. Many interstate carriers need both; some need only a USDOT number.
ReadWhat Is Lease-On (Running Under a Carrier's Authority)?
Lease-on means an owner-operator or driver signs a lease agreement to haul freight under a trucking carrier's operating authority (their MC and DOT numbers) instead of getting their own. The carrier provides the authority, insurance, and often the loads, while the driver runs the truck under that company's name.
ReadWhat Is a Rate Confirmation (Rate Con)?
A rate confirmation (rate con) is a binding document a freight broker sends a carrier to confirm the agreed price and terms for hauling one specific load. It lists the rate, pickup and delivery details, load number, and payment terms — the paper trail that locks in a booking before the truck rolls.
ReadOwner-operator vs company driver: which pays more?
Owner-operators post far higher gross revenue, but company drivers often keep more of their paycheck. An owner-operator runs their own truck and pays every expense — fuel, insurance, repairs — while a company driver earns a steady wage with zero overhead. Real take-home depends on rates, miles, and fixed costs.
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