Drayage Truck Dispatcher
Drayage Dispatch Services — $250/Week Flat Rate
Flat $250/week per truck. Unlimited loads, no per-load commission. Enclosed 53-foot trailers hauling general freight, retail goods, and packaged products. Standard dimensions: 53'L x 8.5'W x 9'H interior, 3,800 cubic feet capacity, holds 26 standard pallets (48x40), max cargo weight 45,000 lbs. We find loads, negotiate rates, and handle broker verification so you focus on driving.
August 2026 Drayage Market:
$2.45
Spot Rate/mi
$2.71
Contract/mi
$4,600
Avg Weekly Gross
Drayage Dispatch Pricing
Flat Weekly Rate
$250
per truck per week
Unlimited loads · No per-load commission
Run harder, keep more — your fee never goes up
No contracts · Cancel anytime · No setup fees
Unlimited loads · FMCSA broker vetting
Key Takeaways
- Drayage dispatch is a flat $250/week per truck — unlimited loads, no percentage-of-gross commission.
- Drayage spot rates average $2.45/mile and contract rates around $2.71/mile as of August 2026.
- Service includes 24/7 load booking, aggressive rate negotiation, broker vetting, and paperwork — no forced dispatch.
- No contracts, no setup fees, cancel anytime; a 6% commission dispatcher would cost far more on the same freight.
- Typical drayage carriers gross about $4,600/week running 2,000+ miles.
Drayage Dispatch Cost: Flat-Rate vs Commission
How O Trucking's flat $250/week compares to a typical 6%-of-gross commission dispatcher for a drayage carrier.
| Scenario | O Trucking (Flat Rate) | Commission Dispatcher (6%) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly cost | $250 flat | 6% of every load |
| Cost at $4,600/wk gross (avg) | $250 | $276 |
| Cost at $8,000/wk gross | $250 | $480 |
| Annual cost (avg gross) | $13,000 | $14,352 |
| Fee rises as you gross more? | No — always $250 | Yes — you pay more per load |
| Contract required | No | Often |
At an average $4,600/week gross, flat-rate saves about $26/week (~$1,352/year) vs a 6% commission — and the gap grows the more you run.
$250/wk
Flat Rate · Unlimited Loads
50
States Covered
24/7
Dispatch Support
No
Contracts or Setup Fees
What Drayage Trucks Typically Haul
Common freight types for drayage equipment:
Strong Drayage Lanes
High-demand corridors for drayage freight:
Market Reality Check
Maximize Your Earnings
Related Guides
Drayage Dispatch by State
Select your state to learn about local drayage freight markets and rates.
Northeast
Midwest
Southwest
Drayage Trucking: What You Need to Know
Essential information about drayage operations, rates, freight types, and how to maximize your earnings. Check current rates on DAT Trendlines and verify carrier authority on FMCSA SAFER.
What is a drayage trailer and what are its dimensions?
A drayage is an enclosed trailer without temperature control, designed to protect freight from weather and theft. Standard 53-foot drayages measure 53' long x 8.5' wide x 9' tall interior, providing roughly 3,800 cubic feet of cargo space. They accommodate 26 standard pallets (48x40 inches) when loaded straight, or up to 28 using pinwheel configuration. Maximum cargo weight is typically 45,000 pounds, staying under the 80,000-pound federal gross vehicle weight limit.
What are current drayage rates per mile in February 2026?
As of February 2026, national drayage spot rates average $2.45 per mile, the highest since late 2022. Midwest rates are running even higher at $2.58 per mile due to weather disruptions and restocking activity. Contract rates average $2.71 per mile. The DAT top 50 lanes average $2.32 per mile. Winter weather across the eastern US is tightening capacity and pushing rates up in key freight corridors.
Is drayage trucking profitable compared to reefer or flatbed?
Dry van rates are typically lower than reefer ($2.81/mi) and flatbed ($2.59/mi), but profitability depends on your operating costs, not just rates. Dry van has lower maintenance costs, no refrigeration fuel expenses, and faster drop-and-hook turnaround. Many carriers net similar profit running drayage efficiently versus reefer with higher rates but higher costs. The key is minimizing deadhead miles and knowing your break-even rate.
What freight can you haul in a drayage?
Dry vans transport non-perishable, non-temperature-sensitive goods including consumer electronics, retail merchandise, auto parts, packaged foods, paper products, clothing, furniture, building materials, and general palletized freight. Weight-sensitive loads like beverages or paper may reach weight limits before filling trailer volume. Lightweight goods like clothing or electronics fill space before hitting weight limits.
What are the highest paying drayage freight lanes?
Top-paying drayage lanes in 2026 include Los Angeles to Dallas (major port and distribution hub connection), Chicago to Atlanta (industrial to consumer markets), and routes through the Midwest where rates currently run 50 cents above national average. Dallas-Fort Worth offers excellent reload options with access to I-20, I-30, I-35, and I-45. Look for lanes with balanced outbound and return freight to maximize average revenue.
How can drayage owner-operators make more money?
Maximize earnings by: 1) Minimizing deadhead miles through better backhaul planning, 2) Building direct relationships with brokers who pay promptly, 3) Targeting Midwest lanes where February 2026 rates are running 50 cents above average, 4) Using drop-and-hook loads to save unloading time, 5) Diversifying freight types to stay busy during slow seasons, and 6) Knowing your exact cost per mile so you never book unprofitable loads.
Drayage Dispatch Flat Weekly Rate
Flat $250/week for drayage dispatch — no percentage of per-move pay, no cut of detention. Unlimited moves. On a strong $4,800 week a 6% dispatcher takes $288; we charge $250 flat. Details: pricing.
Port and Rail Container Moves
We book ocean and intermodal rail containers, coordinate chassis, and manage terminal appointments. TWIC required for most marine terminals (~$125, ~60 days). Related: power only dispatch for tractor-only work.
TWIC, Chassis, and Appointments
Profit in drayage is appointment discipline and chassis availability. We book windows, track free time, and avoid demurrage traps. Chassis shortages are planned around — not hoped away.
Rates and Realistic Weekly Gross
Per-move pay varies by port and distance. Busy operators mixing port + rail often gross near $4,800/week. Wait time is the enemy — that is why appointment-first dispatch matters.
Setup and Paperwork
Active MC/DOT, cargo insurance, TWIC for marine terminals, and chassis agreements or puller access. We verify terminal requirements before you deadhead to the gate. Get started.
Start Drayage Dispatch
Call (307) 248-9848 or start online. Share your tractor specs, TWIC status, and preferred ports/ramps. Flat $250/week.
Drayage Dispatch FAQ
Common questions about our drayage dispatch services.
What are current drayage rates per mile in 2026?
As of August 2026, drayage spot rates average $2.45/mile nationally, with contract rates around $2.71/mile. Rates vary significantly by lane - Los Angeles to Dallas tends to pay above average, while oversaturated lanes pay less. Check DAT Freight & Analytics (dat.com) for real-time lane-specific rates. We track rate trends daily and push for top-of-market pricing on every load we book. See our rate negotiation guide for tactics that add $0.25+/mile.
What freight do drayage trucks typically haul?
Drayage trailers commonly haul: Dealer inventory, Auction autos, Private-party cars, SUVs and light trucks, Fleet rehabs, Lease returns, Electric vehicles, Furniture, Building materials. The specific freight you'll run depends on your lanes and the relationships we build with shippers. Some loads pay better than others - we'll help you understand which freight types maximize your revenue per mile. Our owner operator costs guide breaks down how different freight affects your bottom line.
Is drayage trucking profitable right now?
Most competitive market segment with high volume but heavy carrier count. February 2026 rates hit highest since late 2022. Success depends on minimizing deadhead miles, building broker relationships, and targeting Midwest lanes where rates run 50 cents above national average. At current rates ($2.45/mi spot, $2.71/mi contract) and diesel around $5.35/gallon, drayage can gross roughly $4,600/week running 2,000+ miles. After fuel, insurance, and maintenance, net depends heavily on your cost structure. According to ATBS data, average owner-operator net income is $64,524/year. Carriers with paid-off equipment net significantly more. See our operating costs breakdown for detailed expense analysis.
What are the best lanes for drayage freight?
Strong drayage lanes include: Los Angeles to Dallas, Chicago to Atlanta, California to Texas, Georgia to Florida, Dallas-Fort Worth hub. The "best" lane depends on where you want to home time and whether you're running OTR or regional. Use DAT's Rate Pro or Truckstop Rate Analysis to compare lane-specific rates. We'll work with your preferences to find consistent freight in lanes that make sense for your schedule.
What does drayage dispatch cost at $250/week flat?
Flat $250/week per truck — that's it. Unlimited loads, no per-load commission, no surprises. Industry-standard dispatchers charge 5–10% of every load (that's $250–$500/wk on a $5,000 gross). Average drayage carriers gross $4,600/week, where a 6% commission dispatcher would charge $276/wk — we charge $250, saving $26/wk. No contracts, no setup fees. See our complete pricing breakdown.
Other Dispatch Services
Learn more: Read our complete Drayage glossary guide for equipment specs, typical freight, and industry terminology.
Trucking Guides
Broker Verification
Protect yourself from freight fraud
Operating Costs Guide
Know your true cost per mile
Rate Negotiation
Get better rates from brokers
Detention Pay
Compensation for waiting time
Layover Pay
Overnight wait compensation
Factoring
Get paid in 24 hours
TONU
Canceled load fee protection
Accessorial Charges
All trucking extra fees
Broker Credit Check
Check broker payment history
Cost Per Mile
Calculate your true operating cost
Fuel Advance
Get fuel money before delivery
Deadhead Miles
Reduce costly empty miles
Rate Confirmation
Protect yourself with proper docs
Dispatcher
What truck dispatchers do
Spot Market
On-demand freight marketplace
Load Board
Find available freight
Owner Operator
Independent trucker guide
MC Authority
Your operating authority
Also from O Trucking
Looking for a Driving Job?
CDL and non-CDL positions available. All equipment types, all 50 states.
Browse Driver Jobs →Need to Hire Drivers?
Pre-screened CDL drivers matched in 2-3 days. Only $500 per placement.
Get Matched with Drivers →Need a Website?
A professional website for any business. $274 one-time, first year of hosting included.
Get Website →Ready to Start Drayage Dispatching?
Join owner-operators across America who trust O Trucking for their drayage dispatch needs.