Skip to main content

Drayage Truck Dispatcher

Drayage Dispatch Services — $250/Week Flat Rate

Flat $250/week per truck. Unlimited loads, no per-load commission. Port and rail drayage — short-haul container moves between terminals, ramps, and warehouses. Requires TWIC for marine terminals ($125, ~60-day processing), chassis coordination, and appointment discipline. We find loads, negotiate rates, and handle broker verification so you focus on driving.

Drayage market — O Trucking estimate, February 2026:

$3.1

National spot/mi

$250/wk

Flat dispatch fee

Quick Answer
O Trucking provides drayage dispatch services for a flat $250/week per truck — unlimited loads, no per-load commission, no contracts. Our dispatchers book freight, negotiate rates (current drayage spot average $3.1/mile), vet brokers, and handle paperwork 24/7 so owner-operators keep more of every load. Call +1-682-978-8641.

Key Takeaways

  • Drayage dispatch is a flat $250/week per truck — unlimited loads, no percentage-of-gross commission.
  • Drayage spot rates averaged $3.1/mile (O Trucking estimate, February 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.

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.

ScenarioO Trucking (Flat Rate)Commission Dispatcher (6%)
Weekly cost$250 flat6% of every load
Cost at $5,000/wk gross$250$300
Cost at $8,000/wk gross$250$480
Annual cost at $5,000/wk gross$13,000$15,600
Fee rises as you gross more?No — always $250Yes — you pay more per load
Contract requiredNoOften

Gross figures are worked examples, not averages: the commission cost is 6% of whatever you gross, while the flat fee stays $250/week.

What Drayage Trucks Typically Haul

Common freight types for drayage equipment:

Ocean containers
Intermodal rail containers
Chassis and genset moves
Transload warehouse drops
Empty repositioning
Bonded warehouse moves

Strong Drayage Lanes

High-demand corridors for drayage freight:

Port of LA/Long Beach
Port of New York/New Jersey
Port of Savannah
Port of Houston
Chicago intermodal ramps
Seattle/Tacoma

Market Reality Check

Drayage pays per move more than per mile — busy port days can beat OTR dry van. TWIC card required for most marine terminals. Chassis shortages and terminal wait times kill profit; good dispatch books appointments, tracks free time, and mixes rail + port work. Flat $250/wk — no cut of detention or per-move pay.

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 drayage dispatch?

Drayage dispatch books port and rail container moves, coordinates chassis, and manages terminal appointments. O Trucking charges $250/week flat — no cut of per-move pay or detention.

Do I need a TWIC card for drayage?

Yes for most marine terminals. TWIC costs about $125 and takes roughly 60 days. Apply early if you plan port work. Rail ramps often have different credential rules.

How does drayage pay compared to OTR?

Drayage usually pays per move, not per mile. Busy port days can beat OTR dry van weekly gross. Profit depends on appointment discipline, chassis availability, and free-time management.

What kills profit in drayage?

Terminal wait time, chassis shortages, and missed appointments. Good dispatch books windows, tracks free time, and mixes rail + port work to keep the truck turning.

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 (682) 978-8641 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 February 2026, drayage spot rates averaged $3.1/mile (O Trucking estimate). Rates vary significantly by lane - Port of LA/Long Beach tends to pay above average, while oversaturated lanes pay less. Check DAT Freight & Analytics (dat.com) for real-time lane-specific rates. See our rate negotiation guide.

What freight do drayage trucks typically haul?

Drayage trailers commonly haul: Ocean containers, Intermodal rail containers, Chassis and genset moves, Transload warehouse drops, Empty repositioning, Bonded warehouse moves. 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?

Drayage pays per move more than per mile — busy port days can beat OTR dry van. TWIC card required for most marine terminals. Chassis shortages and terminal wait times kill profit; good dispatch books appointments, tracks free time, and mixes rail + port work. Flat $250/wk — no cut of detention or per-move pay. The national spot average was about $3.1/mi (O Trucking estimate, February 2026) with diesel near $6.29/gallon (mid-September 2026). Net income depends on your own cost per mile, miles run and lanes — see our operating costs breakdown.

What are the best lanes for drayage freight?

Strong drayage lanes include: Port of LA/Long Beach, Port of New York/New Jersey, Port of Savannah, Port of Houston, Chicago intermodal ramps, Seattle/Tacoma. 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). No contracts, no setup fees. See our complete pricing breakdown.

Get Started with Drayage Dispatch

Free consultation — no commitment required

CallGet Started Free