Quick Answer
Central Dispatch is a load board that connects auto brokers with carriers to transport vehicles all over the country. Central Dispatch is the most widely used and largest platform for shipping vehicles throughout the country.
This facility can, however, only be accessed by licensed and authorized auto brokers and shipping companies. The platform is therefore not available to the general public, as it is for shippers and auto carriers only.
What is the Central Dispatch Charge?
Central Dispatch offers three different services for dealers/shippers, auto transport brokers, and carriers. Charges depend on whether you are a carrier or a shipper.
| Role | Use Type | Central Dispatch Cost | Other Costs |
| Dealers/Shippers | Find auto transport brokers | Not applicable | – Vehicle purchase price Auto transport cost (varies on distance, car type, service) – $500 – $3000+ (typical range) |
| Auto Transport Brokers | Find qualified carriers | $104.95/month + (after free trial) | – Broker fee (10-20% of transport cost) |
| Carriers (Auto Transport Companies) | Find available shipping jobs | Free (30-day trial) or ~$104.95/month + (Basic Membership) | – Additional features (variable cost) <br> – Fuel (varies on distance and fuel prices) |
How Does Central Dispatch Work?
Central Dispatch works by providing a central location for shippers and carriers to find each other. Central Dispatch is used by vehicle transport brokers to post a listing with the type of vehicle and price mentioned, to find an auto carrier that might move the customer’s vehicle if they are traveling the same route. The auto carriers can contact the broker if they are satisfied with the price for car hauling.
In any case, the auto broker is responsible for setting the price, but if they need the car moved earlier, they will have to charge more. And if the price is lower, it can take longer to haul a vehicle.
If the fee doesn’t appeal to the carrier, he will move back to the listing and find a better one. Therefore, when searching for a carrier to haul a vehicle, price is of utmost importance.
Quick understanding how does central dispatch work
- A shipper posts a load on the central dispatch load board.
- Carriers browse the load board and search for loads that they are interested in hauling.
- A carrier contacts the shipper to inquire about the load and to negotiate a rate.
- If the carrier and the shipper agree on a rate, the carrier books the load.
- The carrier picks up the freight from the shipper.
- The carrier transports the freight to the delivery location.
- The carrier delivers the freight to the consignee.
How Much Does Central Dispatch Pay Per Car?
Central Dispatch does not charge per car. Instead, it charges a monthly subscription fee for carriers. The subscription fee is $104.95 per month plus tax.
Central Dispatch does offer a Quick Pay option for brokers. This option allows brokers to pay carriers more quickly in exchange for a small fee. The Quick Pay fee is typically around 3% of the total load price.
While brokers charges range greatly depending on urgency and distance, with a move over 200 miles paying anywhere between $0.55 to $2.00 per mile, which makes up $300 to $700 per car.
However, vintage, classic, or luxury vehicles have higher prices than those that hold less value, because they require special equipment like enclosed trailers to ensure their safety and other tools that have extra costs. Hence, it depends on how far a distance the car needs to haul, the actual value of the vehicle, and what price the customer is offering for the shipment.
Advantages Of Using Central Dispatch
The most prominent advantage of using a load board like Central Dispatch is that it can be much quicker, more convenient, efficient, visible, and more affordable to find a vast network of qualified carriers.
However, all of this depends on how fair a price you are offering and whether it attracts multiple auto carriers. Even if you offer an attractive price, it will still cost you much less than actually driving the vehicle yourself.
Five advantages of our company using Central Dispatch:
- Convenience:
Central dispatch offers a single platform for shippers to post loads and for carriers to find loads, saving time and effort for both parties.
- Efficiency:
Central dispatch automates many load-related tasks, streamlining freight transportation ,car loads and cutting costs.
- Visibility:
Central dispatch offers transparency in the transportation process, allowing carriers to track loads and shippers to monitor shipment status, ensuring on-time, intact deliveries.
- Competition:
Central dispatch fosters a more competitive freight marketplace, resulting in lower rates for shippers and increased earnings for carriers.
- Access to a vast network of qualified carriers:
Central dispatch grants shippers access to a broad network of qualified carriers, aiding those moving freight to/from remote areas or car shipping specialized.
Disadvantages Of Using Central Dispatch
The main drawback of using Central Dispatch that lets it down is that you don’t always catch and meet the best carriers on the road. Any reputable and authorized carriers don’t always rely on Central Dispatch, rather they attract clients from their work and advertisements.
Due to their own wide network of auto carriers, both enclosed and open, and customers and brokers, being on the Central Dispatch might not be a priority for them.
Therefore, you will have to rely on a carrier that you’re not acquainted with or know of their repute.
How To Use Central Dispatch Effectively?
The best possible solution to use the Central Dispatch is to be assured of the safety of the shipment rather than looking for a cheaper option. Being a customer, we would advise offering a fair fee so that auto brokers can easily find a reliable carrier to haul your vehicle. And brokers should ask for a reputable and dependable carrier instead of a cheaper option.
Steps to Use Central Dispatch
- Create a complete and accurate profile.
This will help carriers to find you and learn more about your business. Be sure to include information such as your company name, contact information, and the types of loads you are interested in transporting.
- Post clear and concise loads
When posting a load, be sure to include all of the relevant information, such as the pickup and delivery locations, the type of freight, the weight and dimensions of the freight, and the desired delivery date. You should also include a competitive rate.
- Search for loads effectively
You can search for loads by location, type of freight, and other criteria. Be sure to use the filters to narrow down your search results.
- Communicate with carriers promptly
Once you have found a carrier that is interested in transporting your load, be sure to communicate with them promptly. This will help to ensure that the load is booked quickly and efficiently.
- Track your loads
Central Dispatch allows you to track your loads in real time. This will help you to stay up-to-date on the status of your shipments and to provide your customers with accurate information.
Example:
2023 Ford F-150 XLT pickup truck, 6,000 lbs. capacity, available 7/24, $1.00/mile
This quote includes all of the essential information about the vehicle, including the type, capacity, availability, and pricing.
Central Dispatch Insurance Requirements
To ensure the reliability and authenticity of a carrier, you must verify if they are insured or not. Being a car shipping company, we understand the concerns of moving a vehicle over long distances and how essential it is to offer proper insurance to cover the damages that might take place rarely.
Apart from insurance coverage, a carrier who will haul your car, should not be reluctant to pay for damages or slow the claim procedure. Therefore, a carrier must be using insurance coverage that readily pays for the damage and claims.
How To Avoid Scams On Central Dispatch
Central Dispatch is a legitimate load board, but avoid scams by checking before assigning a vehicle. Be wary of rates that are too good to be true. Do your research on carriers before booking a load. Never pay a carrier in advance. Be careful about what information you share with carriers. Report any suspicious activity to Central Dispatch.
Don’t just pick a carrier, instead thoroughly vet every single carrier interested in your shipments listed on Central Dispatch.
Make sure you check with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) (website to verify if they are USDOT certified or not and if they have Docket Numbers to ensure they are fully licensed and credible.
Example:
A dispatcher posts a load on Central Dispatch that pays $2.00 per mile to haul 10,000 lbs. from Los Angeles to New York City. This is a very high rate, especially for such a long distance. It is likely a scam.
Alternatives To Central Dispatch
Central Dispatch is a popular vehicle hauling option, and there are multiple carriers on the road available for Central Dispatch daily. But there are some alternatives to it too, that you can use to ship a vehicle.
You can haul a vehicle using a car shipping company with an open trailer. Or you can ask a moving company to move your vehicle on one of their partner carrier’s trucks.
The Future Of Central Dispatch
Central Dispatch has a bright future if it overcomes its only drawback of hiring unprofessional auto carriers that can damage its reputation in the long run. As long as customers and auto brokers both keep using the platform, full of capabilities, efficiently, mutual benefits will be observed in the future.
Multiple carriers are available on the road daily ready to haul vehicles to any town in the US, but not everyone is trustworthy, and Central Dispatch should make sure of it.
How NexGen Transportation Attracts Top Carriers on Central Dispatch
NexGen Auto Transport is committed to attracting the best carriers on Central Dispatch. We understand that the best carriers are essential to providing our customers with a superior shipping experience. That’s why we offer our carriers fair rates, unique terms, and a commitment to maintaining a 100% perfect rating on Central Dispatch.
Fair Rates
We believe that carriers deserve to be paid fairly for their services. That’s why we offer our carriers rates that are competitive and profitable. We also offer our carriers the opportunity to negotiate rates on a case-by-case basis.
Unique Terms
We offer our carriers unique terms that are designed to make their lives easier. For example, we pay carriers directly and only after a transport is successfully completed. We don’t do “cash on delivery” terms, which can be a hassle for carriers.
We also offer our carriers a variety of other benefits, such as:
- Flexible scheduling
- 24/7 customer support
- A dedicated account manager
100% Perfect Rating
We maintain a 100% perfect rating on Central Dispatch. This is a testament to our commitment to providing our carriers with a superior experience. We understand that carriers have choices when it comes to working with brokers, and we want to be the broker of choice for the best carriers in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Dispatch worth it?
Yes, Central Dispatch is worth it, but you will have to make an effort to verify if they are certified with USDOT and offer insurance coverage.
Can individuals use central dispatch?
No, individuals cannot use Central Dispatch as it is only accessible to licensed carriers and auto brokers authorized by the U.S. Department of Transport
How much does central dispatch cost per month?
The Central Dispatch’s cost starts at $59.95 per month.
What is better than central dispatch?
Booking a reliable car shipping company is better due to its credibility and better insurance coverage to ensure safety.
What is the best app for car hauling?
The best app for car hauling is the DAT load board. The dispatchers here can find the widest on-demand market of brokers and carriers in the country.
How does dispatch make money?
Dispatchers make money by getting paid a commission by the carrier for finding them their vehicles for hauling. This commission can range from 5 to 10% of the pay rate for that haul.
Last Words About Central Dispatch
Central Dispatch is a powerful tool that can help auto transport brokers find reliable carriers and transport vehicles efficiently. However, many brokers misuse it by listing their transports at the lowest price without regard for carrier quality.
At our transport company, we use Central Dispatch intelligently to attract the best carriers for our transports. We also have our own trucks and a network of partner carriers, which allows us to provide our customers with reliable and timely service.
