ELD & dispatch
ELD & dispatch — set up right from the start.
The ELD you pick in week one is the one you'll be stuck with at your DOT audit a year later. The dispatcher you hire decides how much of your gross actually hits the bank. I spent years on the dispatch side — I can tell you who's worth working with and who isn't.
What to look for in an ELD
- FMCSA-registered with a long track record (not a flash-in-the-pan brand).
- Reliable Bluetooth/cellular — disconnects mid-trip create HOS violations.
- Honest IFTA mileage reports that hold up at audit.
- Reasonable monthly fee — $20–$40/truck is the sweet spot.
- US-based support reachable when something breaks on a Sunday.
Common questions
Which ELD should I buy?
Skip whichever one is cheapest on Amazon. A solid ELD has reliable Bluetooth, an honest IFTA mileage report, decent customer support, and clear hours-of-service logs that an officer can read at roadside. I'll narrow it to two or three that fit your truck.
Do I need a dispatcher right away?
A good one earns their 5–10% by getting you better-paying loads and saving deadhead miles. A bad one is just a person between you and the load board taking a cut. For most new carriers I recommend starting on the load boards yourself for a month so you know what loads should pay, then bringing on a dispatcher.
What does a dispatcher typically charge?
5–10% of gross is the normal range. Anything above 10% had better come with truly premium loads. Flat-rate dispatching ($300–$500/week) can be cheaper if you're running consistent volume.
How do I know if a dispatcher is legit?
Ask for references from carriers they currently dispatch — and actually call them. Ask how they handle detention, layover, and TONU. Ask who books the load (you or them) and where the rate confirmation goes. Vague answers are a red flag.