What a Dispatcher Needs Before Searching for Loads

Before the search begins

• Confirm active operating authority and basic service fit.
• Verify equipment type, dimensions, weight capacity, and current location.
• Document preferred lanes, home-time expectations, and operating restrictions.
• Confirm the carrier’s minimum commercial expectations without treating any rate as guaranteed.
• Keep current broker-packet documents available through an approved secure process.
• Define exactly who can approve or reject a load and how approval will be recorded.

Before carrier approval

• Review origin, destination, commodity, weight, equipment, appointments, stops, mileage, rate, and special instructions.
• Identify broker setup status and any missing documentation.
• Surface any schedule, detention, layover, TONU, tracking, or accessorial terms that require attention.
• Do not commit the carrier until the authorized carrier representative gives final approval.