Every day, thousands of auto transport company owners, drivers, and dispatchers search the internet for new loads to book. Whether you’re a broker looking to understand the platform better or a customer wanting to know how your vehicle will be transported, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Central Dispatch.
Central Dispatch Load Board is without a doubt the best in the car shipping industry for finding vehicles. It is widely used and trusted by brokers, dealers, manufacturers, and more, making it a trusted solution for auto transportation nationwide.
This blog post will take you behind the scenes of the auto transport industry by showing you what Central Dispatch is, how brokers utilize it, and how they use it to transport vehicles all across the US.
Key Highlights
- Central Dispatch is a load board connecting auto transport brokers with carriers to facilitate vehicle transportation across the US
- Brokers use Central Dispatch to find qualified carriers for their clients’ vehicles, while carriers search for loads that fit their routes and pricing
- The platform offers access to a large network of vetted carriers, providing brokers and carriers with better service and efficiency
- While Central Dispatch provides numerous benefits, there may be limitations on carrier quality and costs, depending on the broker’s strategy
- Over 18+ years of experience has taught us how to use Central Dispatch effectively while prioritizing quality and safety
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What is a Central Dispatch Load Board?
Central Dispatch is the most popular method of vehicle transport from state to state or across the country used by auto brokers and carriers. Central Dispatch is a load board that connects auto brokers with carriers.
Unfortunately, this load board is only available to auto shippers and licensed auto brokers and carriers. It is not accessible to the general public. It’s a private platform for those in the auto transport industry.
A carrier’s advantages include access to jobs from reputable companies, ease of use, a central rating system, and 24/7 support. As a shipper, you benefit from reduced shipping costs, improved communication, increased efficiency, and access to a large network of qualified carriers.
Why Central Dispatch Matters
Central Dispatch has become the industry standard for several reasons:
- Extensive Network: Thousands of active carriers and brokers use the platform daily.
- Rating System: Built-in feedback and rating system helps maintain quality standards.
- Real-Time Updates: Instant notifications when carriers accept loads.
- 24/7 Availability: Platform operates around the clock for maximum flexibility.
- Industry Trust: Established reputation over many years in the auto transport industry.
Central Dispatch is a Key Tool for Brokers and Carriers Alike
For Carriers:
- Access to jobs from reputable companies
- Easy-to-use interface with filtering options
- Central rating system to build reputation
- 24/7 customer support
- Payment protection features
For Brokers/Shippers:
- Reduced shipping costs through competitive bidding
- Improved communication channels
- Increased efficiency in finding carriers
- Access to a large network of qualified carriers
- Ability to track carrier performance history
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How Does Central Dispatch Work for Brokers?
An auto transport broker can place an advertisement on Central Dispatch to find a carrier to haul a customer’s vehicle when it needs to be moved. Here’s how the process typically works:
Posting a Load
- Enter Vehicle Details: Make, model, year, condition (running/non-running)
- Specify Locations: Exact pickup and delivery addresses or zip codes
- Set the Price: Determine carrier payment based on distance, urgency, and market rates
- Add Special Instructions: Include any specific requirements or deadlines
- Publish the Listing: Make it visible to thousands of carriers
Pricing Strategy
Brokers generally charge fees based on the urgency of loading the vehicle and their expected margin. For those using Central Dispatch, typical carrier payments range from:
- Short distances (under 500 miles): $150 to $250
- Medium distances (500–1,500 miles): $250 to $450
- Cross-country shipments (1,500+ miles): $450 to $800+
These amounts represent what carriers are paid and do not include the broker’s margin or additional costs related to Central Dispatch subscriptions or transaction fees.
Pro Tip: The higher the price is on the board, the faster the car will move since more carriers would be interested in completing the task if they’re being offered competitive compensation.
What Affects Carrier Payment?
Several factors influence how much brokers offer on Central Dispatch:
- Season and Demand: Summer months and snowbird season see higher prices.
- Route Popularity: Major routes (California to Florida) are more competitive.
- Vehicle Type: Luxury, oversized, or inoperable vehicles cost more.
- Timeframe: Rush shipments require premium pricing.
- Current Market Conditions: Fuel prices and carrier availability can impact payment.
How Does Central Dispatch Work for Carriers?
Carriers can search the vehicles posted on Central Dispatch by brokers, dealers, and other shippers. The platform provides powerful search and filtering tools to help carriers find the most profitable loads.
Finding the Right Loads
Search filters include:
- Origin and destination locations
- Vehicle types: cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles
- Payment amounts
- Pickup dates
- Special requirements: enclosed transport, expedited service
The postings include where the vehicle is going and what the shipper is willing to pay to transport it. When a carrier finds a vehicle traveling along their route at an acceptable price, they contact the broker or shipper directly to inquire about taking it.
The Negotiation Process
Brokers and carriers can negotiate the fee the carrier receives. Actually, that happens quite frequently, especially when the broker offers an unrealistic quote price. In any case, the broker has the option to stand firm on the fee or adjust the fee to accommodate the carrier’s request.
Common negotiation scenarios:
- Low Initial Offer: Carrier requests higher payment for difficult routes
- Multiple Vehicle Discount: Carrier offers better rate for hauling several vehicles
- Timing Flexibility: Better rates for flexible pickup/delivery windows
- Return Load: Discounted rates when carrier is heading back anyway
Important Note for Customers
Whenever your vehicle is taking a long time to move, you should speak with your broker and have them increase the amount they are offering on Central Dispatch. Even a small increase in the carrier fee can have a huge impact. In some cases, just $30-$50 can make the difference between waiting days or getting picked up the next day.
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How AutoStar Transport Express Uses Central Dispatch
We are both auto carriers and auto transport brokers, which gives us a unique perspective on the industry. To fulfill a customer’s transport, we always use our fleet of trucks whenever possible. Unfortunately, when our own trucks are not available, we have to broker the transport to get the job done.
Our Two-Tier Approach
Our Own Fleet (Preferred)
- Direct control over the entire process
- Drivers we know and have trained personally
- No middleman or uncertainty
- Immediate communication and updates
Trusted Carrier Network
Because we’ve been around for a long time (18+ years), we have a large network of reliable carriers we’ve worked with repeatedly. These are carriers who have:
- Consistently delivered quality service
- Maintained excellent safety records
- Communicated professionally with our customers
- Handled vehicles with care time and time again
Central Dispatch Load Board
A load board is used when we don’t have a partner carrier available for a particular transport. Many carriers check Central Dispatch daily to find vehicles on their routes that they can haul. It is a highly effective and efficient tool when used properly.
How does AutoStar Transport Express Vet Carriers on Central Dispatch?
For each Central Dispatch transport, we always conduct a thorough investigation of the carrier applying. The FMCSA website is checked to ensure they are licensed and have the correct USDOT numbers.
Additionally, we verify that the carrier is insured. Being a licensed and bonded auto transport company, we know exactly how much auto transport insurance a transport should carry to properly protect your car if it is damaged during shipment.
Additionally, we know that insurance companies are reluctant (or slow) to pay out damage claims. If a carrier uses one of these insurance companies, we know to avoid working with them!
Finally, we examine their history and reputation rating on Central Dispatch. Is it low or high? What do other brokers say about them in their feedback and reviews? Have they been in business long? When was the last time they performed a Central Dispatch transport? All of these things are considered before choosing a carrier for transport!
Benefits and Drawbacks of Central Dispatch
Like any tool, Central Dispatch has advantages and limitations. Understanding both helps you make informed decisions about your vehicle transport.
Benefits of Central Dispatch
Access to Large Carrier Network
Central Dispatch connects you with thousands of active carriers across the country. This vast network increases the likelihood of finding a carrier traveling your specific route.
Competitive Pricing
The platform’s competitive nature often results in fair market pricing. Carriers compete for loads, which can benefit customers through reasonable rates.
Speed and Efficiency
Dispatch boards like Central Dispatch can save both time and money by quickly locating carriers that are charging fair rates for transportation. Many loads are assigned within 24-48 hours.
Transparency
The rating and feedback system provides visibility into carrier performance, helping brokers make informed decisions.
Built-in Accountability
Carriers want to maintain good ratings, which incentivizes professional service and proper vehicle handling.
Flexibility
Brokers can adjust pricing in real-time based on market conditions and urgency, helping ensure vehicles move when needed.
Drawbacks of Central Dispatch
Variable Carrier Quality
The main drawback of Central Dispatch is that you won’t always get the best carriers. While there are many excellent carriers on the platform, there are also less experienced or lower-quality operators.
Price vs. Speed Trade-offs
You may have to wait for days if you try to save money with low pricing. The cheapest option is rarely the fastest or most reliable.
Not All Brokers Vet Properly
Some brokers simply assign the first carrier who accepts, without conducting proper due diligence on insurance, safety records, or performance history.
Potential for Delays
If pricing isn’t competitive or timing isn’t flexible, vehicles can sit on the board for extended periods without being picked up.
Communication Gaps
Since carriers are independent contractors, communication quality varies. Some provide excellent updates, while others are harder to reach.
Limited Direct Control
Brokers using Central Dispatch have less direct control compared to companies using their own fleet of trucks.
Alternatives to Central Dispatch
While Central Dispatch is a popular option, it’s not the only game in town. Here are some alternatives brokers and carriers can consider:
1. Other Load Boards
Numerous online load boards cater specifically to the auto transport industry, each with different features and network sizes:
Super Dispatch
- Modern interface with mobile app
- Integrated dispatch and communication tools
- Digital document management
- Popular with carriers for user-friendly features
GoPhore
- Focuses on direct shipper-to-carrier connections
- No broker middleman model
- Good for carriers seeking direct contracts
CSIRoad
- Established platform with solid carrier network
- Similar functionality to Central Dispatch
- Different pricing structure
CarrierSoft
- Comprehensive transportation management features
- Load board integrated with other business tools
- Good for larger operations
2. Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
These software solutions provide a more comprehensive suite of tools for managing transportation logistics. TMS can integrate load board access with features like:
- Advanced dispatching capabilities
- Document management and digital signing
- Carrier performance tracking and analytics
- Automated customer communications
- Accounting and invoicing integration
- Route optimization tools
Popular TMS Options:
- Supermove
- Turvo
- Aljex
- TMW Systems
3. Direct Carrier Networks
Brokers can build their own networks of reliable carriers through:
- Industry events and trade shows
- Online communities and forums
- Referrals from other brokers
- Direct outreach to quality carriers
This approach allows for:
- More control over carrier selection
- Potentially lower costs (no platform fees)
- Stronger relationships with regular carriers
- Negotiated rates for consistent business
4. Company-Owned Fleets
The gold standard is having your own fleet of trucks:
Advantages:
- Complete control over service quality
- Direct driver training and management
- No carrier coordination needed
- Better profit margins on transports
- Consistent customer experience
Challenges:
- High upfront investment in trucks and equipment
- Ongoing maintenance costs
- Driver hiring and retention
- Insurance and regulatory compliance
- Fixed capacity limits
Choosing the Right Approach
Most successful auto transport companies use a hybrid approach:
- Primary: Own fleet or established carrier network (80% of transports)
- Secondary: Trusted load board like Central Dispatch (15% of transports)
- Backup: Alternative load boards for unique situations (5% of transports)
This strategy provides reliability while maintaining flexibility for peak seasons or unusual routes.
Costs Associated with Central Dispatch
Central Dispatch charges a monthly subscription fee for brokers and carriers, with costs varying by plan. Brokers typically charge $150 to $175 for short distances and up to $350 for cross-country transport; these fees are separate from the subscription costs. Additionally, there may be transaction fees for posting loads or booking shipments. Brokers and carriers should research and compare pricing options before signing up for Central Dispatch or any alternative service.
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Conclusion
If used properly, Central Dispatch load boards are a great tool for auto transport brokers to have in their toolbox. Unfortunately, most brokers just list their transports on Central Dispatch at the lowest price and wait for carriers to accept their price. And then, when a carrier comes along, they assign it without much thought to its quality.
Central Dispatch is just one of our tools. To complete our transport, we rely heavily on our trucks and a network of partner carriers. At times when we have to use Central Dispatch, we make sure we seek out the best carriers so our clients’ transport is completed quickly and safely!
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Frequently Asked Question
What is Central Dispatch tracking?
Central Dispatch tracking allows auto transporters to monitor their vehicle shipments in real-time, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the transport process.
How do I log in to Central Dispatch?
To log in, visit the Central Dispatch website, enter your username and password. New users must create an account first to access services.
How much does Central Dispatch pay per car?
Central Dispatch pays auto transporters based on distance and vehicle type, with rates varying by market conditions—typically, longer distances yield higher payments.
What are the insurance requirements for Central Dispatch?
Central Dispatch requires auto transporters to carry liability insurance, with minimum coverage amounts varying based on the type of vehicles transported, ensuring protection during transit.
What is the monthly cost of using Central Dispatch?
The monthly cost varies depending on service levels and features selected, usually including a subscription fee along with potential additional charges for extra features.
Is there a free version of Central Dispatch?
While Central Dispatch doesn’t offer a free version, they may provide promotional rates or trials for new users to test their services before committing.
What is Super Dispatch, and how does it compare to Central Dispatch?
Super Dispatch is a competitive platform for auto transporters offering load board access and tracking. It may differ in features and pricing from Central Dispatch.
What are the requirements to use Central Dispatch?
To use Central Dispatch, you must be a registered auto transporter with a valid business license, proof of insurance, and compliance with industry regulations.
I didn’t know much about central dispatch. Your blog covers all the aspects of central dispatch and It definitely learned a lot.