What You Actually Pay for a Trucking Back Office
A low dispatch rate looks cheap until the safety fee, the bookkeeping fee, the per-hire charge, and the new-authority surcharge show up. Here's how the common setups really compare — and why WeLink keeps it to a simple percentage.
The Usual Setups, Side by Side
Typical market pricing for small carriers and owner operators, based on our review of publicly listed rates from dispatch and back-office providers in 2026.
| Service | WeLink | Dispatch-only service | À-la-carte back office | Factoring-bundled dispatch | In-house staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dispatch | Included | Typically 3–8% of gross, or $150–$300 per week | Around 3–4% of gross | Around 5–10% of gross | Dispatcher salary + benefits |
| Safety & compliance | Included | Not offered — hire a separate safety service | Monthly fee (often $79–$150+) | Usually limited to authority and insurance paperwork | Safety manager salary |
| Accounting, billing & IFTA | Included | Not offered — hire a bookkeeper | Monthly fees per service, or an extra ~1% of gross | Invoicing tied to the factoring account | Bookkeeper or accountant |
| Driver recruiting | Included — no per-hire fees | Not offered | Often $500+ per hire | Rarely offered | Recruiter salary + job-board spend |
| How the price works | A simple percentage of gross | Percentage or weekly flat fee | Base rate + a new line for every service | Dispatch rate + factoring fee on every invoice | Fixed payroll, whether trucks move or not |
| New authorities | Same percentage from the first load | Often a higher rate for the first months | May carry a new-authority surcharge | Depends on the factoring terms | Hiring before revenue is steady |
| Handles your money | Never — payments go straight to you | No | Sometimes | Yes — invoices are sold to the factor | Your own staff |
Ranges are typical published rates and vary by provider, equipment, lane, and fleet size. Always confirm the full price in writing before you sign.
6 Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Whoever you choose, these questions show the real price behind the headline rate.
Is the headline rate the floor?
Some dispatch rates only reach the advertised number after several months, or only for certain lanes and trailers. Ask what you'll pay in month one.
What costs extra?
Safety, IFTA, bookkeeping, after-hours dispatch, and logbook monitoring are often billed as separate monthly fees or as extra percentage points.
Is there a per-hire fee?
Recruiting charges of $500 or more per driver add up quickly when you're growing or replacing a driver.
Is there a new-authority surcharge?
New carriers are the ones who need help most — and the ones most often charged more for it.
Do I have to factor with you?
Some providers only offer their dispatch rate if you also sell them your invoices. That ties two decisions together.
Who actually does the work?
All-in-one software still needs someone to run it. Make sure you're buying a team, not a login.
Common Questions
How much does a trucking back office cost for a small carrier?
It depends on the pricing model. Dispatch-only services typically charge about 3–8% of gross or a weekly flat fee, but safety, accounting, and recruiting are then bought separately. À-la-carte providers add a monthly fee for each service and often $500 or more per hire. WeLink covers dispatch, safety and compliance, accounting and billing, and driver recruiting for a simple percentage of gross.
Is a lower dispatch percentage always cheaper?
No. A low headline dispatch rate can cost more once you add monthly safety and accounting fees, per-hire recruiting charges, after-hours fees, or a new-authority surcharge. Compare the total monthly cost for the services you actually need, not the dispatch rate alone.
What is the difference between a dispatch service and a full back-office service?
A dispatch service books loads and negotiates rates. A full back-office service also runs safety and DOT compliance, invoicing and IFTA, and driver recruiting — the work a carrier would otherwise need a safety manager, bookkeeper, and recruiter for.
Does WeLink require me to use a factoring company?
No. WeLink never handles your money — you keep full control of your payments and can use any factoring company, or none.
Weighing outsourcing against hiring your own team? Read Outsource vs. Hire: Trucking Back Office Guide.
One Partner. Simple Percentage. Everything Included.
Dispatch, safety and compliance, accounting and billing, and driver recruiting — without the add-on fees.