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What must a dispatcher-carrier agreement include?

Who the parties are, that the dispatcher acts as the carrier's agent, the fee and its basis, that the carrier pays the dispatcher, that the carrier approves loads, insurance and liability, how either side ends it, and that the dispatcher takes no payment from brokers or factors.

FMCSA's guidance points to a written contract that appoints the dispatcher as the carrier's agent and addresses insurance and liability. It also points to the dispatcher being a 1099 contractor or W-2 employee of the carrier, as the contract says.

The Paperwork Kit on this site will fill in an agreement written to those factors. Until then, have a transportation lawyer review any template you use.

Example outline. Parties; appointment as agent; services; carrier approves every load; fee of X% of linehaul invoiced weekly to the carrier; no payment from brokers or factors; insurance; independent contractor; ending the agreement; state law.

General information, not legal advice. Rules change. Check the sources and talk to a transportation lawyer before you sign or start.

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Last reviewed Thu, Nov 12, 2026 · Where our data comes from