How to Calculate Your Dispatcher Commission (Without Guessing)

Commission confusion is the number-one reason dispatchers undercharge. Let's make it simple.

The basic formula

Your commission is a percentage of the gross rate on the load:

Commission = Gross Rate × Commission %

If a load pays $2,000 gross and your agreed commission is 5%, you're owed $100. That's it.

Common commission structures

• Flat percentage: the same % on every load. Easy to explain, easy to audit.
• Tiered percentage: a higher % once you cross a monthly volume threshold. Rewards scale.
• Flat fee per load: a fixed dollar amount regardless of rate. Predictable, but you miss upside on high-paying loads.

Don't forget what's not commission

Detention pay, lumper fees, and accessorial charges usually pass through to the carrier or broker — they're not part of your gross. Know which line items your % applies to before you quote it.

Track it as you go

The worst time to calculate commission is when the broker finally pays. Track the expected amount the day you book the load, and reconcile it when payment lands. DispatchLedger computes the commission amount automatically from the gross rate and percentage so the number is always ready.