Confirm authority and operating identity
Collect the carrier legal name, USDOT and MC information where applicable, insurance and authority status, business contacts, dispatch contacts, and document requirements. Verification should be current and recorded.
Define the operating box
Record equipment type, dimensions, weight limits, home base, preferred origin areas, destination areas, backhaul needs, no-go regions, preferred trip length, operating days, driver hours, commodity restrictions, and minimum rate expectations.
Get written authorization
The carrier agreement and any limited power of attorney should define what the dispatcher may do. The carrier keeps control of load decisions, rates, lanes, authority, freight money, and final booking approval.