Independent Truck Dispatcher (Home-Based 1099) — On-the-job English
Study in your language — but on the job you'll speak English. These are the real phrases you actually say for this work, with a note in your language. Not a script; common situations workers report.
Negotiating a rate with a broker
I can run that lane for $2,400 all-in — that's my floor with current fuel prices.
State your counter-offer clearly and anchor it to a real cost (fuel).
Can you send me the rate confirmation before my driver heads to pickup?
Insist on written confirmation before committing a truck.
That rate doesn't cover deadhead miles back — can you come up a bit?
Point out uncompensated empty miles when pushing for a higher rate.
Working the load boards
Hi, I'm calling about the load posted from Dallas to Atlanta — is that still available?
Call a shipper/broker about a posted lane before it's booked by someone else.
What are the weight and dimensions on that load, and is it a drop or live unload?
Confirm load details that affect which truck/driver can take it.
I'll post this truck as available out of Houston, empty as of tomorrow morning.
Post your client's truck availability on the load board.
Handling a detention or lumper dispute
My driver has been on-site over two hours past the free time — we're filing for detention pay.
Formally claim detention pay once free unloading/loading time has passed.
Do you have the lumper receipt? I need it to submit for reimbursement.
Ask the driver for a lumper (loading-labor) fee receipt to bill it back.
The BOL shows we arrived on time — can we escalate this to your claims department?
Escalate a disputed charge using the paperwork as proof.
🔴 Driver breakdown or accident on a booked load
Are you okay? Are you or anyone else hurt? Do you need me to call 911?
First check on the driver's safety before anything else, and offer to call 911.
This is [your name], dispatching for [driver/carrier] — we have a truck down on I-40, requesting emergency assistance.
Identify yourself and the situation clearly when calling for emergency help on the driver's behalf.
I'm calling the broker now to let them know this load will be delayed — I'll get you a tow truck.
Notify the broker of a delay right away and arrange roadside help for the driver.
Following up on a slow-paying broker
Invoice #1147 was due last week — can you give me an update on the payment status?
Politely but firmly follow up on an overdue invoice.
I'll need to pause booking new loads with your company until this balance is settled.
State a firm business boundary when a client/broker's payments fall behind.