Home-Based truck dispatcher for owner-operators

Independent owner-operators and very small carriers, including newcomer drivers who are still learning the freight market and local brokers.

Usually a percentage of each load's revenue or a flat weekly fee per truck, agreed in a written service agreement. More trucks and better rates mean more income.

• Confident negotiating by phone
• Organised, with attention to detail on rates and paperwork
• Knowing Canadian and cross-border freight lanes
• Speaking drivers' languages (for example Punjabi and English) is a real advantage

• Check whether your activity counts as freight brokerage, which can need extra registration and bonding, especially for US loads (check with your provincial regulator and the relevant US agencies)
• Check if your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Register the business and get a Business Number from the CRA, and check when you need to register for GST/HST
• Consider errors and omissions or commercial general liability insurance
• Watch for fake loads, unpaid brokers and double-brokering scams: check broker credit and references before booking
• Be clear in contracts about who is responsible for late or failed loads and for getting paid

Startup costs are typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on your computer and phone setup, load board subscriptions and business registration. This is an estimate, so list your own tools and subscriptions before setting a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,200 to $6,000, depending on how many drivers you work for, their loads and the rates you agree. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check whether your activity counts as freight brokerage, which can need extra registration and bonding, especially for US loads. Also check municipal home-business licence rules, CRA Business Number and GST/HST registration, insurance options, and broker credit before booking loads.