Compare
Milepost vs. every other option
Dispatch service, self-dispatching, load board subscription, leasing on — here's an honest comparison of every option available to owner-operators.
Feature comparison
What each option actually gives you
Finds loads for you
Negotiates rates
Broker verification
Handles paperwork
You keep your MC authority
You choose your lanes
You choose your rates
Transparent pricing
Detention/layover claims
AI load matching
Free to start
Scales with your fleet
| Feature | Milepost | Self-Dispatch | Load Board | Lease-On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finds loads for you | ||||
| Negotiates rates | ||||
| Broker verification | ||||
| Handles paperwork | ||||
| You keep your MC authority | ||||
| You choose your lanes | ||||
| You choose your rates | ||||
| Transparent pricing | ||||
| Detention/layover claims | ||||
| AI load matching | ||||
| Free to start | ||||
| Scales with your fleet |
✓ = included · ✗ = not included · ~ = partial / varies
Cost breakdown
What you actually pay
Setup cost
Monthly cost
Per-load cost
Hidden fees
Time cost
| Cost item | Milepost | Self-Dispatch | Load Board | Lease-On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setup cost | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly cost | Commission only | $0 (your time) | $150–$500/mo | $0 |
| Per-load cost | 6–8% of gross | 0% | 0% | 25–30% split |
| Hidden fees | None | None | Some tiers | Fuel, insurance deducts |
| Time cost | Zero (you drive) | 2–4 hrs/day | 2–3 hrs/day | Zero |
The bottom line on each option
Self-Dispatching
Best if:
- You have 5+ years broker relationships
- You run regional and know your lanes cold
- You have dedicated admin time
Downsides:
- 2–4 hrs/day not driving = lost revenue
- No rate data — guessing at negotiation
- Every breakdown is yours to manage alone
Load Board Subscription
Best if:
- You want visibility into the full market
- You already have a dispatcher but want extra loads
- You're learning the industry
Downsides:
- Still requires hours of manual searching
- No negotiation help
- DAT costs $150–$500/mo before any loads
Leasing On with a Carrier
Best if:
- You want consistent freight without hustle
- You're newer to OTR and want structure
- You don't mind giving up lane flexibility
Downsides:
- Lower pay — carrier takes a large cut
- You lose control of your authority
- No negotiating power of your own
Milepost Dispatch
Best if:
- You want to maximize gross revenue
- You want to keep your MC authority + freedom
- You don't want dispatch work to eat your driving time
Downsides:
- Costs 6–8% commission per load
- Requires trust in your dispatcher
- Best results take 2–3 weeks to optimize lanes
Common comparison questions
Is it better to self-dispatch or use a dispatch service?
Self-dispatching works if you have strong broker relationships, time to search loads, and market experience. Most owner-operators find that a dispatcher earns back their commission through higher rates and saved time. At 6–7%, if a dispatcher finds you even $0.10–0.15/mile more, they pay for themselves.
How does a dispatch service compare to a load board subscription?
A load board (DAT, Truckstop) shows you loads but doesn't negotiate, verify brokers, handle paperwork, or manage your lane strategy. A dispatch service does all of that. Most serious owner-operators use a dispatcher rather than relying on a load board subscription alone.
Why not just lease on with a carrier instead of using a dispatch service?
Leasing on gives you load consistency but typically means lower pay, less lane flexibility, and giving up control of your authority. Running under your own MC authority with a dispatcher gives you full control — you set the lanes, the rates, the freight types — while still getting dispatch support.
Try it free for 5 days
See how Milepost compares when it's actually dispatching your truck. Zero commission. Full service.