In today’s freight market, where margins are tight and competition is fierce, every mile and every dollar counts. That’s why working with a dispatcher who specializes in your type of freight is more important than ever.
At Parham Dispatching, we’ve seen firsthand how costly it can be when a driver receives advice or loads from a dispatcher who doesn’t fully understand their equipment or lane.
Let’s break it down.
Hotshot vs. Intermodal: Two Different Worlds
Here’s a common mistake: a dispatcher who normally books intermodal freight (think containers and rail yards) trying to advise a hotshot driver (typically 40′ gooseneck trailers with a 10,000 lb weight limit).
While both involve freight, the difference in execution is massive.
| Hotshot | Intermodal |
|---|---|
| Typically under 10k lbs | Often over 40k lbs |
| 40′ trailer length max | Standard 53’ containers |
| Fast, flexible, rural-friendly | Structured, port/rail hub-based |
| Rate: Priced higher per mile | Rate: Often flat or by contract |
When a dispatcher doesn’t know these differences, they can cost you real money.
Real-World Example: A Load Gone Wrong
We recently saw a case where a hotshot driver was sent a load by a dispatcher who doesn’t typically work hotshot freight. The load was 44,000 lbs and 42 feet long — completely incompatible with the driver’s setup.
Even worse? This forced the driver to decline a highly competitive hotshot load in the same area — one of the best-paying loads we’d seen in weeks.
That kind of mistake can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per month.
Why Lane & Freight Specialization Matters
When your dispatcher works in your lanes daily, they:
✅ Know the real-time rates for your freight type
✅ Spot market trends before they shift
✅ Understand your trailer limitations
✅ Negotiate with confidence
✅ Avoid costly mismatches and wasted time
Someone booking dry van freight in the Midwest shouldn’t be giving advice on flatbeds in the Southeast. A good dispatcher stays in their lane — literally.
In This Economy, You Can’t Afford Mistakes
Rates are tighter, fuel isn’t getting cheaper, and good loads disappear in seconds. A dispatcher who understands your setup, your market, and your needs is your biggest asset.
At Parham Dispatching, we pair every driver with a dispatcher who knows your freight type inside and out. No guesswork. No mismatched loads. Just real results.
