Preferences is a Dispatch feature that helps you see more loads that match your business, and fewer that don’t. It can:
- Show you fewer loads that don’t fit what you need
- Filter out loads that don’t match your hauling style
- Show more loads from lanes, regions, brokers, or commodities as they become available
- Adapt as your preferences or business needs change
It works automatically in the background by learning from the feedback you share on individual loads. There’s no setup required. To use Preferences, rate the loads you view in Dispatch. The more feedback you give, the better your search results will become.
Note: Preferences is available only for Dispatch users. You can sign up for Dispatch with a free 30 day trial.
How to Build Your Preferences: Use Load Feedback
There are two ways to build your Preferences in Dispatch:
- By rating loads in the app
- By replying to Dispatch text messages
Both methods help Dispatch learn what fits your business and improve your future load matches.
Option 1: Rate Loads in the App (Load Feedback)
Use Load Feedback to train your Preferences as you review loads in Dispatch.
Step 1: Open a Load and Scroll to the Bottom
On any load details page, scroll to the bottom to find the Load Feedback section.
Step 2: Rate the Load
You’ll see the question: “Was this a good load?”
Choose one:
- 👍 Thumbs up – this load worked for your business
- 👎 Thumbs down – this load wasn’t a fit
Step 3: Select Why
After rating, choose the reasons that apply:
- Rate
- Broker
- Pick-up location
- Drop-off location
- Deadhead
- Commodity
- Other relevant factors
Tap Share feedback when you’re done.
To learn how to use the feedback form read How to use Dispatch Load Feedback.
Option 2: Reply to Dispatch Text Messages (SMS Feedback)
Dispatch sends you new load opportunities by text. You can build your Preferences by replying directly to those messages.
How it works:
- Dispatch texts you a load
- Reply with why it does or doesn’t work for you
- Your reply automatically updates your Preferences
Your feedback is captured directly from your text response, so there’s no need to open the app. This is useful when you’re on the road and need a faster way to share input.
What Happens Next
Once you submit your feedback:
- Loads similar to the ones you liked will appear more as they become available
- Loads with characteristics you disliked will appear less often
- Preferences updates automatically with every rating
- Improvements happen quietly in the background (no manual settings required)
You can keep using search filters as usual. Preferences works alongside search filters to make your results more accurate.
Examples of What Preferences Can Learn
Based on your feedback, Dispatch may learn to:
- Avoid certain cities or regions
- Prioritize lanes you run consistently
- Match your preferred commodity types
- Reduce loads with long deadhead
- Favor brokers you trust
Tips for the Best Results
- Use Load Feedback regularly, both good and bad ratings help
- Provide reasons whenever possible
- If your business needs change, keep rating loads and Preferences will adjust automaticall
Common Questions
Does Preferences replace search filters?
No. Filters still work the same way. Preferences adds personalized adjustments based on your ratings.
Can I view or edit my saved preferences?
Not at this time. Preferences updates silently through your ongoing feedback. If you’d like more information about your profile you can text our support team directly at (415) 384-5018.
Is Preferences available on the free load board?
No. Preferences is a Dispatch-only feature.
Need Help?
Contact TruckSmarter support through the app or visit our Help Center for additional assistance.
Learn More About Dispatch
Explore more Dispatch guides and support content here.