Phone Scripts

Phone Script Templates for Trucking Companies (2026)

In the trucking world, a missed call is a missed load and lost revenue. Whether you are behind the wheel or managing a busy dispatch board, these scripts ensure every shipper and broker gets a professional response immediately. Using these templates helps you secure high-paying freight and maintain your reputation for reliability.

New Freight Quote Inquiry

Use this when a broker or shipper calls to check your availability and rates for a specific lane.

Thanks for calling [Company Name]. To give you an accurate quote, I need the pickup and delivery zip codes, the commodity type, and the total weight. For a standard local haul in that lane, our rates typically range from $200 to $800 depending on the equipment needed. Are you looking for a dry van, or does this require a flatbed? Once I have those details, I can confirm if we have a driver empty and ready for dispatch.

Tips for this scenario

-Always ask for the weight and commodity first to ensure your equipment can legally and safely handle the load.
-Have your insurance and MC number ready as brokers will ask for these immediately after the price is agreed upon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

!Answering the phone while driving in high-traffic areas, which creates background noise and sounds unprofessional.

!Failing to ask for the broker's MC number or credit references before accepting a high-value long-haul load.

!Not confirming dock hours and 'by appointment only' status, leading to unpaid driver wait time.

!Giving a flat rate without accounting for 'lumper fees' or 'detention time' in the initial agreement.

!Letting calls go to a generic mobile voicemail that doesn't mention the trucking company name.

Pro Tips

1.Always ask for a 'TONU' (Truck Order Not Used) fee agreement of at least $150 in case the load is cancelled after you arrive.
2.Keep a digital copy of your CAB card, insurance, and W-9 ready to email the second you finish a call.
3.Use SkipCalls to answer your phone 24/7 so you never miss a weekend 'hot shot' request worth $1,000 or more.
4.Verify if the load is 'no-touch' freight or if the driver is expected to assist with loading to avoid physical injury or delays.
5.Confirm the pallet count and dimensions on every call to ensure the load will actually fit in your trailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a broker asks for a lower rate than my operating cost?

Respectfully decline and explain that your rate ensures a safe, insured, and ELD-compliant delivery. It is better to have an empty truck than to lose money on a lane.

How do I handle a call about a 'lumper fee' payment?

Ask the driver or the warehouse for a lumper receipt immediately. Contact the broker to get an updated rate confirmation with the fee added before the driver leaves the dock.

What is the best way to handle 'detention' pay conversations?

Start the clock the minute your driver arrives. If they aren't loaded in 2 hours, call the broker immediately to inform them that detention charges are now accruing at your standard hourly rate.

Why should I use an AI receptionist instead of voicemail?

Brokers and shippers will rarely leave a voicemail; they will simply call the next carrier on their list. An AI receptionist like SkipCalls engages them immediately, keeps them on the line, and captures the load details.

Stop Losing High-Paying Loads to Your Competitors

Trucking never sleeps, but you have to. SkipCalls provides an AI receptionist for your trucking company that books loads, answers questions, and filters spam for just $19.99/month. Never miss a $5,000 long-haul inquiry just because you were behind the wheel or off the clock.

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