The Struggles of Central Dispatch: A User’s Perspective in 2025

As the automotive logistics industry advances into the AI era, the expectations for technology are higher than ever but some struggle to keep up.

Many users are facing significant challenges with recent updates to Central Dispatch, the leading platform in the industry. These updates seem to overlook the needs of the professionals who rely on this system daily.

Why Some Are Frustrated with Central Dispatch

Here's a closer look at the key issues driving frustration among Central Dispatch users.

A Missed Opportunity: No User-Centric Approach

It’s clear that the tech team behind the latest updates to Central Dispatch hasn’t considered the user experience thoroughly. While AI and cutting-edge technologies are central to the industry’s future, the focus on these advancements seems to overshadow the practical needs of everyday users. Central Dispatch, as a leading platform in the auto transport industry, should understand that prioritizing the user experience is just as important as implementing the latest tech.

The Overcomplicated Listing Form

One of the most frustrating aspects of the recent updates to Central Dispatch is the complexity of the listing form. Many fields are now required, and drop-down menus have been introduced where they’re not needed. For instance, requiring both the street address and ZIP code for location details has added unnecessary steps.

In the auto transport industry, users typically rely on just the ZIP code to quickly determine a route.

The overcomplicated form makes a simple task much more time-consuming than it needs to be.

Constant UI Changes: A Hindrance, Not an Improvement

In less than a year, Central Dispatch has undergone two major user interface updates. This constant redesign doesn’t help users who are familiar with the previous version. The frequent changes lead to confusion, requiring users to relearn the platform every time an update is rolled out. The question remains: what’s “SMART” about these changes, other than the added complexity? For a platform that’s used daily by so many professionals in the auto transport industry, consistency and ease of use should be a top priority.

Pricing Issues: Inconsistent and Overpriced

Rising prices are an inevitability in any industry, but a nearly 44% price increase for the same features, along with added complexity, raises serious concerns.

Central Dispatch has every right to adjust its pricing, but this price hike feels excessive, especially given the added complexity. Even more frustrating is the PRICE CHECK PLUS tool, which fails to deliver accurate pricing. The tool calculates estimates based on miles and dates but doesn’t consider the specifics of the route.

This results in inconsistent pricing that is far from useful for professionals who rely on accurate numbers to stay competitive.

A Flawed Address and Vehicle Input System

Central Dispatch now requires users to enter detailed address information in a very specific order—street, city, state, and ZIP code. If this order is not followed precisely, the system blocks the process. In a previous version, a “2022 Toyota Camry” was recognized as a sedan automatically.

Now, this simple recognition has been removed, making it harder for users to list vehicles efficiently. The new system feels rigid and less intuitive, which adds unnecessary steps for users who are already accustomed to the old format.

Inconsistent Load Results: A Major Frustration

After completing all the required steps, users are still presented with confusing and inconsistent results. For example, load opportunities are shown from Florida to Texas or Pennsylvania to Louisiana, despite having the same mileage. If mileage is the only determining factor, why are full addresses necessary? The tool fails to provide real-time, accurate pricing, especially when different routes—like those in Florida—should affect the final cost. This inconsistency leaves users feeling like their time is being wasted.

The Bottom Line: Missing the Mark

Ultimately, the new updates to Central Dispatch seem to be a step backward, leaving users frustrated and confused. The lack of attention to real-world needs, the high pricing for outdated features, and the unreliable tools all contribute to a sense that the platform is out of touch with the realities of the auto transport industry.

As a market leader, Central Dispatch has the opportunity to lead the industry forward, but these missteps suggest they have missed the mark. It’s a missed opportunity for a tech leader in the space, one that could have benefited from better understanding the core requirements of its user base.

Who is Central Dispatch in Auto Transport?

Central Dispatch is a leading online platform in the auto transport industry, connecting vehicle shippers with carriers.

It serves as a marketplace where transporters can find and bid on vehicle transport loads, while shippers can post their vehicle shipping needs. With a vast network of auto transport professionals, Central Dispatch plays a pivotal role in streamlining logistics, offering tools for load tracking, pricing, and vehicle management. The platform is widely used by dealerships, brokers, and individual shippers to facilitate efficient and reliable vehicle transport across the United States.