What Does a Truck Dispatcher Do?

Truck dispatchers are responsible for coordinating the movement of commercial trucks throughout their company’s network. They work closely with drivers to ensure that they are given clear directions and instructions on where to go, when to arrive, and what to do once they get there.

Truck dispatchers may also be responsible for ensuring that all safety regulations are followed during each trip. This includes making sure that drivers have proper rest periods, that vehicles are in good working order, etc.

Truck Dispatcher Job Duties

Truck dispatchers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Maintaining customer relationships by providing excellent service to customers
• Coordinating with truck drivers to ensure they arrive at their destination on time
• Working with dispatchers at other locations to ensure that trucks are routed efficiently
• Communicating with drivers via radio or other electronic devices to ensure safe and efficient transportation of cargo
• Calculating shipping costs to determine how much to charge customers for shipping services
• Maintaining records of freight shipments, including dates, destinations, and delivery status
• Verifying that customer orders are correct before sending them to the shipping department for processing
• Scheduling and coordinating employees who work with trucks, including dispatchers, mechanics, loaders, and drivers
• Maintaining relationships with vendors to ensure that trucks have adequate supplies of fuel and other materials needed for deliveries

Truck Dispatcher Salary & Outlook

Truck dispatchers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $44,500 ($21.39/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)

The employment of truck dispatchers is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Trucking companies will need to hire more dispatchers to handle the increasing number of shipments and to ensure that drivers adhere to regulations regarding hours of service. However, the growth rate for this occupation is expected to be less than average because some of the tasks performed by dispatchers can be automated.

Related: 25 Truck Dispatcher Interview Questions and Answers

Truck Dispatcher Job Requirements

Truck dispatcher candidates need to satisfy several requirements for the position, including:

Education: Truck dispatchers typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed some college courses. Taking classes in computer software, such as word processing and spreadsheet software, can help you become a more effective truck dispatcher.

Training & Experience: Truck dispatchers typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include learning the company’s policies and procedures, as well as the software and technology they use.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not required to become a truck dispatcher, they can help you become a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs. Certifications also allow you to gain additional knowledge about the responsibilities of a truck dispatcher and further your career advancement opportunities.

Truck Dispatcher Skills

Truck dispatchers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Dispatchers communicate with drivers, managers and customers on a daily basis. They need to be able to speak clearly and concisely to relay messages and answer questions. They also need to be able to listen to and interpret information from others. Dispatchers use a variety of communication methods, including phone, email, radio and in-person.

Time management: Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a timely manner. As a truck dispatcher, time management is an important skill because it ensures the trucking company’s fleet of drivers is on time and on schedule. Dispatchers use time management to track the location of each truck, monitor the status of each driver and ensure the trucking company’s fleet is on time.

Problem-solving: Truck dispatchers are responsible for ensuring that the truck drivers they work with have the information they need to complete their routes. This includes ensuring that the drivers have the right equipment, the correct fuel levels and the correct paperwork. Truck dispatchers solve problems by thinking critically and finding creative solutions.

Organization: A truck dispatcher needs to be organized to ensure they can handle all the calls they receive. They need to be able to prioritize calls and route them to the right driver. They also need to be able to keep track of the location of each truck and driver.

Attention to detail: A truck dispatcher’s job requires them to have excellent attention to detail. They must be able to read and interpret maps, track the location of vehicles and accurately record information. Dispatchers must also be able to read and interpret data from computer screens and other technology.

Truck Dispatcher Work Environment

Truck dispatchers work in an office environment, usually in a central location for their company or organization. They typically work regular business hours, although they may be required to work overtime or be on call to deal with emergencies. The work can be stressful, as dispatchers must constantly juggle the demands of their drivers, customers, and bosses. They must be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure.

Truck Dispatcher Trends

Here are three trends influencing how truck dispatchers work. Truck dispatchers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Driver Shortages Will Continue to Impact the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry is facing a driver shortage that is expected to continue to impact operations in the years to come. This shortage is due to a number of factors, including an aging workforce and a lack of interest in the profession among younger generations.

As a result of this shortage, truck dispatchers will need to find new ways to keep their trucks on the road and deliver goods on time. This may include hiring more drivers or using technology to automate some tasks. Additionally, truck dispatchers will need to be able to manage their drivers more effectively in order to ensure that they are working efficiently.

Driverless Trucks Are Coming

Driverless trucks are coming, and they are going to have a major impact on the trucking industry. As driverless trucks become more common, truck dispatchers will need to learn how to manage them.

This means that truck dispatchers will need to be familiar with the software used to control driverless trucks. They will also need to be able to communicate with the people who operate these trucks from afar. In addition, truck dispatchers will need to be able to manage the schedules of driverless trucks in order to ensure that they are being used as efficiently as possible.

Trucking Companies Will Focus on Driver Satisfaction

Trucking companies are beginning to focus on driver satisfaction as a way to improve their bottom line. This is because happy drivers are more productive and less likely to leave for another company.

As a truck dispatcher, you can play a key role in ensuring that your company’s drivers are happy. You can do this by providing them with the support they need to be successful, such as training and equipment. In addition, you can make sure that they are treated fairly and paid well.

How to Become a Truck Dispatcher

A career as a truck dispatcher can be both rewarding and lucrative. It’s important to start off on the right foot by getting certified in your state. This will show employers that you are serious about this career and have the skills necessary to do it well.

Once you have your certification, make sure you stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies. This will help you keep your skills sharp and ensure that you are always able to find work. Additionally, networking is key in any industry, so make sure you attend events and meet other professionals in the field.

Advancement Prospects

There are many opportunities for advancement for truck dispatchers. With experience, dispatchers may be promoted to senior dispatcher, operations manager, or transportation manager. Some dispatchers may move into sales or customer service. Others may become independent dispatching service owners or start their own trucking companies.

Truck Dispatcher Job Description Example

[CompanyX] is a leading provider of transportation and logistics services, and we’re looking for an experienced truck dispatcher to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for coordinating the schedules of our fleet of trucks and drivers, ensuring that deliveries are made on time and in accordance with customer specifications. You will also be responsible for tracking the location of our trucks and drivers, and communicating any changes or delays to the appropriate parties. Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills are essential for success in this role.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Schedule and dispatch trucks according to customer demand and driver availability while maximizing productivity and minimizing costs
• Monitor trucking fleet status and location using GPS tracking system
• Communicate with drivers via phone or two-way radio to provide updates on deliveries, traffic conditions, and any changes in the delivery schedule
• Resolve driver issues such as route changes, delivery delays, or equipment problems
• Keep updated records of truck maintenance and repair needs
• Prepare and submit reports on fleet performance and driver compliance with hours of service regulations
• Review invoices for accuracy and process payments in a timely manner
• Negotiate rates with vendors and service providers
• Stay up-to-date on DOT regulations and company policies
• Train new dispatchers on company procedures
• Assist with recruiting and onboarding new drivers
• Handle customer inquiries and complaints in a professional and courteous manner

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as truck dispatcher or similar role
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and dispatch software programs

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in business administration, logistics, or related field
• 1+ year of experience working in the transportation industry
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)