What Does a Truck Driver Dispatcher Do?

Being a truck driver dispatcher comes with many different responsibilities: behind every good trucking company is a team of great truck driver dispatchers. What do they do? Read on to learn more about this career path. 

Truck Driver Dispatcher Responsibilities

With the increase in trucking automation, dispatchers are in an interesting position in the logistics field. A truck driver dispatcher is a job that comes with varied responsibilities, and one that must evolve with the ever-changing transportation landscape. Dispatching is an integral part of any successful trucking company- They may be working exclusively behind the scenes, but dispatchers handle many different essential parts of trucking company operations.

Scheduling

Have you ever wondered how truck drivers know which shipments to make, where to bring them, and when? This is the work of a truck driver dispatcher. Dispatchers create the schedule for trucking companies, coordinating the different drivers, freight, and other factors to minimize downtime and maximize revenue for the company they’re employed by.

Limited by driver workload, travel time, and amount of staff, scheduling hauls is more work than it might initially seem. It’s a complicated balancing act that requires precision and a deep understanding of the company’s processes, haul times, and capacity. As much as truck driver dispatchers manage and schedule people, they have to keep in mind the company’s non-human assets as well. Driver workload may be the main limiting factor in scheduling, but it’s important that dispatchers keep in mind the required maintenance of vehicles, amount of vehicles, and other logistics-related factors. Scheduling might be the most recognizable responsibility of a truck driver dispatcher, but it’s not the only one. 

Reliable Point of Contact

A truck driver dispatcher must always be there for the truckers they dispatch. Along with being the ones to create hauling and shipping schedules, truck driver dispatchers maintain themselves as a reliable point of contact for truckers. Whether it be inclement weather, traffic, or any other unforeseen circumstance, if a trucker has an issue or question on the road, it’s up to the dispatcher to be able to answer or find the answer to the question quickly. A dispatcher must take the concerns of truckers into consideration and provide them with plans of action if any unforeseen issues arise on the haul. These solutions must strike a balance between balancing customer desire and trucker safety. 

Other Administrative Duties

Along with scheduling and maintaining constant communication with the truckers they dispatch, a truck driver dispatcher handles a multitude of other administrative duties within the company. These responsibilities will likely fluctuate depending on the size of the company and the number of employees, but the dispatcher often handles routing hauls, handling necessary paperwork and permits, and negotiating rates directly with customers and suppliers alike. 

How Do You Become a Truck Driver Dispatcher?

There are several different routes to becoming a truck driver dispatcher. With the correct combination of education, experience, and aptitude, anyone can become a dispatcher. 

Education

The education requirements for a truck driver dispatcher position will vary, depending on a few factors: your experience level, the company you’re applying for, and the current job market. In general, however, dispatcher positions typically require a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent while preferring an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Education in fields such as logistics, supply chain administration, or related fields can help you get a dispatching position greatly.

Experience

Required experience levels will vary depending on the company, job market, and your education level. In general, companies recruiting for a dispatching position will often look for individuals with 1-3 years of experience as a dispatcher or in a related position. A great way to get experience in the field is to become a driver before becoming a dispatcher. Truck Driver Institute offers CDL courses that can be completed in just 3 weeks, and boasts an over 80% placement rate among our graduates. 

Aptitude

Along with measurable qualifications such as experience and education, you must also be the right fit for the job. Tread has provided a list of desirable attributes in a truck driver dispatcher:

  • Organized
  • Detail-oriented
  • Focused
  • Adaptable
  • Confident

Those are just a few of the attributes necessary to become a successful dispatcher. Dispatching can be a fast-paced and stressful job, but if you are able to meet the requirements of the work then you will have no problem becoming a successful truck driver dispatcher. 

Go For a Ride

Do you know a trucker, and you’re still deciding if a truck driver dispatcher position is right for you? Go for a ride with them! Most trucking companies allow their drivers to take adult passengers in the cab with them, and getting to experience a haul firsthand is a great way to see if the field is right for you. Your trucker friend is sure to appreciate the company, too! From inside the cab, you can learn trucking procedures, processes, and potential issues that may arise on a haul so you better understand your future responsibilities as a truck driver dispatcher. Spending time in the truck isn’t just a great way to decide if the industry is right for you, but it’s also a great way to improve your skills, should you decide to become a dispatcher.

Need Experience? Become a Truck Driver!

As mentioned earlier in the article, experience is a valuable asset when it comes to becoming a truck driver dispatcher. Chron has mentioned that most employers prefer their dispatchers to have at least two years of experience. Becoming a truck driver is one of the best ways to prepare for a career as a truck driver dispatcher. Not only does it get you valuable experience in the field necessary to compete for a dispatcher position, but becoming a trucker is a great way to fully understand your role as a dispatcher, as you will have experience in the shoes of the truckers you dispatch.

To become a trucker, you first need a CDL. Good news- Truck Driver Institute has 11 campuses across the United States, and offers a CDL course that takes just 3 weeks to complete. 80% of our students find job placements by the time they graduate, allowing you to begin gaining experience as soon as you exit the program. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a trucker and starting your new career!


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