The role of a truck dispatcher is a full-time position, and they are often on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These professionals are expected to be available to provide solutions when required, such as when drivers fall ill or get injured.
Aside from that, since most drivers are on their routes beyond regular working hours, truck dispatchers might have to work late into the night.
Note that there is barely any downtime with this job. You will be tasked with handling calls and managing routes all day, as such you have to be highly organized and able to handle high amounts of stress.
Generally, the trucking industry tends to depend on safe drivers to carry out deliveries, and they’re more or less considered the foundation of the system; however, they’re not the only facet of the industry responsible for its success.
Dispatchers are known to play a very vital role as well, and they’re in high demand. While some truck dispatchers can work in an office and some can work from home, note that their primary role is to schedule drivers to pick up and deliver loads to customers or vendors.
Howbeit, as a truck dispatcher, you have to understand that there is barely any downtime. A good dispatcher will need to have the capacity to handle trip schedules, arrange routes, and deal with calls and requests from operators, third-party vendors, and their supervisors.
They will have to make decisions quickly. Also, note that excellent communication skills are necessary as a trucking dispatcher.
Written and verbal skills are also very important, but the ability to listen with a level of empathy and compassion is also required.
What Does a Truck Dispatcher Do?
Note that the main duty of a truck dispatcher’s primary is to handle and schedule freight transportation, coordinating with drivers, vendors, and suppliers.
Keep in mind that this a customizable job, and this could vary slightly depending on the industry or the company you offer your services.
Nevertheless, there are certain general duties and responsibilities that you can expect as a truck dispatcher. They include;
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Maintain Records
One of the primary duties of a truck dispatcher is to safely keep all dispatch and trip records, most often in a digital format.
Note that these records will have to summarize shipments, drivers, working hours, and schedule details. With the right record-keeping practices, it becomes more convenient to manage resources and stay in line with various safety regulations.
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Receive Calls
Just as was noted above, excellent communication skills are necessary as a trucking dispatcher. It is the duty of a truck dispatcher to receive all calls, whether emergency or non-emergency, from both vendors and drivers. They are also tasked with recording all of the calls.
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Communicate Potential Clients and Negotiate Rates
Truck dispatchers are also expected to communicate with potential clients from time to time to enhance the company’s clientele base and boost revenue.
Within this process, they might be expected to negotiate rates with the clients, making sure that both parties are comfortable and satisfied.
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Quickly Address Issues
Truck dispatchers will always have to take charge and immediately tend to every arising situation. Confronting or dealing with potential problems before they occur makes them easy to handle and will ensure it doesn’t cost the business money. This will encompass things like repair, maintenance, and health expenses.
For example, truck dispatchers will need to make sure that the driver is in their best health prior to working. In addition, they are expected to evaluate every situation and understand what to prioritize.
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Provide Reports to Management
Truck dispatchers are expected to consistently update upper management regarding the progress in their department. They will also have to make available extensive reports on time to make it possible for the company to have an explicit outlook on the market.
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Plan Ahead
Another thing truck dispatchers are tasked with doing is scheduling the most efficient driving routes. Most often, this will involve studying the weather conditions and making available more convenient alternative roads for drivers when necessary. Adequate planning guarantees that management can provide better support and crisis management to the drivers.
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Relay Information Between Clients and Drivers
Truck dispatchers will also need to be in constant communication with clients and drivers to guarantee that the transportation process is smooth and that each delivery schedule is met. This is one of the primary reasons why excellent communication skills are necessary for a trucking dispatcher.