What does a Truck Dispatcher do?
Truck Dispatchers schedule trips for freight deliveries, including scheduling drivers and routes. They serve as a central contact point for both truck drivers and customers, coordinating the shipping process. In this fast-paced job, Truck Dispatchers are responsible for multiple trucks, customers, drivers and routes, which requires extreme attention to detail. They also monitor trucks and drivers once they’re en route, and they help if an issue arises with a pickup or delivery. Truck Dispatchers work for trucking organizations of all sizes, from small local businesses to large nationwide companies.
Truck Dispatcher skills and qualifications
To be successful, Truck Dispatchers need certain skills and qualifications to handle the often demanding role, including:
- Knowledge of trucking regulations and laws
- Understanding of how shipping, trucking and logistics work
- Analytical skills to problem-solve and coordinate difficult situations
- Ability to handle upset customers
- Technology skills, particularly in transportation management software
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Excellent communication skills to clearly relay information to all involved parties
- Ability to stay calm in fast-paced situations
Truck Dispatcher experience requirements
While a Truck Dispatcher can be an entry-level position, most companies require one to three years of relevant experience. This might be in the customer service, logistics or supply chain fields. Many companies give preference to candidates who have previous trucking experience, either as a Truck Driver or working for a trucking company in another role. This experience gives them a foundation in the rules and regulations that control the trucking industry. Some companies prefer specific Truck Dispatcher experience.
Truck Dispatcher education and training requirements
Truck Dispatcher careers don’t require a specific educational background. The minimum requirement is a high school diploma, although some companies prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Common degree fields include logistics, transportation or supply chain management.
Truck Dispatcher salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Truck Dispatcher is $16.44 per hour. This rate can vary depending on the employer, location and the candidate’s experience.
Truck Dispatcher salary expectations
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Common salary:
20.44 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
8.10 -38.30 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If this role isn’t exactly what you need, explore these additional job descriptions for similar positions:
Truck Dispatcher job description FAQs
What makes a good Truck Dispatcher job description?
A good Truck Dispatcher job description details what makes your trucking company different and why an experienced Dispatcher should work for you. This might include things like being a small, tight-knit company or only working regular daytime hours. Highlight the perks the job offers, especially those that are unique to your company, such as weekly lunches or performance incentives. State experience requirements to help ensure you attract quality candidates for the position.
What should you look for in a Truck Dispatcher resume?
Scan the resume for previous trucking experience, even if it’s in a different role with a trucking company. Previous dispatch experience, even if it’s not in the trucking industry, may also translate well to this position. A degree in a related field can be a plus because it gives the candidate technical knowledge about the field. Customer-facing work experience may also be beneficial since Truck Dispatchers often spend a lot of time talking to customers.
What qualities make a good Truck Dispatcher?
An effective Truck Dispatcher should be able to stay calm under pressure, make decisions quickly and problem-solve on the fly to keep deliveries running smoothly. They should have the ability to stay focused and pay attention to details for long periods, and know how to decompress after handling stressful situations. Being creative with solutions and confident enough to speak up and suggest improvements can make a Truck Dispatcher a valuable asset to a company. They should understand how to interact with different parties, including truck drivers and customers, to create rapport and trust with everyone involved. Being able to balance multiple tasks at once also helps since Truck Dispatchers usually don’t get a break in between calls.
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