The movements of trucks and freight are directed and monitored a trucking dispatcher. She could be in charge of local or regional trucks, as well as those that travel across a large area or country. Normally, the dispatcher keeps in touch with truck drivers throughout their journeys to track their progress and address any issues or problems that may arise as they travel to their destinations.
Large trucking companies usually have a dispatching staff that is assigned to different geographic territories. They frequently work in groups. Customers call one dispatcher for truck service and related information, while the other dispatcher calls her fleet to schedule a new pickup or delivery. Cell phones, walkie-talkies, and other interactive electronic devices are commonly used for these communications. In a small business, one dispatcher is usually required to handle all of these responsibilities.
This person is typically involved in all aspects of pickups and deliveries, as well as tracking shipments from start to finish. She’s in charge of resolving any issues that might cause pickup or delivery times to be pushed back. Mechanical issues with trucks, delays due to traffic or weather challenges, or changes requested the customer in terms of times or locations are common examples of these issues.
It is common for a trucking dispatcher to be required to keep meticulous records. She usually keeps a log of incoming and outgoing calls, as well as the actions she took. In most cases, records are kept that include information on the vehicles, freight charge bills, trucker routes, and estimated arrival times. Changes in direction, destinations, freight, and other variables are tracked on a regular basis. These records may be useful in the resolution process if any mishaps occur or if there is a problem with a shipper or customer. Truck routes and live information on the progress of truckers are frequently displayed on large activity boards in large trucking companies.
Minor changes to a trucker’s route are fairly common among trucking dispatchers. She frequently receives requests for freight movement to or from a location where a delivery or pickup has already been scheduled. She frequently contacts the trucker to see if a freight consolidation is possible to help with the request. If it is determined to be feasible, she, the trucker, and the customer discuss the best course of action.
A trucking dispatcher does not require any formal education. In most cases, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Former truck drivers frequently work as dispatchers. They are ideal candidates for the job of dispatcher because they are familiar with company policies and procedures, have a good understanding of roads and highways, and are knowledgeable about local and regional shipping and driving regulations.