How to Become a Truck Dispatcher
There are many types of jobs you can get with a CDL. The truck dispatcher, or freight dispatcher, role doesn’t require one, but it does play an important role for any trucking company or owner-operator. It can also be a great place to start if you want to learn more about the transportation industry or a specific trucking company. The education requirement is generally a high school diploma or GED.
The basic truck dispatcher responsibilities include:
- Phone calls with customers to determine their transportation needs
- Scheduling freight pickups and deliveries
- Troubleshooting issues with deliveries
- Creating freight invoices
- Reviewing trucker logs
- Using technology, and potentially dispatch software
A truck dispatcher is similar to a freight broker. The main differences are that a freight broker is part of a brokerage and works with multiple companies and truck dispatchers are generally dedicated to one trucking company.
Some choose to offer logistics companies and owner operators their dispatch services from home as an independent truck dispatcher. Having your own business requires the added skills needed to run a business, though.
If you choose this career path, you’ll find yourself making a difference in the lives of every trucker and customer you interact with.
How much do truck dispatchers make?
The trucking industry includes all kinds of freight, locations, shippers, and carriers. That means the compensation will vary based on the specific company. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a truck dispatcher is about $50,000 per year, though you’d probably be paid hourly. That number will also fluctuate depending on your experience level, computer skills, and other qualifications. There are also a lot of higher paying trucking jobs.
Is it hard to be a truck dispatcher?
If you like organizing plans and talking with customers, a truck dispatcher job may be for you. If those aren’t your favorite tasks, you may find a truck dispatcher job challenging. A successful truck dispatcher will be able to manage competing priorities, upset customers, and an ever-changing shipping schedule with ease.
How long does a truck dispatcher course take?
Truck dispatcher training ranges from online courses that last a few days to a full associate’s degree that can take two years to complete. Choose the best option for you based on cost, time, your previous experience, and your current skills.
How can you become a truck dispatcher with no experience?
The first thing to do is learn more about the truck dispatcher job. You can do this by talking with current truck dispatchers, getting some training, and reading truck dispatcher job descriptions.
Once you’ve gained the information you need, search specifically for “truck dispatcher jobs with no experience.” There are absolutely companies who will train you. Like when they evaluate driver candidates based on traits of a good truck driver, they’ll look for dispatcher applicants who have those organization skills, ability to stay cool in tough situations, good communication skills, and other traits they’ve determined are important.
