Logistics Truck Dispatcher

A Truck Dispatcher needs to be highly detailed and work well under pressure to coordinate lots of changing factors. While their main priority is scheduling trucks efficiently, other Truck Dispatcher job duties include:
Managing truck drivers’ schedules and routes
Scheduling freight to be picked up and delivered
Providing shipping details to customers
Reviewing logs of truck drivers
Documenting all calls, deliveries, routes and times for pickups and deliveries
Completing paperwork related to shipments, such as invoices to the factoring company
Handling customer complaints and inquiries
Negotiating rates and delivery time lines
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.
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
Keeping records, monitoring drivers’ daily logs for errors or violations, and monitoring their working hours and equipment availability
Keeping tabs on the weather at all drivers’ locations to be able to flag potential issues, typically with the aid of numerous computer programs
Serving as a reliable point of contact to balance drivers’ health and safety with customer requirements
Coordinating and managing the most efficient loads to remain cost-effective as a company, combining shipments based on their routes and timeline to minimize how many trucks and drivers are out
Determining the best delivery methods and negotiating rates directly with vendors and customers, and getting the necessary documents and permits that drivers will need when shipping chemicals or livestock