Work In Operations
Keep things moving.
If you like playing a key role, making sure everything is scheduled to leave and arrive on time, and you enjoy solving puzzles, perhaps a career as a Dispatcher is right for you. As a Dispatcher, you'll be responsible for all aspects of the load, from co-ordination to delivery. If you're a quick thinker and work well with others, keep reading!
- What would I do?
- Where would I work?
- How much would I get paid?
- How do I get to be a Dispatcher?
- Where would I go from here?
- How do I get started?
What would I do?
As a Dispatcher, you'll be the carrier's master scheduler. You'll be responsible for co-ordinating loads, pick-up and delivery times, drivers and equipment. Equipment could be anything from small pick-up and delivery trucks, to a full tractor-trailer combination. In each case, the dispatcher must ensure that the trailer is suitable for loading and carrying the load.
You'll also make sure that drivers have enough time to get the load to its destination, and that all the necessary licensing and endorsement requirements are met. For example, if the load contains dangerous goods, the driver must be trained to handle these goods. The driver must also understand and follow all rules regarding the transport of these goods.
Dispatchers make critical decisions about operations. They play an extremely important role in making sure that a trucking company is efficient and effective. To an extent they also supervise Drivers, so strong communications skills are essential.
In many cases, Dispatchers deal directly with existing or new customers. They also need solid organizational and decision-making skills. Strong computer skills help, too.
