Truck traffic has increased due to Amazon and other delivery services. In recent years, truck dispatcher roles have grown. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 196,000 full-time truck dispatchers. Truck dispatchers perform what duties? Learn about truck dispatcher tasks, how telematics can improve efficiency, and how to become a truck dispatcher.
Truck dispatchers?
Truck dispatchers, also known as trucking dispatchers or dispatch services, manage truck driver schedules to ensure on-time pickup and delivery. Trucking dispatchers typically handle support, operations, and customer service. Truck dispatchers need communication, time management, and computer abilities to track truck drivers.
Freight versus truck dispatchers
Truck dispatchers and freight dispatchers are similar yet have several major differences. Truck and freight dispatchers differ in these ways.
Truck dispatchers: They schedule and route truck drivers to deliver items on time. Freight dispatchers: They ensure truckers have loads and are on schedule.
Truck dispatchers do what?
Truck dispatchers must stay in touch with drivers throughout their routes to check progress and redirect them if needed. Best Truck Dispatch Services in USA also alert customers of truck position and delays. Truck dispatchers need real-time fleet position visibility.
Trucking dispatcher tasks might vary, however they usually include: Record keeping: Truck dispatchers check drivers’ daily logs for errors and HOS violations. They may also track driver hours and equipment availability.
Weather tracking: Truck dispatchers must monitor road weather to keep drivers on schedule and on the best routes.
Driver communication: Truck dispatchers inform drivers of route or drop-off modifications.
What are truck dispatcher requirements?
Truck dispatchers need a high school diploma or GED. Transportation, supply chain management, or logistics degrees are sometimes recommended.
Truck dispatchers do not need a CDL or class A license because they do not drive trucks. Experienced trucking dispatchers earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per year.
5 ways telematics can help truck dispatchers stay effective
Anticipating weather delays
The DOT estimates that weather delays cost the trucking industry. Long-distance OTR transporters are especially more vulnerable to weather variations. Fleets can struggle to reroute around weather. Truck dispatchers schedule drivers for weather delays. They can alert your fleet of unforeseen driving conditions, letting you focus on customer service.
Telematics systems let truck dispatchers plan ahead without checking the weather every hour. ATC Dispatching Weather Overlay’s built-in weather route planner and live radar enable dispatchers real-time weather updates for their fleet’s service region. This vital information allows speedy rerouting around severe weather.
Two-way texting in the ATC Dispatching Driver App lets dispatchers alert drivers of weather-related route changes.
Comply with FMCSA and HOS.
A compliant telematics system is essential for DOT and FMCSA compliance. ATC Dispatching lets truck dispatchers track drivers’ HOS to comply with FMCSA standards. Truck dispatchers can use the ATC Dispatching Driver App to guide drivers to a break site when their hour restriction is nearing.
Route optimization
Inefficient routes waste fuel, irritate consumers, and wear out vehicles. Freight dispatchers can quickly evaluate routes, detect inefficiencies, and change driver schedules to keep deliveries on time and customers pleased.
ATC Dispatching routing tools provide unparalleled route visibility. Trends in planned versus actual route performance data help truck dispatchers identify low- and high-performing routes. Adjust inefficient routes. ATC Dispatching geofences reliably measure predicted arrival times, completed stops, and truck approaches. Truck dispatchers can safely make route modifications and judgments with vast amounts of real-time data.
Provide top-notch service
Truck dispatchers may also handle customer service. Dispatchers can improve client satisfaction because of this. Dispatchers inform customers of delays, address questions, and manage expectations. Communication develops trust and helps your fleet react to changing client needs.
Your truck dispatchers can share a URL with real-time ETAs using ATC Dispatching Live Sharing. With live-to-the-second truck positions, your clients are less likely to ask about their loads and better prepared to receive shipments, reducing load detention time.
ATC Dispatching reefer temperature monitoring solution can help dispatchers convey perishable items. Perishable goods are delivered with temperature and humidity monitors. Dispatcher notifications avoid spoiling. They can increase customer transparency and avoid rejected shipments.
Reduce back-office calls and streamline communication.
Your drivers require truck dispatchers who can quickly manage route concerns and emphasize driver safety because road issues might develop 24/7. Truck drivers often spend hours per month calling your back office to troubleshoot route issues without a solution.
To reduce costly accident claims, dispatchers require driver behavior data. ATC Dispatching AI Dash Cams let truck dispatchers spot risky driving and reward responsible drivers.
Paperless paperwork can save dispatchers and drivers time. ATC Dispatching digitizes documentation for drivers and dispatchers. ATC Dispatching customers saved 652,000 hours processing paperwork in 2019. They saved 11 tons of paper.
ATC Dispatching optimizes truck dispatching
ATC Dispatching unified fleet management software helps transportation dispatchers improve dispatch and routing, driver safety, and customer service. ATC Dispatching solutions make your firm apart. Live Sharing, in-cab safety alerts, and temperature monitoring decrease dispatching stress, helping your fleet recruit and retain top staff and improve customer experience. ATC Dispatching truck dispatchers no longer spend hours calling drivers due to real-time visibility and routing, improving fleet communication and efficiency.
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