WHAT IS A DISPATCHER ?
The Dispatcher role is pivotal in overseeing the company's privately owned fleet, ensuring seamless communication both within our team and with our clientele. This position is responsible for relaying critical appointment details, estimated times of arrival, delivery confirmations, and the overall status of each cargo directly to our customers, facilitating a transparent and efficient exchange of information. Additionally, the Dispatcher plays a key role in coordinating the logistics of drivers, including checking them in and assigning appropriate doors for both inbound and outbound shipments at the warehouse facility, thereby optimizing operational flow and customer satisfaction.
Need-to-Know Overview of a Dispatcher
1. Dispatcher Roles and Responsibilities
- Assign drivers and trucks.
- Direct the pickup and delivery activities of drivers.
- Receive customer's requests for the pickup and delivery of freight.
- Consolidate freight orders into truckloads for specific destinations.
- Draw up routes and pickup and delivery schedules.
- Monitor and trace daily shipments, obtain timely driver updates, and resolve problems as they arise.
- Enter load details and tracking data into the company's dispatch software.
- Secure backhauls and negotiate rates using tools such as Internet Truckstop and various Broker websites.
- Assign some daily tasks for warehouse employees.
- Work closely with the Warehouse Operations Manager
- Assist with warehouse employee supervision.
2. Dispatcher Requirements and Qualifications
- Minimum secondary school education with some post-secondary education preferred (Emergency Telecommunications certificate or accredited training).
- Sound judgment, initiative and professional communication skills
- Exhibited at all times when dealing with customers and customer service associates.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload
- Succeed in a fast-paced, occasionally high stress, office environment.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Possess good phone and computer skills.
- Communication skills and the ability to work under pressure are important.