Dispatchers are the unsung heroes of the trucking and logistics industry. They keep everything running smoothly and on schedule. But what exactly do they do, and how do they get paid? In this article, we’ll look at how dispatchers are compensated for their hard work.
Per Hour
Trucking dispatch companies are typically paid either per hour or per load. The pay schedule is usually outlined in the contract between the company and the client.
Dispatchers who are paid hourly typically work for smaller trucking companies. Their pay is based on the number of hours they work, which can vary depending on the company’s policy. For example, some companies may pay a flat rate per hour, while others may offer bonuses for working night shifts or weekends.
The benefit of getting paid hourly instead of per load is that you’re guaranteed a certain amount of money even if the truck doesn’t end up hauling anything. This payment method can be helpful if you’re working for a smaller company that doesn’t have a lot of loads available.
Per Load
Meanwhile, dispatchers who are paid per load typically work for larger companies. Their pay is based on the number of loads they dispatch. This can be a great way to earn more money if you’re good at your job and the company has a lot of loads available. However, it can also be risky if the company doesn’t have as many loads available.
The benefit of getting paid per load instead of hourly is that you have the potential to earn a lot more money if you’re good at your job. The downside is that you may not always have work available, and your income can fluctuate significantly from week to week.
Salary
Some dispatchers are paid a salary instead of hourly or per load. This is more common in larger companies. You can typically expect to earn a fixed amount each week or month, regardless of how many loads you dispatch.
The benefit of getting paid a salary is a guaranteed income even if the trucking company doesn’t have many loads available. The downside is that you won’t be able to earn more money if the company is doing well and has tons of loads available. You could end up working overtime without pay on salary as well.
Pay Schedule
The pay schedule is typically outlined in the contract between the company and the client. Therefore, it’s critical to ensure you understand the payment schedule before you agree to work for a company.
Some companies may only dispatch loads during certain hours, while others may be available 24/7. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you agree to work for a company.
Understand The Company’s Policies
Before taking a role as a truck dispatcher, you must understand the company’s policies.
- When negotiating pay, be sure to ask about the company’s policy on overtime.
- Ask how the dispatcher will be paid for travel time between jobs.
- Find out if there are bonuses available for working night shifts or weekends.
- Make sure you understand how vacation and sick days are handled.
- Ask about the company’s policy on load cancellations.
Conclusion
Truck dispatchers may be paid per hour, load, or be salaried. The most common methods are per hour and load. Understand the payment schedule before agreeing to work for a company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
When negotiating pay, ask about overtime, travel time, bonuses, and load cancellations. With a little research, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible compensation for your work.