How To Become A Truck Dispatcher

Becoming a truck dispatcher is a process that can be achieved by following certain steps and requirements. In this article, entrepreneurs will learn what those are so they can begin the process of becoming a dispatcher for truck drivers.

Truck Company Types

First, it’s important to understand the different types of truck companies.

Private fleets

Private fleets are owned by large corporations that want to move their products. These companies generally have their own maintenance and support staff. So your job as a dispatcher is to keep the drivers moving and on schedule.

Common Carriers

Businesses that provide shipping services to the general public. As a dispatcher for a common carrier, you’ll be responsible for finding loads, negotiating rates, and scheduling pickups and deliveries with shippers and consignees.

Contract Carriers

Businesses that have a contract with a shipper to move their products. As a dispatcher for a contract carrier, you’ll be responsible for keeping the truck on schedule and ensuring that the driver understands what needs to be delivered, and when.

Owner-operators

Independent truckers who own their own trucks. As a dispatcher for an owner-operator, you’ll be responsible for finding loads, negotiating rates, and scheduling pickups and deliveries. You’ll also be responsible for keeping track of the truck’s location and making sure that the driver is complying with hours of service regulations.

Trucking Industry Regulations

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA is responsible for setting and enforcing safety regulations for commercial motor vehicles.

To become a dispatcher, you will need to thoroughly understand the FMCSA regulations. You will also need to be able to keep track of the truck’s location and make sure that the driver is complying with hours of service regulations.

The FMCSA has a website that provides information on the regulations and how to comply with them. You can also find loads, negotiate rates, and schedule pickups and deliveries on the website.

In order to become a truck dispatcher, you will need to:

Have a thorough understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Keep track of the truck’s location
Ensure the driver is complying with hours of service regulations
Find loads, negotiate rates, schedule pickups and deliveries
Comply with all other applicable laws and regulations

Truck Dispatcher Certification

There is no formal certification required to become a truck dispatcher. However, many companies prefer to hire dispatchers who have experience in the trucking industry.

If you don’t have experience in the trucking industry, you can still become a dispatcher by taking courses that will teach you the skills you need to be successful.

There are many online courses that will teach you the basics of trucking and dispatcher duties. Once you complete a course, you will be able to take the knowledge you’ve learned and apply it to real-world situations.

To become a truck dispatcher, you must:

Take courses that will teach you the skills you need to be successful
Apply the knowledge you’ve learned to real-world situations
Be able to work in a fast-paced environment
Be able to multitask
Have excellent communication skills

Truck Dispatcher Salary

The average truck dispatcher’s salary is $33,473. However, salaries can range from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Dispatchers who work in areas with a high cost of living, such as New York City or Los Angeles, tend to make more than dispatchers who work in smaller cities or rural areas. Additionally, dispatchers who have experience in the trucking industry and who are familiar with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations tend to make more than dispatchers who don’t have this experience.

Become a Truck Dispatcher

Becoming a truck dispatcher is a great way to enter the trucking industry. There is no formal certification or education required, but online courses can be beneficial for individuals with no previous experience.