Becoming a truck dispatcher is a significant opportunity. However, you must possess the right skills for the job and comply with state and federal licensing requirements to legally operate as a truck dispatcher.
This article will discuss the various license requirements for becoming a truck dispatcher and the specific licenses needed to start your own truck dispatcher company.
Skills
As a truck dispatcher, you’re responsible for coordinating the movements of a fleet of trucks carrying freight across the country. This is no small feat! To be successful in this role, you must have excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
When something unexpected comes up, the truck dispatcher has to fix it. As a result, you must be able to multitask and work well under pressure.
Perhaps most important to the role, you must have a strong understanding of the trucking industry, including regulations, route planning, and tracking software. While you can become a truck dispatcher without prior experience, you’ll want to explore online training courses to learn more about the industry.
Licenses
You will need two licenses to work as a truck dispatcher: a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) dispatcher license and a state-level independent truck dispatcher license (if your state requires it).
The FMCSA dispatcher license is required for all truck dispatchers who dispatch trucks that cross state lines. You may obtain the FMCSA license by passing the Dispatcher Certification Test (DCT). This computer-based exam covers federal motor carrier regulations, load security, hazmat transportation, emergency response procedures, and more.
Certifications
In addition to the licenses discussed above, you will also need to obtain a Dispatcher Certification Test (DCT) certification and an Independent Dispatcher Certification Test (IDCT) certification (if applicable).
You may obtain these certifications by passing the corresponding exams. The IDCT covers business management, dispatch software, state trucking regulations, and more
Truck Dispatcher Company Requirements
If you plan on starting your own truck dispatcher company, you will need to have a licensed truck dispatcher on staff. This individual is responsible for managing the company’s dispatching operations and must possess the necessary skills and knowledge.
As a business owner, prepare to handle additional responsibilities, like:
- Hiring
- Team management
- Prospecting and sales
- Marketing
Become a Truck Dispatcher
Working as a truck dispatcher can be an interesting role for some individuals. However, in this fast-paced environment, you must be ready to make quick changes and multi-task while handling high-stress scenarios.
In order to legally work as a truck dispatcher, you will need to possess an FMCSA license and pass the DCT and IDCT certifications.