Freight dispatcher requires focus for long hours. They are responsible for driver communication, scheduling trips, negotiating higher rpm loads, building broker and shipper relations, forwarding freight bills to a factoring company, and carrying out back-office work. To become a dispatcher, you need skills that allow you to stay calm in stressful situations and communicate clearly.
This article lists the top 6 tips to be a successful dispatcher!
1.Go for a drive:
To understand how a trucking fleet works, a dispatcher must know the complete process of the trip. Getting a front seat with the driver will greatly assist you when assigning jobs and communicating with drivers.
You must build a rapport with the drivers to get a clear idea of the driver’s habits, values, and communication styles. This will increase productivity, improve workflow, and minimize friction or delays.
2.Cultivate relationships:
Cultivating relationships with shippers and brokers is the most crucial step in the trucking business. Most shippers and brokers book their loads only with their trusted dispatchers.
We recommend you work closely with them to fully understand their requirements and the volume of truck requests coming your way.
3.Use one channel of communication:
Instead of sharing information through multiple channels like email, text, radio, etc., keep it simple by using one reliable method.
TMS – Transportation Management System provides a solution to this problem by streamlining communication and housing all the trip information under one roof, i.e., one easy-to-use application.
4.Refine driver scheduling:
The most important task is to keep the drivers happy by creating a trip schedule that complies with their HOS starts.
Be sure to make a clear channel for all drivers to submit their availability and preferences. Once you have the availability, prioritize drivers based on loyalty and efficiency.
5.Proper planning:
As a truck dispatcher, a lot of time can be saved by planning. We recommend you end each day by spending some time confirming plans for the upcoming workday.
For example, checking the weather forecast has changed or not since you scheduled the trip. If yes, should you adjust the itinerary or delivery time? Planning minimizes last-minute changes and improves workflow and productivity.
6.Use dispatching software:
Freight dispatcher software solution, you’re able to view, manage, and track loads from one dashboard. Dispatch software also includes tools that make it easier to stay compliant with federal and local regulations and regularly communicate with drivers.
It also enables you to access all your tasks and data in one place by integrating with load boards, ELDs, maps, and accounting systems.
Do you need a perfect Freight dispatcher? Our company offers experienced dispatchers who can deal with the most challenging situation you have ever imagined.
Contact us today to learn more!
