Trucking dispatchers coordinate pickup and delivery logistics between suppliers and carriers. They can either work for an employer or have their own business. Unlike freight brokerage, truck dispatching is more accessible to newcomers due to the lack of federal requirements.
Nowadays, the trucking industry is undergoing a massive shift accelerated by the impact of the Covid pandemic. Jobs like truck dispatching use sophisticated technologies to ensure shipments get to their final destinations. With delays and closures, this job will keep you on your toes in 2022.
You have the potential to make an excellent income, but the job isn’t for everyone. However, you can positively impact your workflow and manage your business more efficiently with some adjustments. If you’re wondering how to become a successful trucking dispatcher in 2022, read on for tips to help you seamlessly navigate this fast-paced career.
Hone Your People and Communication Skills
What attracts many people to this position is the ability to work from home. However, not being in an office doesn’t mean you won’t be talking to people throughout the day. These people have different personalities and temperaments and are under significant pressure to deliver shipments.
You must build impeccable communication skills to maximize the efficiency of your conversations and work with different people. Clear communication minimizes the likelihood of misunderstandings and errors. This point is significant given that mistakes in this industry are pretty costly.
When people like working with you and you can communicate effectively, your job becomes more enjoyable. If you have your own business, your reputation also relies on your communication skills. Moreover, you can build solid professional relationships that will help you in the future.
Understand the Challenges of the Position
One of the hard lessons that truck dispatchers learn is that not all clients are worth your time and peace of mind. Many companies believe they do not need the dispatching services you provide until they experience issues and hire you. These companies may aggressively haggle prices and overly-scrutinize your work, leading to more problems.
Truck dispatching can be pretty stressful in some circumstances. You must keep your cool, stay on your toes, and consistently problem-solve on the go. You also must guide truckers through hazardous conditions, reroute when issues on the road arise, and placate irate parties all at once.
For these reasons, it’s integral to maintain your composure when events don’t happen according to plan. Some challenges you can only forecast with experience, others you can avoid before beginning.
Embrace Technology to Make Your Job Smoother
In the past, truck dispatching wasn’t heavily associated with technology. This belief is no longer the case today. New software is disrupting the industry in logistics management, and you can benefit from tech to improve your planning and business approach.
Trucking dispatchers use Computer-Aided Dispatch Systems (CAD) to manage information and optimize the communication process between different parties. With new GPS technology, dispatchers no longer have to call truckers and ask for location details.
Truck dispatchers used to perform daily repetitive – but essential – tasks. Today, they use automated systems like dispatch management tools that replace much of their previous roles.
Always stay up to date on the latest dispatching technology, especially if you have your own business.
These technologies give you an edge over competitors and make your job smoother.
Refine Your Problem-Solving Skills
You may expect problems to happen while dealing with multiple people on the job, but developing a strategy to approach them still matters. After refining your problem-solving skills, you can manage a crisis effectively and with minimal collateral damage.
Refining your problem-solving skills starts with developing a strategy that guides your next steps when issues arise. Use this strategy as a blueprint to get all the required information without missing essential details.
When you ask questions, make sure they are not accusatory and are solution-oriented. This approach is a byproduct of effective communication and helps you quickly sort out the details of a problem.
Invest in a Degree or Certification
You do not need a degree or certification to work as a trucking dispatcher in the United States. However, if you want to work for an employer, a high-school diploma, GED or a college degree may be necessary to land the role.
If you have the resources to take on a degree or training workshop, it may positively impact your job prospects. Moreover, it helps you build skills and learn ways to manage your business effectively.
Investing in a degree shows initiative and genuine interest in the position. It prepares you for the complexities of this fast-paced job.
Don’t Overlook Networking
Networking is an integral part of every position, and trucking dispatchers should not underestimate where it might lead them. You will speak to countless individuals over the course of your job, and many of them can help improve your career.
Here is where your people and communication skills come in handy. If you plan on opening your own business, making connections can expedite the process. Networking skills are essential to building a larger client base if you already have your own business.
When you make a positive professional impression on the right people, they are more likely to remember and refer you to others. Never underestimate the impact that some contacts can make.
Invest in Your Business
If you choose to work from home and be an independent dispatcher, consider investing in your business. From purchasing relevant software to hardware that makes it simpler to manage deliveries, funds you spend now can save you significant headaches down the line. Some examples include:
- Accounting and scheduling software
- GPS and Cloud Software
- Create a business website
- A high-performance laptop with a large screen
- A speedy internet connection
- Counter Problems Before They Happen
Forecasting potential logistics issues help you avoid a crisis that costs you time and money. Issues to look out for include bad weather, closures, road disruptions, and even miscommunication.
Always have a plan to face upcoming challenges to ensure the smooth delivery of shipments. Once you have enough experience, you can predict issues before they arise and develop a strategy to deal with them head-on.
Although being a trucking dispatcher comes with challenges, it is a rewarding, enjoyable, and lucrative career.
Start Your Truck Dispatching Career
Now that you know how to be a successful trucking dispatcher, you can work on improving your skills to fast-track your career. By implementing these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful truck dispatcher in 2022. If you have little experience in the industry, you can start working with a company. The first step is building a career-specific resume that highlights your accomplishments to hiring managers.
Rocket Resume is your all-in-one solution to crafting an effective resume that helps you stand out among applicants. Our templates are readable by Applicant Tracking Systems and won’t cause formatting errors. It’s easy to sign up and start – and after you answer a few questions, your resume is ready in minutes.
Are you ready to build a customized truck dispatching resume? Sign up now.