How to Become a Truck Dispatcher

Jun

Graduate from high school or obtain a GED.
This job doesn’t necessarily require higher education, but you do need at least a high school diploma. You likely won’t be considered at all if you don’t have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Enroll in a truck dispatcher course.
While you don’t need higher education, taking a short course in truck dispatching could give you an edge in the field, though it’s optional. You can find courses online to take or look up a course in your area. There are schools specifically for training truck dispatchers.
Work on a degree in logistics and transportation.
While you don’t need a degree for this job, it can help to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in logistics and transportation. Some companies may even require it. Check for schools in your area that offer this degree, or work on an online degree.
Gain experience in the shipping or transportation industry.
Often, the experience is not necessary for this position, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. If you gain experience, you’ll be able to learn the state and federal laws that determine load limits and safety regulations. Working in another position in the shipping and trucking industry can help you gain beneficial experience.
Develop customer service skills.
A large part of being a truck dispatcher is dealing with customers and their needs. That means you need to develop your customer service skills so that you can assist your customers effectively. You can develop customer service skills in a variety of ways.
- For instance, working retail or even a call center job can help you develop these skills.
- Work on empathy by spending time with people who are different from you. Have conversations where you learn about them and what makes their lives unique.
- You can also try taking an acting class, as that makes you put yourself in other people’s shoes.
Work on your communication skills.
Communication skills are absolutely essential in this job, as you’ll be talking and writing to both customers and drivers throughout the day. You have to be able to say things so that the listener understands what you’re saying on the first try if possible.
- When communicating, but the most important information first. List the rest of the information in chronological order if appropriate. Also, be concise and to the point; avoid adding extraneous details.
- The best way to improve your skills is to put these tactics to use in your daily life. Also, make sure you listen carefully when talking to people, and respond to what they’re saying instead of just continuing on with what you were saying.