The Guide to Becoming a Freight Dispatcher

Introduction

After reading this book you will have the skills and knowledge to start your career as a professional freight dispatcher. Isn’t that exciting? Becoming a freight dispatcher is hard work but it is a very rewarding career. Opportunities as a freight dispatcher are limitless. You will have the skills to start and successfully run your own freight dispatching business or you can choose to share your skills and build with a company.

According to ziprecruiter.com the average freight dispatcher income is currently $89,960 a year. This average income projection should only be used as a guideline. There are many dispatchers who earn 6 figures yearly. Only you can determine how far freight dispatching will take you. A career as a freight dispatcher can provide a comfortable living for you and your family. Remain consistent, don’t give up, and the results will come pouring in. I wish you much success within your journey.

The Role of a Freight Dispatcher

A freight dispatcher is responsible for coordinating the movement of freight and ensuring it is delivered to its destination in a timely manner. Some of the duties of a freight dispatcher include:

Build relationships with brokers, freight forwarders, and private shippers to book loads for your drivers.

Coordinating and managing the schedules of truck drivers to ensure products and goods are picked up and delivered in a timely manner.

Ensuring compliance with transportation regulations and guidelines.

Providing support and guidance to drivers and carriers as needed.

Utilizing transportation management software and systems to track and manage freight shipments.

Managing and maintaining records and documentation related to freight transportation.

Monitor weather reports and inclement weather conditions.

Receiving emergency and non-emergency calls and notifying appropriate team members.

Overall, a freight dispatcher plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of freight from the shipper to the receiver. A good dispatcher should have the ability to make decisions quickly and always maintain good judgment skills. Because a dispatcher is the third party between shippers and carriers, they need to have excellent communication skills when giving and receiving information.

Duties to Fulfill as A Dispatcher Daily

Be aware and knowledgeable of the FMCSA rulesand regulations. (Click on the link below to check out the website.)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Communicate with brokers via calls and emails.

Book the best loads for your drivers in accordance with HOS Laws.

Be the means of communication between the driver, broker, and your carrier.

Complete Broker-Carrier Agreements.

Maintain records of all documentation pertaining to loads. (Rate Confirmations, Bill of Ladings, Broker-Carrier Agreements)

Process the finances for the load once completed. (Not all dispatchers are required to process payments, some companies will handle this part themselves.)