Dispatcher Training

So i've been driving for a little over a year now and I've seen a few companies. I can say that trucking doesn't seem to agree with me so I'm thinking about going into dispatch. I have great computer skills that I don't get to use as a truck driver and I'm getting tired of living in a truck. My current company gets me home on weekends which is really nice but I want to start a family and even that won't be enough.

I live in San Fernando Valley (about 20miles NW of Los Angeles) and I'm finding it difficult just getting an interview at a dispatch job. Does anyone have suggestions for training or how to go about this better? Do I need schooling first? If so, where can I go for that?

Thank you much,

Mike

You may have already tried this, but I will ask anyway. Have you asked your dispatcher how he/she became a dispatcher? That's be the first place I'd check.

I wish I could offer some kind of help but I have absolutely no idea how one becomes a dispatcher. I know the "computer skills" you'll need will be sending and receiving 1000 emails a day....that's about it.

I'd be concerned also that a lot of places might require a college degree of some sort. At least at the bigger companies.

I wish I could offer some kind of help but I have absolutely no idea how one becomes a dispatcher. I know the "computer skills" you'll need will be sending and receiving 1000 emails a day....that's about it.

I'd be concerned also that a lot of places might require a college degree of some sort. At least at the bigger companies.

Yes Brett most of the larger ones do require a degree not to mention a thicker skin than being a truck driver.

Go for it and see how it works out.

Like Rico said, start by talking to some dispatchers. Also, look through job postings and focus on the Experience and Qualifications. For example, below is a FM Job Post from Roehl Transport. There is no mention of a college degree (although I am sure it would help) but your resume will need to highlight any past management and communications experience you may have.

This position is responsible for effectively managing a group of 35-45 drivers by building positive relationships and coaching drivers for success. As a Fleet Manager you are the key operations link between the company and both our drivers and customers. You must effectively deliver key factor results for utilization, retention, safety, and service. You are also expected to use an open, interactive leadership style to reconcile customer and driver needs while leading drivers to meet performance goals.

To learn more about Roehl Transport view this link http://vimeo.com/roehltransport/non-driver-recruitment

This career opportunity is located in Atlanta, GA.

This is a fast-paced managerial opportunity that allows you to build relationships while utilizing problem solving and creative thinking on a daily basis.

Roehl Transport is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status or disability.

Experience and Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to manage key factors and make adjustments to ensure profitability.

Proven ability to interact and communicate over-the-phone and face-to-face.

Demonstrated trustworthiness and judgment in handling confidential and personal matters.

Ability to analyze, anticipate, and evaluate problems and situations and draw logical conclusions.

Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.

Possesses well-developed listening skills, communication skills, as well as human relations skills.

Proven ability to lead.

Roehl will review criminal backgrounds and subject to any limitation imposed by federal or state law disqualify applicants with job related criminal backgrounds.

Mike,

If I may go on a tangent, what exactly did you find disagreeable about being a driver?

BTW - Good luck with your future dispatcher adventures!

Joe

I wish I could offer some kind of help but I have absolutely no idea how one becomes a dispatcher. I know the "computer skills" you'll need will be sending and receiving 1000 emails a day....that's about it.

I'd be concerned also that a lot of places might require a college degree of some sort. At least at the bigger companies.

Im a Driver but I have experience in all positions in the Trucking Business from The shop to planning to driver other than Broker but we do have our own Brokers license and also run under our own authority. My father in law is the owner of the Company. I do know that to be a dispatcher you would need computer skills, knowledge of all aspects of Dot fed regulations. At least Hours of service. Depending on the size of the company and if you have to find and book your own loads. Big Companies have it broke down into different positions. Planning, Dispatch, Safety, etc. . A person with no experience with a big co that needs to know something can goto Terminal Mgr or to specific department to get answer. With a smaller co. I would say you would have to know all aspects from the start to stand out above others applying for the position. Two more things to make yourself stick out is Being a experienced driver and for a small co have your own connections and reputation with good brokers.

Anchorman's forwarder copy is a good place to start. I checked out Swift's DM listings too.

You will have to keep those 35-40 drivers happy, and you already know what they want. You will be their boss, so you'll need leadership skills as well.

Speaking of dispatchers, is there anyplace that lists a company's dispatcher/trucker ratio?