Dispatcher

What does a dispatcher do?

In a trucking company, a transport business, or a shipper’s fleet, a dispatcher is responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring transports. They ensure that the available loading capacities are used as efficiently as possible, avoid empty runs, and make sure that goods are delivered to the right place at the right time.

To perform these tasks, a dispatcher needs strong organizational skills and excellent communication abilities. They should also be familiar with logistics and transport software and possess solid knowledge of traffic regulations and driver working time laws. Last but not least, dispatchers must be resilient and able to work well under pressure.

Typical tasks of a dispatcher:

• Receiving, recording, and assigning transport orders to suitable routes

• Assigning drivers to the appropriate trucks

• Creating optimized routes with minimal empty mileage

• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with delivery deadlines and legal requirements

• Observing driving and rest time regulations

• Communicating with drivers and clients

• Responding to changing customer requirements and unforeseen events such as breakdowns or traffic jams

• Notifying recipients of upcoming deliveries