The Truth About Dispatching Every Trucker Should Know

Though truck drivers don’t have a team of coworkers or a manager looking over their shoulder, they do communicate with dispatchers on a regular basis. Understanding the role of a dispatcher will help truckers develop great relationships with these individuals and ensure job satisfaction. Here are a few things every trucker should know about dispatchers.

1. Dispatchers don’t have an easy job.

Dispatchers have to keep track of multiple moving parts: trucker availability, incoming shipment orders, and unexpected delays, to name a few. Impatient customers, bad weather, and scheduling conflicts can make it difficult for dispatchers to manage 30 to 50 drivers in one day. 

Fortunately, many trucking companies are using dispatch software to manage logistics, ease the daily load for dispatchers, and reduce the margin of error.

2. Dispatchers have limited authority.

Dispatchers don’t necessarily get to choose who gets a particular load or gains access to special privileges. Truckers should understand that dispatchers have to consider multiple factors when deciding which load to assign to a trucker.

3. Dispatchers impact truckers’ job satisfaction.

Dispatchers and truckers have the same goal: deliver freight to the right place on time. Dispatchers rely on truckers to meet delivery deadlines and truckers rely on dispatchers for accurate trip information. The happiness and success of truckers is closely tied to their relationship with the dispatcher.

4. Dispatchers rely heavily on communication.

Most communication between a trucker and their employer goes through the dispatcher. So when communication breaks down, truckers can feel unheard and dispatchers may feel disrespected.

In difficult situations, carefully plan your words and remain professional. Kindness and respect will go a long way.

5. Dispatchers want a good relationship with truckers.

To build a good relationship with dispatchers, truckers should take advantage of the following tips:

1. Keep dispatch up to date on their schedule and any potential problems (such as feeling ill, bad weather conditions, or mechanical issues with the truck).
2. Speak in a professional manner.
3. Ensure they’ve received all the necessary information before heading out.
4. Trust the dispatcher to solve a scheduling conflict (rather than taking matters into their own hands).
5. Thank the dispatcher!