To become a successful freight dispatcher, you have to first understand the entire sphere of responsibilities that the job comprises.
What Traits Does A Successful Freight Dispatcher Need To Have?
A freight or truck dispatcher needs to have interpersonal and social skills (to communicate with drivers, customers, and any other middlemen to make sure the cargo is transported safely and at the right time), quick thinking, and managing abilities (to be able to manage multiple shipments in a day), tech-savviness (to be able to use GPS tracking to locate the cargo), and proficiency in keeping himself up to date about current events (such as any road blockages or weather problems that might cause a hindrance in the transportation process).
They are required to keep a record of all transportation and delivery details and costs.
So, how does one acquire all these traits and acquaint themselves with the path to becoming a successful dispatcher? Well, here are some tips to help
1. Network And Cultivate Relationships As A Freight Dispatcher
Get well acquainted with your drivers, the sales and marketing departments, the estimating team and establish your presence as a freight dispatcher. When you build up your contact list, it can be pretty convenient to call on them in your time of need or have people you know you can rely on for reliable information. For a freight dispatcher, these contacts can make all the difference in the world. Be respectful and kind to your drivers and treat them nicely. You will need their support for a successful job.
2. Communicate Reasonable Expectations And Keep Things Clear On All Ends
One thing you don’t want is any miscommunication ruining the course of getting the job done. You have to make sure to be very clear and honest with both customers and your drivers. Know which jobs you should take and which ones you should avoid by being aware of your abilities and capacity to do work. Don’t bite off more than what’s possible for you to chew. Let your drivers know when to transport cargo. Be consistent with how you treat everyone and keep things simple by using only one line of communication for the job where everyone can contact you.
3. Stay Open To Feedback
Getting feedback can be one of the best ways to know where you are lacking and what you need to improve. Keep an open mind and don’t take offense to criticism. Instead, use it to enhance your services further and do better in the future. Make use of the feedback and implement more robust strategies until you start getting more positive feedback.
4. Stay Confident
Keep yourself updated and do your job with confidence. Know the market trends, and don’t be afraid to negotiate accordingly. Have trust in your abilities because your faith in yourself will affect your performance in the field. Know your value and stick to it. Don’t hesitate to walk away from jobs that do not value you or your work.
5. Be Organized And Plan Ahead
In this business, being organized will be a significant game-changer. Because the workload can often be a lot, it can be very stressful when you get put on the spot and have a big load of work compiled together due to a lack of planning. You can save yourself plenty of time and stress in the future by taking 5 to 10 minutes to look over your work for the next day. Freight dispatchers have to keep track of multiple things at once, so having a detailed list or plan for things you need to do is an essential tool to have to stay on top of things and not drown in work—the little details matter.
Also Read: Advantages of Being a Reefer Truck Driver