October 30, 2022
Running a fleet involves many moving parts that require a manager's simultaneous action and attention. From checking that all vehicles are in top-notch condition to ensuring that drivers arrive at their destinations, a fleet manager has a lot on their plate.�But a fleet manager can only do so much in overseeing operations. Searching load boards for jobs is tough for a manager who shuffles between managing schedules and delivering cargo to customers.With the help of a freight dispatcher, fleet managers can focus more on ensuring that daily operations are running smoothly. Freight dispatchers help operators find work so their drivers are kept busy and compensated accordingly.�
Freight dispatchers act as negotiators between the carrier and the shipper. Their main goal is to find high-paying freight or customers to keep operations running smoothly.�One common misconception is that a freight dispatcher is the same as a freight broker. Although some tasks may overlap, a freight dispatcher represents a trucking company in finding new customers, while a freight broker offers their services to carriers and shippers.�
Freight dispatchers wear different hats. Their job involves a mix of operations, support, and admin tasks. As dispatchers work behind the scenes, drivers and managers can expect better delegation and organization. Here are some of the things that freight dispatchers do:
Whether running a small fleet or a growing trucking business, you could benefit from having a freight dispatcher in your company. By scouting load boards, freight dispatchers find opportunities to help you grow your trucking business. They find shippers with similar business needs and match them with the carrier's lane and corridor preferences.�Aside from scouting potential vendors, freight dispatchers oversee and optimize fleet operations. Through route planning, freight dispatchers prevent deadheading or operating without a compensable load. A freight dispatcher can turn a fleet into a well-oiled machine by finding high-paying loads and the best routes for drivers.
Managing dozens to hundreds of trucks is not a job for the faint of heart. That is why freight dispatchers need to have the ability to work under pressure and have excellent organizational and management skills.But dispatching trucks and trailers without the help of fleet management software can be tedious. Here's how a freight dispatcher starts their day:
Seems pretty straightforward. However, there's a better way to assign and manage loads without the manual work. With a fleet management system, freight dispatchers can do away with the tedious back-and-forth and monitor all activities in one place.�Fleet management software like Netradyne's telematics solution allows dispatchers to see which trucks must be loaded to reach their destinations on time. This eliminates the need for dispatchers to call each driver and assign a load.�
Dispatchers are the backbone of successful trucking businesses. They know how many trips a driver can complete daily, which enables them to plan drivers' schedules accordingly. With the help of a fleet management system, freight dispatchers can effectively manage fleet activity so drivers will have a constant stream of jobs.�Learn more about how you can optimize your fleet without sacrificing safety.