More to the Trucking Industry Than Just Driving: Dispatcher Training

There’s no doubt about it: the trucking industry is a pillar of our economy. According to Transport Canada, this industry, which is said to be responsible for the flow of most goods between the Canada and the U.S., generated an estimated $67 billion of revenues in 2005. Although Statistics Canada has identified “truck driver” as the most frequently cited occupation for Canadian men, it is clearly not the job for everyone: it can mean long hours and lots of time away from home. But there is another way to get involved with this lucrative industry: by taking dispatcher courses at dispatcher school.rnWhat Does a Truck Dispatcher Do?rnDispatchers are communications specialists. They are sometimes described as the nerve centre or command central for trucking companies, because they coordinate the movements of all trucks and freight. They: • match freight with trucks, ensuring that the company’s assets are well used at all times (i.e., that no truck makes a long trip without carrying a load) • map out routesrn • assign drivers to trucksrn • facilitate border crossingsrn • consolidate ordersrn • keep recordsrn • make arrangements for specialized freightrn • optimize fuel usern • ensure that drivers have required certificationsrn • act as a link between the customer and the truckerrn • keep track of truck maintenance schedulesrn • coordinate inspectionsrn • log all communicationsrnDo You Have the Right Personality to Consider Dispatcher Training?rnThinking of taking dispatcher courses, but wondering if you have what it takes? Ideally, dispatchers should: • be sociable peoplern • like using computer toolsrn • be comfortable with staying seated at a station eight hours a day, five days a weekrn • have strong decision-making skillsrn • be able to multi-taskrnTypically, they need a high school diploma. Some dispatcher schools also offer specialized training in dispatching, teaching dispatchers how to use the tools of the trade.rnWhat Kinds of Technological Tools Do Dispatchers Use?rnDispatchers use a variety of tools, including: • Global Position System (GPS) – Satellite systems are used to keep track of trucks and orders in real time. • two-way radiorn • telephonern • computersrn • PC Miler: a mapping software that helps dispatchers plan routesrn • LoadLink: an Internet tool that helps companies manage loadsrn • Freight LogixrnInterested? The Next Step is to Find a Dispatcher SchoolrnIf you like the idea of making sure that a trucking operation is well run, you may want to consider taking dispatcher training. It could make you more attractive to potential employers.rnContact the Automotive Training Centres for more information on their dispatcher training courses.