On any given day, there are people and companies wanting things shipped, truckers wanting to haul them, and warehouses wanting to handle them. Dispatchers are responsible for making all of this come together. Many dispatchers work for large companies, handling in-house fleets of vehicles and drivers. Others are freelancers, directing traffic from customers or freight brokers to independent truckers. Regardless of the work environment, dispatchers must be skilled multi-taskers with an eye for detail.
Many transportation dispatchers are promoted from within. They'll begin with an employer as a trucker or warehouse laborer, but demonstrate the aptitude and organizational skills to take on dispatching responsibilities. Others may have had related experience, perhaps dispatching taxicabs, couriers or service vehicles for a public utility. In some cases, aspiring dispatchers seek out educational opportunities to improve their skills or employability.
There is no standard form of education or certification required for dispatchers. It is even possible to work as a dispatcher without a high school diploma, though given the complexity of the work, many companies do prefer high school graduates. It also helps to have computer skills, because computerized dispatching systems are widely used. This is especially the case in larger operations. As transportation companies become more technologically sophisticated, it is quite possible that some type of formal training or certification may be developed.
Training for dispatchers is currently not standardized or necessary, but some private companies have begun offering instruction. Transport Training International, of Rockwell, TX, offers a variety of self-study training manuals for freight brokers and dispatchers. Web-based business Coverloads.com offers specialized training for entrepreneurs who wish to operate as freelance dispatchers, usually from home.