Everything you see on the store shelves was delivered there by truck. This expression from the slang of truckers is very true. Trucks are now bringing everything you can imagine. From food and building materials to gasoline and rocket launchers. Logistics and cargo transportation is the most essential part of the economy of the USA and the whole world, in which many specialists are involved. Truckers, owners-operators, logisticians, and truck dispatching services work there, as in this company.
The latter specialists connect the most critical links in the delivery chain — customers and performers. Dispatchers help truckers deliver cargo on time and to the right place, help owner-operators find orders, and arrange transportation for customers. In this article, we will tell you more about their duties and the services of dispatching services.
What do truck dispatchers do?
Dispatchers are one of the most essential employees in transport companies who ensure the timely delivery of goods and a constant influx of customers. Truckers deliver goods, but we also need specialists who will plan the route and engage in other communication activities. The list of their duties includes the following cases:
- Cargo search using loading boards
Dispatch services use several techniques to find profitable cargo. For example, they use grouse boards, their contacts in this field, and recommend your services to different clients.
2. Fleet management, trucker schedules, and truck availability
Transport companies are not sleeping, they work 24/7. In order for the entire system of work to work smoothly and efficiently, dispatchers take care of reducing downtime. Thanks to their work, the transport company can minimize the waiting time for a trucker for new cargo and maximize profits.
3. Route planning taking into account weather and road conditions, laws of different states, and traffic rules
It is vital to make an optimal route that will allow you to reach your destination in the shortest possible time
4. Processing of documents and invoices
Bureaucratic worries can take a lot of time and effort from owner-operators. This can be done by the dispatch service with expertise in drawing up invoices and reports on all routes.
5. Communication with potential and existing customers
It is essential for dispatchers to have communication skills in order to negotiate the most favorable working conditions.
6. Solving problems that may arise with a trucker, truck, or cargo on the road
Unforeseen situations constantly occur on the road, which delays the delivery time. And time is money. Therefore, dispatching services promptly help truckers to get out of difficult situations, create new routes, or negotiate with customers about a delay.
The task of the dispatching service is to help transport companies and owner-operators find new customers and comply with legal and safety requirements. These specialists negotiate with brokers and clients on behalf of the transport company. Often they work for a percentage of the completed order. That is, it is in their interests to find the most profitable and profitable cargo for you in order to get a good income from the percentage.
Is it worth using the services of dispatchers?
Owners-operators often need help with this problem. It is clear that it is pretty realistic to do this amount of work yourself. And it’s a good idea only if you have no other worries. Often owners-operators also work as truckers in their company. Imagine that you need to communicate with customers, search for cargo, fill out documents, make a route and drive a truck. This is a considerable number of responsibilities that are very difficult for one person to perform. But even if you don’t work as a trucker, you definitely have other concerns. For example, taxes and the financial part of the work. Or the development of your company, drawing up strategic plans.
In order to focus on the more significant parts of the owner-operator’s work, we advise you to use the help of the dispatch service. You don’t have to take the complete package of services. You can start by delegating cargo search and route planning.
Yes, the cost of dispatching services can be very confusing. Therefore, we recommend calculating how much you can allocate budget for the services of specialists. However, remember that dispatchers will find you profitable cargo and ensure a constant flow of customers. This means that the financial part of the business will improve significantly. But first, of course, it is better to rely on the current situation.
Remember that the main advantage of hiring dispatch services is saving time. If you feel that you do not have enough of it and you could use it more productively, it makes sense to think about the services of dispatchers. They will help you achieve new heights in your activities, leaving you plenty of time for your own duties and professional affairs. Let the dispatchers do their job while you develop your business.