Before we go much further, it’s essential to understand what a load board is.
Often either digital matching systems or online marketplaces, load boards are designed to help shippers and freight brokers find carriers for their loads while also helping carriers to find additional loads to keep their trucks full and maximize their earnings. The most familiar load boards used in the market are the DAT and Truckstop load boards. Some big brokers also have their own load boards for Uber.
The Skills A Truck Dispatcher Must Have
Finding success as a truck dispatcher means developing and improving a combination of soft and hard skills, including proficiencies related to interpersonal communication, technical skills, and attention to detail, among others.
Here we’ll expand on a few key skills to demonstrate how they come into play during the day-to-day as a truck dispatcher and how they can be improved upon over time.
People skills
Though called people skills, these interpersonal skills include developing your ability to communicate, empathize, and work within a team. Given a good portion of each day is spent negotiating with suppliers and keeping in touch with truck drivers, being able to lead with positivity is critical.
There are many ways to improve these skills, including learning how to listen better, respecting cultural differences, and sharing appreciation.
Technical skills
When not on the phone negotiating or providing updates, truck dispatchers are using their computers and cell phones to perform their jobs. This includes using mapping and scheduling software and applications to create efficient, cost-effective routes for drivers. Mastering the regular use of applications to help with organization and cost management, as well as maintaining records for pickups, deliveries, and in-transit cargo, is essential to job performance.
Improving technical skills and computer skills for truck dispatchers can include finding online courses for specific software or applications, speaking with experienced truck dispatchers about their techniques, and reading books on best practices.
