Making a change into a new career includes adjusting to its different particularities and demands, especially during the beginning of your training period. For students who want to start a career as a dispatcher, there are a few key things to keep in mind as you’re getting into your training.
A dispatcher’s main responsibility is to manage the transportation flow of cargo or freight from one point to another, from a warehouse, for instance, to delivery. They are also meant to keep their fleet from what’s known as empty miles, which waste time, money, and fuel on the road. In order to do their job properly, a dispatcher should know the proper actions and responses to take, as well as what behaviour to avoid. Read on for information on some do’s and don’ts in a dispatcher career.
Don’t Choose Quantity over Quality
While there are many directions your dispatch training can take you, one general rule of thumb is not to choose quantity over quality just because it may save a few expenses. When cutting corners to lower costs becomes more of a rule than a habit, you may want to revisit methods and practices.
Many dispatchers are responsible for the logistics and operations of a transportation fleet, and career options include fleet maintenance, driver management, and load planning. Although the bottom line of all of these is to ensure that your company will make a profit and keep operating costs low, it is important to remember that your decisions involve other workers at your facility, and overwork or under-allotted resources can lead to exhaustion and job dissatisfaction. Being considerate and choosing quality over quantity means that everyone, clients included, can take pride in the final product.
Patience and Safety Are a Priority in Dispatch Training
If the transportation industry moved slowly, everyone would be out of a job. A fast-paced work environment, tight deadlines, and shifting rotary of drivers and trucks can be difficult to manage, but having a good sense of patience and a commitment to a safe workplace can prevent costly mistakes and accidents.
Work as a dispatcher naturally involves close adherence to the rules and regulations that keep drivers and fleets safe both on and off the road. Additionally, when unexpected events happen, being patient and understanding can help maintain important relationships between the dispatcher and driver or facility workers. Potential career paths to follow after your dispatch course include positions as a Safety and Compliance Officer or Loss Prevention Administrator, jobs which prize diligence and safety.
Do Pay Attention to Detail and Organization
Dispatchers are often tasked with maintaining and planning a fleet’s scheduling, which can involve many moving parts and drivers. Although there are useful tools like software management, a human approach is also needed to appropriately address and process the different demands and needs of the facility.
Paying attention to detail can save valuable time, money, and effort. Double check a trip’s mileage before it begins, and prepare for possible obstacles that may come up. Establish an appropriate and safe route for your drivers, and make sure their schedule can handle their next shift or delivery. By keeping yourself and your tasks organized, you can help ensure that your fleet will arrive safely and on-time.
Are you interested in learning more about a dispatching program in Toronto?
Contact your local Automotive Training Centre today for more information.
