What is a truck dispatcher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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Truck dispatchers are responsible for scheduling drivers, making sure that pick-ups and deliveries happen on time. They communicate with customers, keep track of shipment data, arrange routes and logistical matters, check drivers' logs, and hold on to bills and other documents.

You will work for a freight company if you take on this position. You will work in an office environment, primarily communicating over the phone. Your main task will be to arrange schedules for shipments and deliveries. You will create routes for the drivers to follow and be there throughout the day to make necessary adjustments to keep the drivers' work as time and cost-efficient as possible.

Handling dispatch documents is another big part of the job. You will keep records of every logistical detail of deliveries, such as routes, drivers, pick-up times, and many more. Logging complaints is also part of your duties, as well as creating invoices for shipments.

ScoreTruck DispatcherUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $35,756

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
8.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.91%

Asian 3.85%

Black or African American 10.27%

Hispanic or Latino 17.51%

Unknown 5.06%

White 62.40%

Gender

female 42.65%

male 57.35%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
5.2

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.0

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Truck Dispatcher career paths

Key steps to become a truck dispatcher

  1. Explore truck dispatcher education requirements

    Most common truck dispatcher degrees

    High School Diploma

    35.2 %

    Associate

    27.6 %

    Bachelor's

    26.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific truck dispatcher skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Truck Loads23.18%
    Safety Regulations15.04%
    Customer Service12.51%
    Delivery Appointments10.67%
    Owner Operators4.64%
  3. Complete relevant truck dispatcher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New truck dispatchers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a truck dispatcher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real truck dispatcher resumes.
  4. Research truck dispatcher duties and responsibilities

    • Manage customer service satisfaction by providing update eta and location of drivers.
    • Develop and quoted rates to shippers and agents.
    • Handle and resolve problems as they arise with shippers and drivers.
    • Guide truck drivers to donation pick up locations, via computer and GPS location.
  5. Prepare your truck dispatcher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your truck dispatcher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a truck dispatcher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Truck Dispatcher Resume templates

    Build a professional Truck Dispatcher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Truck Dispatcher resume.
    Truck Dispatcher Resume
    Truck Dispatcher Resume
    Truck Dispatcher Resume
    Truck Dispatcher Resume
    Truck Dispatcher Resume
    Truck Dispatcher Resume
    Truck Dispatcher Resume
    Truck Dispatcher Resume
    Truck Dispatcher Resume
  6. Apply for truck dispatcher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a truck dispatcher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Truck Dispatcher Job

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Average truck dispatcher salary

The average Truck Dispatcher salary in the United States is $35,756 per year or $17 per hour. Truck dispatcher salaries range between $24,000 and $52,000 per year.

Average Truck Dispatcher Salary
$35,756 Yearly
$17.19 hourly

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How do truck dispatchers rate their job?

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Truck Dispatcher reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

Working from home makes life much easier to manage.

Cons

Pay is not a liveable wage.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Brief the point of contact between customer and driver

Cons

Micromanagement from those who think they are superior


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

Quick paced, professional environment Troubleshooting. Assisting peers with any issues they might have.

Cons

Micromanagment from superiors.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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