The trucking industry is one of the most popular industries in the United States. In 2019, there were over 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States. That number is expected to grow to over 4 million by 2029.
With that said, the trucking industry is also one of the most demanding industries. Truck drivers are required to comply with strict regulations and have tight schedules. This is where truck dispatchers come in.
With everything that happened during the Covid-19 pandemic, most jobs are now remote, allowing you to work from home, and truck dispatching is one of them. Understandably, you might be interested in becoming a truck dispatcher. And if you are, then you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about working from home as a truck dispatcher.
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What roles will you be involved in as a home truck dispatcher?
As a home truck dispatcher, you will be assigned some roles and responsibilities like any other dispatcher. And these roles might differ from company to company. But for the most part, they will be similar. The roles and responsibilities of a truck dispatcher are as follows:
Finding loads/freight and negotiating rates with brokers: One of the main roles of a truck dispatcher is to find loads or freight for their drivers. And they do this by working with brokers. A broker finds loads for trucking companies and then contracts them out to those trucking companies. And the broker will take a cut of the profits. As a truck dispatcher, it will be your job to find loads for your drivers and then negotiate rates with the brokers.
Arranging package pickups and deliveries: Another role of a truck dispatcher is to arrange pickups and deliveries for their drivers. This includes getting all the necessary information from the customer, such as pick-up and delivery addresses, contact information, etc.
Once you have all of the information, you will need to plan the route for your driver and ensure they have everything they need for the pickup and delivery.
Picking out the best routes for drivers: As a truck dispatcher, it will also be your job to pick out the best routes for your drivers. This includes finding routes that are safe, efficient, and compliant with regulations. You will need to consider several factors when choosing a route for your driver, such as traffic, weather, construction, etc.
Tracking driver location and hours: Another important role of a truck dispatcher is to track the location of their drivers and their hours. This is important for several reasons, such as making sure that drivers are on schedule, making sure that they are taking breaks, and making sure that they are not speeding. There are ways to track a driver’s location and hours, such as using GPS tracking devices or mobile apps.
Communicating with drivers: As a truck dispatcher, it will also be your job to communicate with your drivers. This includes sending them updates on their load, changes in the route, etc. You must have clear and concise communication with your drivers so that there is no confusion.
What You Will Need to Work from Home as a Truck Dispatcher
To work from home as a truck dispatcher, there are a few things that you will need. Below is a list of what you will need:
A dispatcher license: To work as a truck dispatcher, you must have a dispatcher license. The requirements for getting a dispatcher license vary from state to state, but you will need to have a high school diploma or GED in most cases. You may also need to pass a background check and a drug test.
A computer: You need a computer to work as a truck dispatcher. This is because most of the work you will be doing will be done on the computer. And you must have a fast and reliable computer.
A quiet workspace: Another thing that you will need to work from home as a truck dispatcher is a quiet workspace. This is because you will be spending a lot of time on the phone, and you will need to be able to concentrate. If you do not have a quiet workspace, you may want to consider setting up an office in your home.
A landline phone: To work as a truck dispatcher, you need a landline phone. This is because you will be spending a lot of time on the phone, and you will need to be able to hear the person on the other end. You may also consider getting a headset to have your hands free.
A printer: Another thing that you will need to work from home as a truck dispatcher is a printer. You will need to print out loads, manifests, etc. And you must have a fast and reliable printer.
High-speed internet: To work as a truck dispatcher, you need to have high-speed internet. This is because you will be spending a lot of time on the computer, and you will need to be able to connect to the internet quickly and easily.
Where to Find Truck Dispatcher Jobs
There are some places where you can find truck dispatcher jobs. Below is a list of some of the places where you can find truck dispatcher jobs:
Online job boards: One of the best places to look for truck dispatcher jobs is online job boards. Some online job boards specialize in trucking jobs, such as Truckers Report, Indeed, FlexJobs, Trucking Agents.net, and Monster.
Trucking companies: Another great place to look for truck dispatcher jobs is with trucking companies. Many trucking companies have a website where they list open positions. And many trucking companies also use online job boards to list open positions.
Classified ads: Another great place to look for truck dispatcher jobs is your local newspaper’s classified section. Many trucking companies use the classified section of newspapers to list open positions.
How much do truck dispatchers make?
Truck dispatcher salaries vary depending on many factors, such as experience, education, location, and company. But, in general, truck dispatcher salaries range from $30,000 to $70,000 per year and $15 to $30 per hour. Averagely, a truck dispatcher makes $58,472 annually, $4,873 monthly, $1,124 weekly, and $28 hourly.
Conclusion
Working from home as a truck dispatcher is a great way to make a good income. And it is a great way to get started in the trucking industry. If you are interested, this guide has provided you with all the information you need to start. If you want to start your own trucking company, you will need to get the experience you will earn by getting hired by a truck company.