Training and professional development

There are a lot of truck dispatching training courses and development opportunities that can help you learn, practice and develop your skills. These include options such as the following:

Truck dispatching training courses

There are affordable (less than $100) truck dispatcher training courses available online, from sites like Udemy. You can learn skills like:

Fundamentals on truck dispatching
Common words used in truck dispatching
Optimizing truck loads
Freight routing techniques

Taking a quick course for truck dispatcher training online can help new truck dispatchers get familiar with the work environment and enter the field with some basic knowledge. You can add your education to your resume when applying to truck dispatcher jobs, and potentially stand out among candidates.

Truck dispatch software proficiency

Truck dispatchers, like those who work at Swift Transportation, typically use truck dispatch software to send drivers and vendors route updates and to map transport routes. At Swift Transportation, we use Rubicon VLS and YMS Express for tasks like transportation data management, route planning and tracking, communication and coordination, vehicle inventory, and in-yard processes.

If you’re not familiar with specific truck dispatching software, no worries. If you’re wondering how to become a trucking dispatcher with no experience, you can get on-the-job training to learn.

If you enjoy using technology in general, and you have any familiarity with any truck dispatching tools (including as a truck driver), make sure to note these on a resume and in interviews when applying for jobs. The user experience will be slightly different with each tool, but an understanding of the basic functions can help you succeed in a dispatcher role.

Internships or entry-level positions

If you’re lacking experience but want to step into the truck dispatching field, another option to consider is an internship or an entry-level job to gain experience. In these types of positions, you’ll typically be closely supervised and trained by someone with more experience, so you can learn on the job and increase your responsibilities as you learn.

In your early positions in truck dispatching, look for opportunities to collaborate with drivers and logistics teams, as these are key responsibilities for dispatchers. Also, look into networking opportunities within the industry, both at in-person events and online through organizations like the American Trucking Associations. As you build your skills, experience, and network, you may discover more open opportunities in the locations you’re interested in.

How to Become a Dispatcher for Truck Drivers

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