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How to dispatch trucks. Advice for beginner


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I’m just beginning my career and learning how to dispatch trucks, with no experience beyond a basic dispatch course. Now that I’m officially a rookie, does anyone have tips or advice on how to dispatch trucks effectively? 😄 

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Rule #1 for how to dispatch trucks successfully: communication is everything. Never lie to brokers, drivers, or anyone involved in the process. Clear and constant updates through text, email, or calls will go a long way.

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Learning how to dispatch trucks is straightforward, mostly requiring common sense and logical thinking. Since you’re with a company, you’ll be able to learn how to dispatch trucks directly on the job without being thrown into complex situations from the start. I learned on the job with no prior courses, and as long as you treat drivers and customers with respect and communicate well, you’ll do great.

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For those learning how to dispatch trucks, it’s valuable to understand the driver’s experience. I usually suggest driving a truck first if possible, to get a real sense of what drivers go through like long waits for loads or driving hundreds of miles in a single day. Knowing this can help you relate better with drivers. Additionally, for anyone who wants to know how to dispatch trucks effectively, understanding trucking budgets is critical. You need to calculate each truck’s cost per mile (CPM) regularly. Knowing this will help you make better load choices prioritizing profitable loads rather than those that might cost the driver more in the long run.

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