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Dispatcher Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

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A Dispatcher is responsible for answering incoming calls and communicating with mobile units to ensure they receive any important messages. Dispatchers will monitor situations by phone or radio, use mapping software to locate the best routes, and keep track of the locations of mobile units.

What does a Dispatcher do?

A Dispatcher typically works in the transportation industry helping to coordinate and optimize delivery schedules. They will work to resolve any logistical problems that arise such as traffic or other delays. A Dispatcher may also be responsible for updating customer web portals with up-to-date information. Lastly, they must always ensure proper safety procedures are being carried out.

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Dispatcher Job Description Examples:

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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Dispatcher duties and responsibilities

When writing a job description for a Dispatcher, it’s important to specify the main functions of the role. Some important duties and responsibilities generally required to excel as a Dispatcher include:

  • Using Global Positioning Systems to monitor the location of the drivers
  • Communicating with brokers, carriers, and customers
  • Directing and organizing logistics activities that may include obtaining shipping rates or negotiating with service providers
  • Ensuring carrier compliance with company policies and procedures
  • Ensuring prompt receipt and delivery of equipment to and from customers
  • Coordinating deliveries with other work units or departments
  • Dealing with conflict and being able to solve it quickly

Dispatcher skills and qualifications

A successful Dispatcher candidate will have various skills needed to excel on the job. Some examples of the prerequisite skills and qualifications needed by a Dispatcher include:

  • Customer service skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Knowledge of GPS systems and geography
  • Multitasking skills
  • Ability to resolve conflict and solve problems
  • Knowledge of basic computer programs and aptitude to learn new software systems
  • Excellent communication skills

Dispatcher experience requirements

In some cases, prior work experience as a Dispatcher is not necessary. However, if the role does require experience, then two to three years of experience is generally appropriate. A job applicant should also have experience with shift work when applying to a Dispatcher role, as many organizations require work to be performed around-the-clock. Some jobs will require that the job applicant have experience managing multiple projects or customers at one time.

Dispatcher education and training requirements

Job applicants should generally have at least a high school diploma to be considered for a job as a Dispatcher. Additional education or training may not be required because it is provided upon hiring. That said, some may require a candidate to have a bachelor’s degree or four-year college diploma in logistics, supply chain management, or business. Some job applicants may have also obtained additional vocational certification for various skills like communications.

Dispatcher salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Dispatcher is $19.45 per hour. However, this may depend on many factors including experience, location, expected shift, or the company that is hiring.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Dispatcher isn’t quite what you are looking for, other related job descriptions include:

Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
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Dispatcher job description FAQs

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Job Description Examples

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