Todd NesnickBefore proceeding directly to the topic, we suggest understanding what these specialists are doing.
- Dispatchers collaborate with the client to strategize the delivery process in the most efficient manner conceivable.
They utilize their communication abilities and specialized software for this purpose. These experts possess numerous responsibilities, and we will acquaint you with some of the primary ones included in the customary services of a trucking company’s dispatchers.
- Delivery planning
This entails coordinating with the customer the terms and conditions of delivery. This encompasses gathering information about the nature of the cargo and selecting a suitable truck and driver for the order. Being well-informed about the cargo is also crucial to guarantee its utmost safety during transportation.
- Route planning
Once a dispatcher receives instructions from a client, he or she devises the most optimal route for a trucker to follow. Weather conditions, repair work, and traffic regulations may restrict the movement of vehicles on certain roads and sections.
- Record keeping and reporting
The administrative tasks in operating a transportation company occupy most of the dispatcher’s time. Owner-operator dispatch service generates records regarding cargo delivery and dispatch, where they specify the truckers’ routes, delivery schedules, truck maintenance, etc.
- Prompt troubleshooting
Unforeseen circumstances frequently arise on the road, complicating cargo delivery. The trucker maintains constant communication with the dispatcher, who assists in resolving these issues remotely. If remote resolution is not feasible, the specialist contacts the client and discusses new terms and conditions of delivery.
- Communication with truckers
The truck dispatcher must answer all calls from suppliers and drivers and maintain a log of them.
- Seeking communication with potential customers
Transport companies always seek new customers for their services for a flatbed load. Owner-operators are particularly active in this regard. Consequently, independent freight dispatchers actively search for cargo and negotiate with potential customers. They provide information about pricing, contract terms, and collaboration details.
Advantages of working with the freight dispatching business
As you have already understood from the description of their duties below, they take on many vital functions and perform it faster than you could do it yourself. Dispatchers search for cargo faster and have more connections with contractors and brokers. What other advantages are there of working with them?
We will reveal five advantages of truck dispatching services so that you can make the right decision for your business.
- Saving time
Undoubtedly, you bear numerous obligations. You oversee a venture, handle financial matters, recruit personnel, and perhaps even personally navigate a truck to fulfill orders. Do you possess the luxury of time to hunt for shipments, engage with clients, strategize itineraries, handle paperwork, and administer a fleet? This constitutes a substantial portion of the operational workload that truly merits delegation. Doing so will skyrocket your personal and business efficacy, and the customer’s interaction with your enterprise will also be significantly enhanced. Ultimately, they will be greeted by a consummate professional endowed with refined sales and communication acumen rather than a burdened business proprietor plagued by myriad concerns and dilemmas.
- You will focus on more important things
You don’t have to do everything-all the responsibilities in your business. This is one of the reasons why it will be so difficult for you to expand and start earning more. After all, your physical and moral limits cannot be overcome. To become more efficient and focus on reducing costs and increasing profits, you should delegate some of the responsibility to the dispatcher.
- Release of other employees from third-party responsibilities
If you are not the only employee in your transport company, then most likely, your employees are doing everything simultaneously. They can drive a truck, and communicate with customers, calculate expenses, and make invoices. This is not exactly the right business strategy. Nevertheless, employees should be engaged in their duties and not sprayed on everything. The dispatcher will remove third-party responsibilities from other employees.
- There will be less legal responsibility
If you are solely performing the duties of a dispatcher, then there is a high chance of mistakes in your work. For example, in-flight logs or invoices. It is better to hire professionals who will take care of adequately completed documentation to prevent this from happening. And you will be able to sleep peacefully even when the check comes.
- Enhancing operational efficiency
The greater the expertise of the logistics coordinator, the swifter the delivery and the more well-established the procedures become. This aspect holds tremendous significance as adherence to the terms agreed upon with the client is paramount to safeguarding your reputation. The higher your efficacy and accountability as a company, the larger your customer base expands. The truck dispatcher plays a pivotal role in attaining this objective.
Disadvantages of independent dispatch services for owner-operators
Unfortunately, any phenomenon has pros and cons, which should be considered in the choice. Dispatch services have one key drawback – costs. There are several tariffs for which dispatching services work. Someone offers hourly pay, a fixed rate, or a percentage of the order. We recommend choosing dispatchers who work for a percentage. Thus, they will be interested in finding profitable cargo for you. Often the percentage varies from 7-10%. This may seem like a lot of money, but dispatchers also do much work for your business.
The choice is up to you, but we advise you to think about the future and that you will soon feel cramped doing all the work alone. It is better to start expanding now together with the help of a professional LTL disp