The logistics industry offers a range of flexible roles that give you the option to work from home, build your book of business, and raise your salary.
As an independent truck dispatcher, you’d be responsible for coordinating and dispatching trucks to meet freight transportation needs.
If you’re interested in having the freedom to work on your terms, keep reading to learn about a typical day as an independent truck dispatcher, the licensing requirements, education, and skills you’ll need to get started, and the salary you can expect to make.
Let’s dive right in!
What does an independent truck dispatcher do?
Working as an independent truck dispatcher offers a varied and fast-paced role within the logistics industry. Truck dispatchers are responsible for coordinating freight journeys by working to match loads to carriers and drivers.
The responsibilities of an independent truck dispatcher
What does a typical day as an independent truck dispatcher look like? We’re glad you asked! While each day may vary, you’ll likely find yourself completing tasks such as:
- Locating loads that need transporting and assigning vehicles and drivers
- Negotiating rates with brokers and carriers
- Choosing freight routes and optimizing these for time and cost
- Recording load information relating to scheduling, destination, and product/s
- Obtaining transportation licenses and permits (when necessary_
- Managing driver schedules and reallocating loads as needed
- Maintaining accurate records and generating invoices for clients
The benefits of working as an independent truck dispatcher: salary, working environment, and more
Independent truck dispatcher salary
As an independent truck dispatcher working in the US, you can expect to make – depending on your location – an average annual base salary of $51,803.
In addition to where you’re located, factors such as your qualifications, years of experience in the industry, and whether you work in tandem with a carrier can all affect your final salary.
Plus, by working independently, you’ll be able to take on more or less work depending on your availability – giving you the chance to boost your salary.
Benefits of working as an independent truck dispatcher
- It’s accessible: You don’t need a college degree or extensive training to become an independent truck dispatcher
- It’s flexible: You can work from home, choose your hours, and fit your work around other commitments
- It’s multidisciplinary: The logistics industry offers various fast-paced careers, and working as an independent truck dispatcher is no exception!
What do I need to work as an independent truck dispatcher?
If you’re ready to start working as an independent truck dispatcher, you’ll need to meet a couple of requirements to get started. This section will detail what you need regarding education, skills, and setup.
What education do I need to become an independent truck dispatcher?
To become an independent truck dispatcher in the US, the minimum education requirement is to complete your high school education or gain your GED. At this level, business, English, or math classes can be good choices.
While not necessary, an associate’s degree will often be viewed positively in the industry and may help you to advance your career prospects. If you follow this route, taking classes in transportation, logistics, computing, statistics, or accounting can be useful.
What skills do I need to become an independent truck dispatcher?
To succeed as an independent truck dispatcher, it’ll be useful to be able to demonstrate some (if not all!) of the following skills and qualities:
- Computer literacy (for navigating dispatch software, keeping customer records, and generating invoices)
- Customer service experience (for negotiating with brokers, handling customer requests, and working with drivers)
- Problem-solving abilities (major road closures? You’ll be able to think systematically to optimally reroute deliveries)
- Highly organized (for managing multiple trucks, drivers, and orders simultaneously and knowing what needs to be done when)
- Detail-oriented work style (to maintain accurate records, logs, and accounts)
If you don’t have these capabilities under your belt already – don’t despair!
Partnering with an independent logistics agent such as Jansson can be a simple way to gain the training and skills you need to succeed as an independent truck dispatcher.
What set-up do I need to become an independent truck dispatcher?
As an independent truck dispatcher, you’ll need to be set up in two ways: legally (in terms of how you operate as a business) and physically (the space you work in and the equipment you need to operate).
We’ll explore these two requirements here.
Legal requirements
- License: depending on your state, you may need to apply for a US Truck Dispatcher License. Truck dispatcher training may be required to gain your dispatcher license.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN): The EIN can be obtained from the IRS and is a requirement for all US businesses.
Physical requirements
- Location: You can work as an independent truck dispatcher from pretty much anywhere, but a quiet workspace or small office can go a long way to helping you do so comfortably.
- Equipment: To get you started, you’ll need a minimum of a computer and internet access, dispatching and bookkeeping software packages, and landline or mobile phone.
Ready to kickstart your independent truck dispatcher career today?
If you’re looking for a flexible career with great salary opportunities, working as an independent truck dispatcher could be an excellent choice!
At Jansson, we understand that building your own business from scratch can feel overwhelming. As an independent agent of the logistics giant Landstar, we’re here to provide you with the tools and training you need to succeed as an independent truck dispatcher.
With access to an extensive network of carriers across North America, you’ll never be short of a truck or two!
To find out more about how Jansson can help you kickstart your independent truck dispatcher career, reach out today!
