Overview
Dispatchers play an important role in coordinating product shipments and transfers. Their duties combine some aspects of logistics and customer service.
What responsibilities will I have?
- Accept calls from sales staff, customers, and other locations for order of materials
- Take, process, and prepare orders for pickup or delivery
- Coordinate product transfers between locations
- Contact trucking companies to coordinate shipments
- Instruct drivers on load requirements
- Complete orders accurately and in a timely manner
- Operate truck scales
- Complete weight tags, bills of lading, and hazardous material shipping papers
- Take product-order inquiries via phone and email
- Communicate directions and instructions (verbally and in writing) to customers, truck drivers and the public
- Keep track of inventory of products stored in warehouses and in bulk storage
- Calculate total quantities of product by weight and / or volumetric measurements
- Perform customer service duties as needed by responding to calls and visitors in a professional manner
- Provide backup and assistance to other dispatchers and / or receptionist – answer phones during busy seasons
- Tracks and reports all shipments to security regarding authorizations on to property after hours
What education and training is required?
At minimum a high school diploma is required but an associate’s degree in agriculture business or general business may increase your employability.
To pursue a career as a dispatcher:
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, mathematics and computer courses.
Where can I work?
Dispatchers can work for agricultural retailers, cooperatives, animal production companies, feed mills, logistics companies and other types of businesses where product is transported.
Future Job Market / Outlook
The future outlook for a dispatcher will be good over the next five years.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations
- American Trucking Association
- Agricultural Retailers Association
