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