No fleet’s operations can be smooth sailing without a good truck dispatching system. Dispatchers are experts who help coordinate fleet movements. They work directly with drivers on a daily basis. Dispatching is such a crucial element of any fleet operation that single-handedly, it can make or break a fleet. Therefore, managing truck dispatching via a fleet management software should be every manager’s major concern.
Technology is gradually supplementing or replacing dispatchers’ jobs. If you’re wondering how to dispatch efficiently, you’ve come to the perfect place. There are several strategies to improve your fleet’s truck dispatching efficiency.
This post will showcase the best truck dispatching tactics.
WHAT IS TRUCK DISPATCHING?
Working as a truck dispatcher may entail long, demanding days. They are in control of all driver interactions while on the job, as well as driver and trip scheduling. This type of communication may include information about traffic challenges, vehicle breakdowns, missed deadlines, or delivery issues.
Truck dispatchers are also responsible for tracking transportation expenses such mileage, fuel consumption, and repairs. Managers and dispatchers also need to carefully track and evaluate shipment and delivery details for their fleet. They plan routes that will ultimately save the driver time and money.
Finally, depending on the size of the organization, they may ensure the accuracy of timesheets, payroll, and other summaries. They can even be in charge of sourcing new drivers or outside trucking companies.
CHALLENGES OF TRUCK DISPATCHING
Truck dispatching operations are an important part of transportation organizations, and failing to have an integrated approach to streamlining the chores has a detrimental influence on the company’s bottom line. Among the issues observed as a result of a lack of truck dispatching software are as follows.
- Strict Delivery Times: Delivery windows have narrowed due to rising demand for same-day delivery. Logistics businesses are basically in a race against time to sort, label, process, and allocate commodities to vehicles for delivery. Small delivery windows are difficult to meet with manual truck dispatching.
- Adequate Route Management: Manual dispatching and route management cannot anticipate unexpected road events. Blocked roadways or bad weather conditions lead to longer journeys, and hence,can cause some problems.
- No Automation: A huge logistics personnel pool, whiteboard planning, and frequent calls between dispatchers and drivers are typical in a manual trucking dispatch setting. Individual cargo and driver allocations are made. Manual operation tracking takes time and is prone to errors.
HOW TO STREAMLINE TRUCK DISPATCHING?
As a fleet manager, here are the five things you can do to make your truck dispatching process better.
Real-Time Tracking
Dispatchers routinely call drivers to notify customers of projected delivery times. This is a time-consuming and irritating process for drivers. Dispatchers can rapidly get accurate location data and estimated arrival times using real-time GPS tracking via a digital interface. It enables dispatchers to change loads while also informing drivers in the cab.
Some GPS tracking software, such as TrackoBit, also provides simple ETA alerts for each trip. GPS trackers can help you streamline your operations and boost the efficiency of your fleet.
Define Operations
To be successful, fleet firms must be able to perform a well-defined and efficient work procedure. Processes aid in the clarification of tasks and activities, decreasing confusion and increasing productivity. Provide daily data to track if processes are being applied to increase fleet efficiency.
Dynamic Route Scheduling
Last-minute cancellations can be easily rerouted without disrupting schedules. This reduces latency while maintaining essential SLAs. Furthermore, if a driver or vehicle fails or is involved in an accident, the truck dispatching program quickly transfers the trip to another available driver and vehicle.
Complete Automation
Businesses may free up their employees from administrative planning tasks because the program automates them, saving labor and decreasing costs. The automated method decreases the chance of human error because it requires little human involvement.
GET FLEET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE NOW!
Dispatch monitoring software assists in the execution of a cost-effective route optimization approach that considers location, multiple stops, vehicle and fuel costs. The software system then makes use of GPS tracking and telematics to figure out weather and traffic conditions in the dispatch route. This also helps in making real-time updates and informing the driver of any changes.
For maximum transparency, the software can be used to provide information about the status of the delivery to all relevant stakeholders, including the consumer.
Our fleet management software TrackoBit contains tools for analyzing historical data from all routes, allowing management to investigate and improve their dispatch system.
