What is a dispatcher?

A dispatcher is the individual in charge of organizing and supervising truck drivers and other passengers within the freight transportation industry. They mainly work for transportation companies, such as agribusinesses, schools, and other intercity services.

What does a dispatcher do?

Despite having fixed hours, a dispatcher has lots of different tasks:

• Organizing time tables

• Managing work schedules 

• Monitoring transport routes

• Solving a range of problems

• Planning pick-ups

• Contacting clients

• Dispatching drivers

• Updating logs

While the dispatcher provides its own business’ employees with all the necessary documents and information for them to be able to do their jobs effectively, they also ensure that all business partners receive a high-quality service.

What skills and qualities does a dispatcher need to have?

To perform well as a dispatcher, there are certain skills and qualities that you need to exhibit. These include:

• Excellent communication

• Interact well with clients

• IT knowledge

• Organization

• Analytical skills

• Initiative to solve problems

• Autonomy and English language skills

What training do I need to be a dispatcher?

Since it is a cross-functional job, you need to have a variety of skills to be a dispatcher. This is why there’s no one specific route to becoming one.

You can apply to be a dispatcher with an Attestation of College Studies (ACS) in Transportation Logistics or Supply Chain Management.

Despite there not being one clear pathway to becoming a dispatcher, you must be fluent in English and have a thorough knowledge of all the roads within the geographical area that you want to work.

What is the salary of a dispatcher?

A dispatcher’s average salary depends on the sector they work within, whether it’s a public or private.

In the public sector, the pay scales are fairly fixed and the salary is around $20 per hour on a 35-hour week basis. This base salary can change depending on the municipality and the size of the department. For example, it could be as high as $29 an hour at Hydro-Québec or the STM. 

In the private sector, on the other hand, the salary can vary from $12 an hour in small companies to $18 an hour in large companies, based on a 40-hour week. 

Find a dispatcher job with Fed Supply

The dispatcher plays a key organizational role in the transportation of goods throughout Quebec. They are at the centre of all the management and planning and ensure that all stakeholders are satisfied with the transportation service. Always on hand and efficient, they manage the company’s entire network like an orchestra conductor. 

Contact our agency if you would like to find a dispatcher job at your favourite company. Our team of experts will be happy to talk through your ambitions and help you land the job of your dreams. If you have a spare moment, don’t hesitate to consult our list of transport and logistics job offers.