Tips and tricks for efficiently managing a fleet dispatch

Tips and tricks for efficiently managing a fleet dispatch

Whether drivers or technicians in the field are already dispatching fleets. Drivers in the field follow the lead of the dispatcher and when done right, fleet dispatching can increase your revenue and allow you to scale operations with ease. The more vehicles and drivers a company has, the more difficult it becomes to execute deliveries or service appointments on time.

That's why you need to make sure your fleet dispatcher or fleet manager is fully equipped and prepared. They will be acting on behalf of the small business owner who is performing the service. You will be hiring someone to do work for you. There are proven strategies that can be used to keep operations running smoothly.

With this article, you will learn the basic principles of fleet management. You can use this information to benefit your drivers and dispatchers, even if they are very experienced. You will also learn why ToolRides can be the best friend any fleet dispatcher could have.

Learn about fleet dispatch and fleet managers

We refer to fleet dispatch as the act of organizing and directing drivers as well as vehicles to carry out tasks. This is used to manage deliveries, pickups, and field service teams for businesses of all sizes.

Fleet dispatchers are the point person for all of your drivers or technicians in the field. They oversee operations, make sure things are running on time, and proactively resolve issues. Fleet dispatchers have many responsibilities, which can be broken down into two main categories: managing logistics and managing people.

What is logistics management?

Logistics management oversees supply chains, workflows, and the progression of tasks to achieve a logistics service goal . Dispatchers coordinate the movement of vehicles, equipment, people, and other assets through various workflows to fulfill service orders or requests.

Depending on the type of fleet being managed, a dispatcher may be required to schedule deliveries, collect service appointments, and find qualified route drivers to help ensure drivers follow state and federal guidelines on driving hours.

Logistics management also manages and approves certain expenses. He or she also makes changes to work orders, oversees fuel management, and keeps an eye on fleet maintenance. The specific responsibilities of each fleet dispatcher are unique to their industry.

Is there also people management?

The answer is yes, people management oversees workers with the goal of helping them do their jobs effectively. In fact, transportation dispatchers manage drivers or technicians in the field. In order to help those field workers succeed, dispatchers may need to:

 

  • Assist with onboarding new drivers or technicians.

  • Helping field workers solve challenges as they arise.

  • Notify leaders when drivers or technicians are experiencing ongoing issues or not following guidelines.

  • Update customers when a driver is late and assist with customer service.

Dispatchers must be able to build trust with their team and especially with customers. Dispatchers may share people management responsibilities with other employees. Some companies have large operations teams of several fleet dispatchers who share supervisory responsibilities with driver or technician managers.

Expert advice as fleet dispatchers

logistics services business , you may be concerned about questions such as: what are the characteristics of a good dispatcher? And who better than an experienced driver to answer this?

According to fleet dispatch professionals, a good driver must have the following characteristics:

Act with empathy and understanding towards customers and colleagues 

Fleet dispatchers are the point people for drivers and technicians, who often spend long days alone in the field. They are important because they often put themselves in the shoes of their drivers and technicians, especially when helping them through a stressful situation. A fleet dispatcher must keep empathy and understanding at the forefront of every interaction.

Communicates clearly and provides effective follow-up

It's better to communicate than to miss an update. As a dispatcher, you need to be proactive in checking in on your team and getting status updates. It's the dispatcher's responsibility to ensure they have the most up-to-date information. You can keep operations running smoothly, as well as increase customer satisfaction and boost revenue by proactively communicating with your team.

A good dispatcher knows the basics

A dispatcher cannot dispatch effectively if he or she does not know the nature of his or her field workers' jobs. He or she also needs to know what equipment is required and whether a technician needs a particular set of skills. It should be noted that a dispatcher does not necessarily have to be a driver or technician before becoming a dispatcher, but it certainly helps.

Efficiently adapts to technology

All dispatchers have been stressed in recent times, which is of great importance in handling technology on the job. From hardware to software, every dispatcher uses modern technology to streamline their process, and for good reason. As landlines gave way to cell phones and pagers were replaced by text messaging, companies that did not upgrade were crushed by competitors who were early adopters of technological advancements.

Optimize fleet dispatching with ToolRides

Many of the tips shared above can be implemented quickly and easily with the help of software you build with ToolRides. From route optimization to a planner, you'll be able to make a tool that's packed with advanced features that help fleet dispatchers optimize routes, plan routes, calculate the most efficient routes, and much more.

Technology is powered by people for the real world. That is, it will help fleet dispatchers connect with workers and manage assets in the field. It is technology powered by people for the real world of logistics. It is time for your business' fleet dispatch to shine brighter than ever.

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