Managing people, resources, and time requires meticulous attention to detail to avoid miscommunication and ill-rendered services. Having the right tools will help dispatchers coordinate timely deliveries so truck drivers stay oncourse.

4 Key aspects of dispatch management

Dispatchers should be empowered to perform their role, which impacts the management of fleets and the oversight of the delivery process. Failure to do so can impact the following::

1.     Assigning drivers: Dispatchers assign drivers to various delivery destinations based on availability and proximity to pickup points. 

2.     Route planning: Dispatchers plan the best routes considering traffic, distance, time, and delivery timeframes.

3.     Constant communication: They communicate clearly with drivers, providing regular updates and alternative routes when issues arise.

4.     Performance monitoring: Dispatchers track drivers' fuel usage and delivery times to compare them to the original estimates, ensuring operational efficiency. 

4 Dispatch management practices for trucking companies and owner-operators

How you manage dispatching can depend on several factors. Trucking companies and owner-operators need an efficient dispatch management system to ensure smooth deliveries. 

You can improve your dispatching process by:

1.     Using route optimization software: Dispatchers optimize driving routes to reduce fuel consumption and driving time. They can select from options like preferred routes, stops, templates, and items to avoid. The software can help avoid things like tolls, unpaved roads, tunnels, highways, border crossings, ferries, and U-turns. They can enter a route summary, providing detailed information about the distance, time saved driving, and total fuel costs saved.

2.     Tracking in real time: MileMaker's route optimization software allows for live vehicle tracking. This can improve communication, as dispatchers can inform drivers about reroutes based on traffic changes or schedule adjustments. In turn, this allows dispatchers to update owners and customers about changes to delivery time frames.

3.     Optimizing system integration: Trucking companies and owner-operators can integrate the software with their Traffic Management System (TMS) and other operating systems to maximize efficiency and improve service delivery.

4.     Analyzing reports: Performance metrics reports provide information about driver and vehicular performance, fuel efficiency, and more. By identifying these trends, dispatchers can better allocate resources and optimize routes. 

Use our route optimization software to improve your dispatching process

When you need to know how to empower your dispatchers, MileMaker is the solution. Improve your dispatching process with route optimization software for increased efficiency. 

Request a software demo to see how it works today.

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