In the beginning, it may seem kind of easy to be a truck dispatch driver. But, being a professional driver is more than a driver’s license for trucks. The job requires some extra skills that will help you finish every delivery. Also, the trucking dispatch industry represents a very important part of American commerce. It is your duty as a driver to deliver all the goods safely across the country.
So, what are some mandatory skills for a professional driver?
- Commercial Vehicle Driving – You can’t become a truck dispatch driver without a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. Depending on the type of truck you’ll drive, there are different types of CDL. For example, if you want to work on a flatbed or tractor-trailer, you’ll need a Class A CDL. Also, a class B CDL allows you to drive straight, box, or dump trucks.
- Safe Driving – The trucks are larger vehicles, so the driver needs to drive carefully and follow the road rules. Also, they drive long distances and that can become very exhausting. But, the most important thing as a driver is a clean driving record.
- Recordkeeping – You need to take care of some administrative stuff, even though you are the driver. Every company has some recordkeeping requirements. Also, you are the only one that can keep those logs and records. So, you have another big responsibility in the proper functioning of the company.
Besides those skills, you’ll take care of things, such as the loading and unloading of the freight and vehicle inspection and maintenance.
Truck dispatch driver – How to choose a company to work for?
If you are at the beginning of your career, finding the right company to work for is a difficult job. Your lack of experience in the field also doesn’t help you in the process. So, what are some essential criteria for choosing what’s best for you?
- Reputation – It says a lot about the company and it can determine the final decision. One thing is to say and one thing is to do. This applies to every field. The leader can promise you a high payment and premium work conditions, but the reality can be different. So, that’s why you need to get information about the company and its reputation. Like that, you’ll know who you can trust.
- Home time – Working as a truck dispatch driver comes with some disadvantages, home time being included. It is very difficult to keep in touch with your family when you are working far from home. So, you need the assurance that you’ll have enough free time to stay with your family and friends.
- Payment – You’ll make some sacrifices working in the field, so you’ll want the right payment. Besides the amount, it is important to be paid on time. To be sure you get your money faster, you can ask for factoring services for truck dispatch drivers. In this way, you can accelerate your company’s cash flow.
It’s important to follow all the criteria when choosing a company to work for. Also, you need to discover if you’re right for the job. Your workplace should bring you satisfaction and happiness, no matter the field.
