What a dispatcher does
Dispatchers plan and assign loads, routes and stops for drivers, track shipments throughout the day and keep customers informed when plans change. They balance driver availability, hours-of-service limits, equipment, appointments and rush orders, often with several phones, emails and screens going at once. In trucking firms they may also book loads and handle rate confirmations, while in service and delivery companies they coordinate technicians or drivers across the city. Good dispatch keeps costs down and customers loyal.
A strong dispatcher combines quick problem solving with clear, respectful communication, because drivers and customers both feel the impact of every decision. Finch screens for dispatch experience in your type of operation, familiarity with transportation management systems and an understanding of driver compliance rules. We ask candidates how they handled breakdowns, late loads and difficult calls. You receive a shortlist of qualified dispatchers who can take control of your board quickly.
Typical responsibilities
- Plan and assign loads, routes and appointments to drivers
- Track drivers and shipments and respond to delays or breakdowns
- Monitor driver hours and schedule work within compliance rules
- Communicate updates to customers, shippers and receivers
- Enter orders and maintain records in the dispatch or transportation management system
- Coordinate with warehouse, sales and maintenance teams
Qualifications and credentials
- No licence is required; employers usually look for dispatch or logistics coordination experience
- Familiarity with transportation management systems, GPS tracking and electronic logs
- Working knowledge of hours-of-service rules and carrier safety requirements
- Strong communication, multitasking and problem-solving skills
- A logistics or supply chain diploma is an asset; some dispatchers come from a driving background
Who hires a dispatcher
- Trucking and freight carriers
- Local delivery and distribution companies
- Construction, waste and equipment rental firms
- Field service companies with mobile technicians
Where we recruit dispatcher candidates
We fill dispatcher roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Type of dispatch experience: long-haul, local, intermodal or service
- Systems and tools used, including TMS and tracking platforms
- Understanding of hours-of-service and driver compliance
- Communication style under pressure, tested through scenario questions
- References from operations managers
Interview questions to ask
- A driver breaks down halfway to the customer with a time-sensitive load. What do you do first?
- How do you decide which driver gets which load when several are available?
- Tell me about a disagreement with a driver and how you resolved it.