How to hire a fleet manager/dispatch

How to hire a fleet manager/dispatch, step by step

Here's a step-by-step fleet manager/dispatch hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a fleet manager/dispatch job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new fleet manager/dispatch
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The fleet manager/dispatch hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a fleet manager/dispatch to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a fleet manager/dispatch that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of fleet managers/dispatch and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Fleet Manager/Dispatch	Description	Hourly rate
   Fleet Manager/Dispatch		$12-33
   Driver Supervisor	Driver supervisors are professionals who are responsible for supervising all activities that are related to the operation of motor vehicles that transport materials for logistics companies. These supervisors are required to select and orient drivers about their roles and ensure that they are following the guidelines provided by the Department of Transportation (DOT)... Show more	$14-23
   Distribution Coordinator	A distribution coordinator oversees and coordinates the distribution operations of a warehouse, ensuring products get to their destinations in a timely and accurate manner. They typically set guidelines and objectives, perform assessments and inspections, liaise with internal and external parties, and develop strategies to optimize operations... Show more	$13-22

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • DOT
   • Safety Regulations
   • Vehicle Maintenance
   • GPS
   • Owner Operators
   • Driver Payroll
   • CDL
   • Electronic Logs
   • OTR
   • ETA
   • Driver Performance
   • AS/400
   • Load Planning
   • Delivery Schedules

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Dispatch and schedule CDL drivers, file daily log paperwork, manage clientele and bill clients for containers and rental fees.
   • Manage delivery confirmations, travel expenses and mileage ensuring accurate payroll reporting.
   • Coordinate pick up and deliveries via qualcomm computer system and cellular phones with drivers.
   • DOT inspections on their equipment.
   • Plan and dispatch a fleet of OTR drivers.
   • Input updates from drivers and carriers in TMW.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your fleet manager/dispatch job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A fleet manager/dispatch can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, fleet managers/dispatch' average salary in idaho is 45% less than in district of columbia.
   • Seniority. Entry-level fleet managers/dispatch 64% less than senior-level fleet managers/dispatch.
   • Certifications. A fleet manager/dispatch with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a fleet manager/dispatch's salary.

   Average fleet manager/dispatch salary

   $42,408yearly

   $20.39 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level fleet manager/dispatch salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a fleet manager/dispatch job description

   A fleet manager/dispatch job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a fleet manager/dispatch job description:

   Fleet manager/dispatch job description example

   The Fleet Manager is responsible for dispatching loads to our customers.
   
   A Day in the life of a Fleet Dispatcher:
   
   * Promote safety in all actions
   * Control and complete paperwork as required
   * Safely plan driver trips around load/customer expectations and safety guidelines
   * Communicate with drivers regarding company and customer requirements
   * Relay to customer service any issues that need to be relayed to the customer
   * Assisting the drivers in planning routes and building loads
   * Prioritize loads for timely delivery
   * Track and trace all current loads in transit and deliveries
   * Assign loads to drivers in a fair and equitable manner
   * Assisting the drivers with planning for the safe and timely transit of fuel by helping them maintaining legal hours of service/ELD logs throughout their trip to destination
   * Communicate with drivers during check-ins throughout pickup, transit, and delivery
   * Monitor store inventories
   * Put a friendly, professional face forward when dealing with not only the drivers, but customer service and all support staff
   * Communicate with CSC Manager, Asst. CSC Manager, and Customer Service Reps as required
   * Comply with all corporate policies and procedures and all health and safety policies
   
   Additional Responsibilities:
   
   * Carry out other duties assigned by CSC Manager as required
   
   Education & Experience:
   
   * High School Education or equivalent
   * One year experience dispatching or in the customer service area
   
   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
   
   * Excellent verbal and written communication skills
   * Knowledge of DOT regulations, federal and state standards
   * Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
   * Self-starter with detail oriented work habits
   * Able to maintain confidentiality
   * Display professional demeanor
   * Good interpersonal skills; able to work well with wide range of individuals
   * Demonstrate dependability through good attendance and adherence to timelines and schedules
   * Basic computer skills (word & excel)
   * Knowledge of basic company employment policies and procedures
   
   Physical Requirements:
   
   * Sitting for long periods of time, walking, finger dexterity, feeling, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual activity
   * Occasional lifting (up to 20 pounds)
   * Schedule will be 6am-6pm and you will work Monday and Tuesday, be off Wednesday and Thursday, work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, be off Monday and Tuesday, work Wednesday and Thursday, and then be off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find fleet managers/dispatch for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any fleet managers/dispatch they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level fleet managers/dispatch with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your fleet manager/dispatch job on Zippia to find and recruit fleet manager/dispatch candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting fleet managers/dispatch requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new fleet manager/dispatch

   Once you have selected a candidate for the fleet manager/dispatch position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new fleet manager/dispatch. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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