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What is a freight dispatcher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
ScoreFreight DispatcherUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,749

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
8.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.91%

Asian 3.85%

Black or African American 10.27%

Hispanic or Latino 17.51%

Unknown 5.06%

White 62.40%

Gender

female 35.08%

male 64.92%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.2

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a freight dispatcher

  1. Explore freight dispatcher education requirements

    Most common freight dispatcher degrees

    Bachelor's

    37.8 %

    High School Diploma

    28.6 %

    Associate

    21.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific freight dispatcher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    DOT34.62%
    Shippers22.44%
    OTR13.36%
    Load Boards10.20%
    Owner Operators10.04%
  3. Complete relevant freight dispatcher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New freight dispatchers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a freight dispatcher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real freight dispatcher resumes.
  4. Research freight dispatcher duties and responsibilities

    • Manage customer service satisfaction by providing update eta and location of drivers.
    • Dispatch drivers from the CSX to other locations within Tennessee.
    • Call carriers on a daily basis to update moves in Pegasus.
    • Perform daily dispatching import and export container trucks, customer service, data input accuracy and maintain office operation.
  5. Prepare your freight dispatcher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your freight dispatcher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a freight dispatcher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable freight dispatcher resume templates

    Build a professional freight dispatcher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your freight dispatcher resume.
    Freight Dispatcher Resume
    Freight Dispatcher Resume
    Freight Dispatcher Resume
    Freight Dispatcher Resume
    Freight Dispatcher Resume
    Freight Dispatcher Resume
    Freight Dispatcher Resume
    Freight Dispatcher Resume
    Freight Dispatcher Resume
  6. Apply for freight dispatcher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a freight dispatcher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first freight dispatcher job

Zippi

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Average freight dispatcher salary

The average freight dispatcher salary in the United States is $42,749 per year or $21 per hour. Freight dispatcher salaries range between $24,000 and $73,000 per year.

Average freight dispatcher salary
$42,749 Yearly
$20.55 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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