Post job

What does a lead dispatch do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a lead dispatch do
On this page

Lead dispatch responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead dispatch resumes:

  • Manage dot hrs for drivers as far as what tasks can be done in a certain amount of time.
  • Maintain scheduling and performance data when there MDT (mobile data terminal) which is there GPS goes down.
  • Monitor mileage through GPS tracking software, maintain records and schedule all necessary fleet repairs base on usage and necessity.
  • Maintain and develop positive business relationships with a customer's key personnel involve in or directly relevant to a logistics activity.
  • Transition into dispatch and begin posting and dispatching emergency and non-emergency transport ambulances.

Lead dispatch skills and personality traits

We calculated that 15% of Lead Dispatches are proficient in Data Entry, Logistics, and Payroll. They’re also known for soft skills such as Ability to multitask, Communication skills, and Empathy.

We break down the percentage of Lead Dispatches that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Data Entry, 15%

    Performed daily data entry to maintain integrity of customer database.

  • Logistics, 12%

    Dispatched delivery drivers to pick-up and drop-off points using basic logistics to insure both customer satisfaction and maximum profits.

  • Payroll, 6%

    Compiled payroll data accurately and completely for accounting to ensure employees are paid fully and accurately.

  • Computer System, 6%

    Maintained accurate customer account data in computer system for bill processing in accordance with services rendered.

  • Non-Emergency Calls, 5%

    Answered emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public and dispatched the appropriate response.

  • Computer Aided Dispatch, 4%

    Answer time sensitive calls and document all pertinent information using Computer Aided Dispatch Software (CAD).

Most lead dispatches use their skills in "data entry," "logistics," and "payroll" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential lead dispatch responsibilities here:

Ability to multitask. One of the key soft skills for a lead dispatch to have is ability to multitask. You can see how this relates to what lead dispatches do because "public safety telecommunicators must stay calm in order to simultaneously answer calls, collect vital information, coordinate responders, monitor multiple displays, and use a variety of equipment." Additionally, a lead dispatch resume shows how lead dispatches use ability to multitask: "communicate with customers via multi-line phone system gathering accurate service information, creating service calls, checking maintenance contracts, etc. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform lead dispatch duties is communication skills. Lead dispatches responsibilities require that "public safety telecommunicators work with law enforcement, emergency response teams, and civilians." Lead dispatches also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "job description: customer service, problem solving/diagnosis, heavy phones, data entry, map reading, radio communications. "

Empathy. lead dispatches are also known for empathy, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to lead dispatch responsibilities, because "public safety telecommunicators must be willing to help a range of callers with varying needs." A lead dispatch resume example shows how empathy is used in the workplace: "implement company policy changes and procedural processes to assure understanding by direct reports. "

Listening skills. lead dispatch responsibilities often require "listening skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "public safety telecommunicators must listen carefully to collect relevant details, even though some callers might have trouble speaking because of anxiety or stress." This resume example shows what lead dispatches do with listening skills on a typical day: "responded to emergency situations and communicated according to established procedures. "

Typing skills. Another crucial skill for a lead dispatch to carry out their responsibilities is "typing skills." A big part of what lead dispatches relies on this skill, since "public safety telecommunicators enter the details of calls into computers; typing speed and accuracy are essential when responding to emergencies." How this skill relates to lead dispatch duties can be seen in an example from a lead dispatch resume snippet: "performed assigned administrative duties such as data entry, typing, copying and filing daily reports. "

Most common lead dispatch skills

Choose from 10+ customizable lead dispatch resume templates

Build a professional lead dispatch resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your lead dispatch resume.
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume
Lead Dispatch Resume

Compare different lead dispatches

Lead dispatch vs. Yardmaster/customer service/crew dispatching

A yardmaster/customer service/crew dispatching officer functions differently depending on their industry or place of employment. Most of their responsibilities revolve around dealing with providing customer support and services, responding to inquiries and correspondence, addressing issues and concerns, providing corrective measures, and producing progress reports. There are also instances when they have to manage schedules, prepare presentations, and maintain accurate records. Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to a company's policies and guidelines, all while maintaining a healthy and productive environment for everyone.

If we compare the average lead dispatch annual salary with that of a yardmaster/customer service/crew dispatching, we find that yardmaster/customer service crew dispatchings typically earn a $8,228 lower salary than lead dispatches make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both lead dispatch and yardmaster/customer service/crew dispatching positions are skilled in data entry, payroll, and computer system.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between lead dispatches and yardmaster/customer service/crew dispatching. For instance, lead dispatch responsibilities require skills such as "logistics," "computer aided dispatch," "cad," and "law enforcement." Whereas a yardmaster/customer service/crew dispatching is skilled in "customer service," "schedule appointments," "credit card," and "dispatch calls." This is part of what separates the two careers.

The education levels that yardmaster/customer service crew dispatchings earn slightly differ from lead dispatches. In particular, yardmaster/customer service crew dispatchings are 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a lead dispatch. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Lead dispatch vs. Dispatcher supervisor

A dispatcher supervisor is responsible for monitoring the delivery details, ensuring that the orders are being sent out to the customers timely and efficiently. Dispatcher supervisors manage the order processing, verify the payment receipt, and inspect the items for any defects before delivery. They also coordinate with the customers on the exact schedule of shipment, responding to their inquiries and concerns, and adjust delivery plans as needed. A dispatcher supervisor evaluates the staff's performance, strategizing procedures on maximizing the team's productivity to meet customer demands and increase company profits.

A career as a dispatcher supervisor brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a lead dispatch. In fact, dispatcher supervisors salary is $1,481 higher than the salary of lead dispatches per year.A few skills overlap for lead dispatches and dispatcher supervisors. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "payroll," "computer system," and "non-emergency calls. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real lead dispatch resumes. While lead dispatch responsibilities can utilize skills like "data entry," "logistics," "hvac," and "provide customer support," dispatcher supervisors use skills like "dot," "dispatch operations," "disciplinary actions," and "service calls."

Dispatcher supervisors earn a higher average salary than lead dispatches. But dispatcher supervisors earn the highest pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $39,918. Additionally, lead dispatches earn the highest salaries in the health care with average pay of $39,908 annually.In general, dispatcher supervisors achieve similar levels of education than lead dispatches. They're 0.6% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Lead dispatch vs. Dispatch coordinator

A dispatch coordinator is primarily in charge of dispatching and tracking vehicles that provide different services. The extent of their duties varies upon their industry or institution of employment. In emergency dispatch centers, they answer calls from the public and coordinate police cars, ambulances, or fire trucks to respond to emergencies, all while staying on the line with the caller. A dispatch coordinator may also work trucking or delivery companies where they are in charge of coordinating shipping details and schedules, managing routes, and monitoring the vehicles.

On average scale, dispatch coordinators bring in lower salaries than lead dispatches. In fact, they earn a $1,155 lower salary per year.lead dispatches and dispatch coordinators both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "data entry," "payroll," and "computer system," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a lead dispatch is likely to be skilled in "logistics," "non-emergency calls," "cad," and "law enforcement," while a typical dispatch coordinator is skilled in "customer service," "excellent time management," "delivery appointments," and "windows."

Dispatch coordinators make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $42,476. On the other hand, lead dispatches are paid the highest salary in the health care industry, with average annual pay of $39,908.When it comes to education, dispatch coordinators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to lead dispatches. In fact, they're 0.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Lead dispatch vs. Dispatch technician

A dispatch technician specializes in providing technical support to clients, particularly when it comes to network services. They primarily gather client information, identify their needs, sort out emergency and non-emergency calls, help clients troubleshoot issues, process requests, coordinating field technician services when necessary, and provide step-by-step instructions to solve problems. They may also call clients to follow-up on their requests and offer additional support, aiming for client satisfaction. Moreover, as a dispatch technician, it is essential to maintain records of all calls and transactions while adhering to guidelines and regulations.

Dispatch technicians average a lower salary than the annual salary of lead dispatches. The difference is about $5,156 per year.While both lead dispatches and dispatch technicians complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like computer system, computer aided dispatch, and cad, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A lead dispatch uses "data entry," "logistics," "payroll," and "non-emergency calls." Dispatch technicians are more likely to have duties that require skills in "customer service," "emergency calls," "pos," and "service calls. "In general, dispatch technicians hold similar degree levels compared to lead dispatches. Dispatch technicians are 0.8% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of lead dispatch

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.

Browse office and administrative jobs