If you’re looking for a dispatching service, you need to make sure you’re getting the right one. Dispatching services have a large range and levels of services that they typically offer. Be sure that you take your time to understand the different services and costs associated with them. Selecting the best fit for your company can be difficult, but by asking yourself a few key questions ahead of time, you’ll know which services are best for you!
1. Do you require the services of a dispatcher?
Ask whether you require a trucking dispatching service, which is the most obvious and the first question on the list. Ie. Examine your company and see if you’ve had any of the following issues:
- Load discovery.
- Driver management.
- Keeping and monitoring motor carrier compliance.
- Managing paperwork
- Providing customer service
- Dealing with delays.
Consider hiring a dispatcher if you’ve had trouble with any of these elements. Dispatching services can assist with all of these issues and may be a valuable resource for you in particular. Dispatching services may also be beneficial to anyone trying to grow their business and take it to the next level. While keeping one truck on the road and busy is a pretty simple task, as the fleet grows, you will need a dispatcher that can multitask and keep everyone moving as they should be.
2. What exactly do you require from your dispatching service?
While we discussed some key issues you need addressed or are having problems with before hiring, you may not be able to find a service that addresses all of them at once. Make a list of what is most important to the least important. Start to look for dispatching services that provides the most important criteria on your list.
3. How long has this dispatching service been in business?
Is the service you’re considering experienced, or are they new to the industry? An experienced service provider is likely to have better connections within the trucking industry. They will also have a grasp on how to handle difficult situations. Experience isn’t the most important factor to consider when selecting a dispatching service—a newer service, for example, may be more inexpensive and flexible—but it is worth considering.
4. Is there a good reputation for the service?
A reputable dispatching service will have a positive reputation. It’s worthwhile to other trucking professionals for recommendations on services with a proven track record of quality work. Finding services with a proven track record in high-pressure situations and emergencies can be especially beneficial. Check for online reviews as well; if a service lacks online reviews or testimonials, make sure you can find someone to vouch for them before agreeing to work with them.
While looking for a dispatching service, always start with a list of things you want to find in that type of service. Do your due diligence and find out what others think and of course, ask questions! Be sure you fully understand what they provide and the costs. Again, take your time to ask yourself these questions and make that list of priorities.
About MJ Dispatch
We at M&J Dispatch, LLC are a small business whose mission is to help small trucking companies take their company to the next level. Our focus is on small trucking companies that have less than 10 trucks and are in need of finding freight at the best price. Our truck dispatchers know the business better than anyone and are experts at finding the highest paying load helping you make the money you deserve. Our team of highly trained dispatchers will take care of all the paperwork, phone calls, and payments so all you have to do is DRIVE.
