Truck Dispatch Course

Lesson 1 • The Trucking Industry Overview

Covers industry segments, freight modes, and market participants. Establishes context for every dispatch decision made throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Freight Flow from Shipper to Receiver

Traces a shipment's lifecycle from pickup order to delivery confirmation. Understanding this flow enables dispatchers to anticipate problems at each stage.

Lesson 3 • Key Industry Terminology

Introduces freight, equipment, and documentation vocabulary used daily. Accurate terminology prevents costly miscommunication with carriers and shippers.

Lesson 1 • Electronic Logging Device Requirements

Details ELD mandate scope, device standards, and data review responsibilities. Dispatchers use ELD data to confirm driver availability and compliance.

Lesson 2 • Hazardous Materials Dispatch Rules

Introduces hazmat classification, placard requirements, and dispatcher notification duties. Dispatchers must confirm driver certification before assigning hazmat loads.

Lesson 3 • Hours of Service Rules

Covers driving time limits, rest requirements, and exemptions for commercial drivers. Dispatchers who understand these rules plan loads without forcing violations.

Lesson 4 • Operating Authority and Licensing

Explains carrier authority, broker authority, and required operating numbers. Dispatchers must verify authority status before tendering any load.

Lesson 1 • Evaluating Load Profitability

Introduces rate-per-mile analysis, fuel surcharge impact, and accessorial cost review. Dispatchers must assess profitability before committing to a load.

Lesson 2 • Route Planning and Mileage Optimization

Teaches routing tools, fuel stop planning, and deadhead minimization strategies. Optimized routes directly increase net revenue per trip.

Lesson 3 • Matching Freight to Equipment

Covers commodity requirements, trailer compatibility, and driver qualification matching. Proper matching prevents cargo damage and regulatory violations.

Lesson 4 • Load Sequencing and Driver Scheduling

Addresses multi-stop sequencing, driver availability windows, and appointment alignment. Effective scheduling keeps drivers productive and on-time.

Lesson 1 • Rate Confirmation and Documentation

Explains rate confirmation content, required fields, and dispute prevention. Proper documentation protects carriers from payment disputes.

Lesson 2 • Market Rate Research and Benchmarking

Covers rate index tools, lane-specific pricing, and seasonal market shifts. Accurate benchmarking prevents accepting below-market rates.

Lesson 3 • Negotiation Tactics with Brokers

Teaches counter-offer strategies, leverage points, and when to walk away. Strong broker negotiation skills directly increase carrier revenue.

Lesson 4 • Negotiating Directly with Shippers

Addresses direct shipper outreach, contract lane proposals, and relationship pricing. Direct shipper contracts reduce broker dependency and improve margins.

Lesson 1 • Bill of Lading Fundamentals

Covers BOL purpose, required fields, and shipper vs. carrier responsibilities. A correctly completed BOL is the primary legal freight contract.

Lesson 2 • Record Keeping and Document Retention

Covers retention periods, digital filing systems, and audit readiness. Organized records protect carriers during audits and cargo claim disputes.

Lesson 3 • Proof of Delivery and Lumper Receipts

Explains POD collection, lumper receipt documentation, and their role in invoicing. Missing PODs are the leading cause of delayed carrier payment.

Lesson 4 • Invoicing and Freight Billing

Teaches invoice creation, accessorial billing, and submission timelines. Accurate invoicing accelerates cash flow for owner-operators and small carriers.

Lesson 1 • Establishing Communication Protocols

Defines check-in schedules, preferred channels, and escalation procedures. Consistent protocols reduce missed updates and load delivery failures.

Lesson 2 • Driver Performance Monitoring

Introduces on-time delivery tracking, fuel efficiency review, and safety score monitoring. Performance data enables coaching conversations that improve fleet results.

Lesson 3 • Building Long-Term Driver Loyalty

Covers recognition practices, fair load assignment, and dispatcher advocacy for drivers. Loyal drivers reduce recruiting costs and improve service reliability.

Lesson 4 • Dispatching Instructions Clearly

Covers how to deliver load details, special instructions, and route guidance without ambiguity. Clear dispatch instructions prevent costly driver errors.

Lesson 1 • Breakdown and Mechanical Failure Response

Covers immediate response steps, roadside assistance coordination, and shipper notification. Fast breakdown response minimizes detention costs and shipper dissatisfaction.

Lesson 2 • Cargo Damage and Claims Handling

Explains damage documentation, carrier liability limits, and claims filing procedures. Proper claims handling protects carriers from excessive financial exposure.

Lesson 3 • Driver No-Show and Load Coverage

Covers contingency planning, backup driver sourcing, and broker rebooking when a driver fails to perform. Quick coverage decisions protect carrier reputation.

Lesson 4 • Delay Management and Appointment Reschedule

Addresses traffic, weather, and loading delays with proactive communication strategies. Proactive delay management preserves shipper relationships and avoids chargebacks.

Lesson 1 • Building a Consistent Lane Network

Covers lane analysis, preferred lane development, and round-trip optimization. Consistent lanes reduce empty miles and improve driver satisfaction.

Lesson 2 • Key Performance Indicators for Dispatchers

Defines revenue per mile, on-time rate, and empty mile percentage as core KPIs. Tracking KPIs enables data-driven decisions that improve fleet performance.

Lesson 3 • Scaling from Solo to Team Dispatching

Addresses hiring, training, and delegating within a growing dispatch team. Structured delegation allows owner-dispatchers to grow without sacrificing service quality.

Lesson 4 • Dispatch Workflow Systems and Tools

Introduces transportation management software, CRM tools, and automation opportunities. Systematic workflows allow dispatchers to manage more loads with fewer errors.