As with any industry, the logistics world is constantly changing. This is especially true in transportation and trucking, where new technologies disrupt old systems and create opportunities for companies that can adapt quickly. If you own or operate a fleet of trucks, it’s vital that you stay on top of these developments so your business doesn’t fall behind. Read below to learn more about the technology known as “Truck Dispatching” or “Dispatch for Trucks” that has the potential to impact your company.
What is Dispatch for Trucks?
Truck dispatching or Dispatch for Trucks is the use of computer systems to optimize the routes that are used for trucking. Dispatching for trucks is also referred to as real-time routing. Trucks use GPS tracking to record their travel times and monitor their positions. This data is then fed into a computerized routing system that crunches the information and determines the most efficient routes for the trucks to travel. Dispatching for trucks is used by companies to manage their fleets of trucks more efficiently. It allows them to choose the most efficient routes based on current traffic data, weather forecasts, and other factors that could impact travel times.
How Does Truck Dispatching Work?
Dispatching for trucks operates in a streamlined process and is the most common form of computerized routing. Companies will install computers in their trucks or can partner with a dispatch service provider that receives information from their trucks. With an automatic truck dispatching system, drivers input their starting and ending locations when they’re due to be done with a trip. The computer will then determine the most efficient route for the truck based on the information it receives from the truck’s GPS.
Why Is Truck Dispatching Important?
Truck dispatching is important because it allows companies to use their fleets better. With computerized routing, truckers can select the most efficient route for their trucks to travel. This means they don’t have to waste time traveling through areas that don’t have customers. It also means that they won’t drive through areas experiencing traffic jams or other delays that will slow them down. With truck dispatching solutions, truckers can take advantage of information like traffic patterns, weather forecasts, and other data to pick the best routes for their trucks. Truck dispatching systems can be used to optimize routes for both long and short-distance trips.
Benefits of Truck Dispatching
The main benefit of truck dispatching software is accurate tracking and scheduling, which can lead to optimized routing, improved customer service, and reduced operating costs. When companies use truck dispatching software to track their vehicles, they can get real-time updates that allow them to respond quickly to issues that could impact the shipment’s progress. This can make it easier for trucking companies to meet customer expectations and reduce costs associated with rerouting trucks or paying overtime. It can also help companies plan more efficient routes, reducing fuel costs.
Disadvantages of Truck Dispatching
Like any technology, truck dispatching can present security risks. If a company’s control center has access to information about each truck’s location, a hacker could potentially access that information and tamper with it. Truck dispatching can also lead to a more regimented work culture. Truckers may feel less like they have control over their day and more like they’re being watched. Therefore, it’s essential to pick the right dispatch service provider that also takes care of the security of your data. Check the list of top TMS and dispatch software providers for 2022.
How to Implement Truck Dispatching Software?
When choosing software for truck dispatching, the software must integrate with your other business applications and systems. It’s also important to select software that will be easy for your fleet managers to use. You’ll need to choose a pilot program vendor to get started. Once the pilot is complete, and you’ve implemented the software, you’ll need to test its functionality. TMS Digital is one of the top trucking software providers in the United States that makes your operations effortless and keeps your data safe. TMS Digital also integrates with many other trucking applications.
Key Takeaway
In the logistics industry, dispatching refers to a centralized system where each truck has a computerized onboard system that communicates with a central control center to plan, optimize, and track shipments. Truck dispatching can lead to more accurate tracking and scheduling, more efficient routing, better customer service, and reduced operating costs. However, dispatching can also lead to a more regimented work culture.
TMS Digital is the leading software provider for the transportation industry. We offer innovative software solutions that help you get the most out of your business. Track your fleet’s location, monitor driver behavior, and schedule maintenance remotely. You can streamline your dispatch process and reduce operational costs with TMS Dispatch. Focus on what matters most: growing your company. Contact us today for a demo of TMS Dispatch.
