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Dispatchers assign motor vehicles to move freight or passengers within or between cities. Others dispatch repair crews or dispatch and coordinate police and emergency vehicles.

JOB DUTIES 

Dispatchers may:

Keep records of transactions

Handle customer requests for service or pickup or delivery of freight

Provide information about movements of trucks, freight or repair vehicles into and out of terminals

File reports on shipping/receiving activities of company or agency

List available vehicles

Assign drivers and vehicles

Maintain constant contact with drivers by phone or radio

Prepare logs of all activity

Coordinate schedules and investigate overdue vehicles

Issue keys, record sheets, equipment, and credentials to drivers

Record time of departure/destination/cargo/expected time of return

Maintain records of mileage/fuel used/repairs made/other expenses

Establish service or delivery routes

Supervise loading and unloading

Analyze the effects of weather reports on travel routes

Delay or cancel flights if unsafe conditions exist

Recommend changes in flight paths in emergencies

Compute pick-up and/or delivery costs

Comply with safety regulations

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Dispatchers may specialize in these areas:

249.167-014 MOTOR VEHICLE DISPATCHERS assign motor vehicles and drivers to move freight materials or passengers.

913.367-010 TAXICAB STARTERS contact drivers by two-way radio and telephone to provide individualized transportation services as part of the public transportation system in a given geographical area.

239.367-030 STREET DEPARTMENT DISPATCHERS receive and record requests from the public for street repair services. Then, they relay work orders to maintenance crews, using telephones and two-way radios. Additional duties include answering routine questions from the public, directing requests for other information to the proper personnel, and maintaining a daily log of work orders, messages, or reports received and relayed.

239.367-014 MAINTENANCE SERVICE DISPATCHERS receive telephone and written requests from departments within a plant for maintenance service. The types of service may include repair work, machine adjustments, and installation of equipment. Maintenance Dispatchers also keep records of requests received and services provided, and order supplies for maintenance workers and their own staff.

379.362-010 RADIO DISPATCHERS receive complaints from the public about crimes and police emergencies. They broadcast orders to police radio patrol units in the vicinity to investigate the complaint and relay any instructions or questions from the remote patrol units. In some communities they coordinate all police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency requests.

952.167-010 SERVICE OR WORK DISPATCHERS dispatch workers, such as trouble shooters and line repairers, to perform normal maintenance or emergency repairs to electric-power transmission and distribution lines and related equipment.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also wish to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Dispatchers generally work within a terminal or office complex. They may work in police stations, fire stations, centralized city communication centers, and dispatching centers of cab and tow-truck companies, utility companies, and transportation firms. They may work alone or with other personnel, such as claims adjusters or manifest clerks.

Dispatchers may be exposed to fumes from motor vehicles in terminals and at docking sites. They may wear uniforms that protect their own clothing from dirt or grease that is usually found in docking areas of terminals. Some Dispatchers must sit in the same position for many hours. Dispatch areas may be noisy.

In large organizations, it is necessary to maintain round-the-clock activity. Personnel may be required to work evenings, nights, and weekends. Dispatchers working for government agencies or utility companies may work especially hard during local or national emergencies, bad weather or special events.

A large number of employees who work in the trucking or transportation industry belong to The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving business contact with people

• Activities concerned with the communication of information to others

You Should Be Able To:

• Deal effectively with people beyond giving/receiving instructions

• Clearly express yourself orally and in writing

• Work well under pressure to meet schedules

• Work well under pressure when faced with emergency situations

• Direct/plan the activities of others if a Motor Vehicle Dispatcher

• Adapt to repeating routine tasks according to procedure

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A medical dispatcher will need to know medical information to assist individuals in medical emergencies.

How many equivalents of sodium are there in a solution containing 0.9g of NaCl/100ml?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the subarachnoid space, which may occur after trauma or after rupture of a cerebral aneurysm.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written report, regarding an emergency call, indicating specifics about the incident to be given to the medical authorities.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills, decision making skills, and be detail oriented in assessing emergency situations and directing vehicles.

Formal training programs are frequently provided for emergency Dispatchers. In these classes, trainees learn how to operate equipment such as radio transmitters, teletype machines, PBX (telephone) switchboards, and computer terminals. They also usually learn how to deal with upset, nervous, or hysterical people who call.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

052 PUBLIC SAFETY/PROTECTIVE SERVICE

Approved vocational education programs in Public Safety & Protective Services prepare students in security, corrections, law enforcement, firefighting, and/or emergency medical technology. The 2 phase program teaches foundation skills as well as a set of common public safety & protective service skills that are generic to all like occupations.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript  

      Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS

The military constantly moves passengers and cargo. Personnel often travel to meetings, training sessions, and new assignments. Supplies and equipment to support troops must be shipped regularly. Transportation specialists plan and assist in air, sea, and land transportation for people and cargo. Some assist passenger travel as gate agents and flight attendants.

What They Do

Transportation specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Arrange for passenger travel via plane, bus, train, or boat

• Arrange for shipment and delivery of household goods

• Determine which vehicles to use based on freight or passenger-movement requirements

• Determine transportation and shipping routes

• Prepare transportation requests and shipping documents

• Check in passengers and baggage for military transport flights

• Serve as military airplane flight attendants

• Inspect cargo for proper packing, loading, and marking

Training Provided

Job training consists of 6 to 9 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in making transportation arrangements. Course content typically includes:

• Planning transportation for personnel and cargo

• Proper cargo handling, shipping and storing methods

• Analysis of transportation documents

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include mathematics, English, and typing. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in arranging travel schedules

• Interest in using adding machines, computers, and typewriters

• Interest in serving people

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian transportation specialists work for airlines, shipping firms, and commercial freight lines. They perform duties similar to military transportation specialists. Civilian transportation specialists may also be called travel clerks, reservation clerks, or transportation agents.

Work Environment

Transportation specialists usually work in offices. They may work outdoors when escorting passengers or processing shipments. Flight attendants work on land and in airplanes.

Opportunities

The military has about 13,800 transportation specialists. On average, the services need about 1,600 new specialists each year. After job training, they make travel and shipping arrangements under direct supervision. Some may specialize as flight attendants and gate agents. With experience, they may become supervisors of other transportation specialists. In time, they may manage transportation offices.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Part-time or summer jobs as a truck or taxicab Dispatcher may be available. Secondary vocational programs in public safety protective services provide opportunities for experience. Military service may also provide experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Drafter employer

internships

volunteer work with a Drafter employer

community service work with an agency

Direct application to employers or responding to newspaper want ads can assist those interested in becoming a Dispatcher. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Communications Workers of America, Michigan Works! offices, or school placement offices may be helpful in locating jobs. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Transport Topic - Employment ( http://www.ttnews.com/classifieds/)

Michigan Talent Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

Michigan Works!

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Dispatchers depend on the type of employer, geographic location, and union affiliation.

Nationally, Dispatchers' weekly median earnings were about $479 in 1998. Emergency-situation Dispatchers employed by private employers, public employers, and hospitals had estimated average weekly earnings of $430 in 1998. Train Dispatchers working for railroads had average weekly earnings of $1,140 in 1998.

In the great lakes region which includes Michigan, Dispatchers in the private industry had average earnings between $12.45 to $19.23 per hour in 1998. Non-emergency motor vehicle and equipment Dispatchers working for the City of Detroit earned between $11.82 and $13.37 per hour in 1998. Dispatchers employed by one large utility company in southeast Michigan earned from $19.90 to $20.77 per hour (1999).

Some Dispatchers also receive a cost-of-living allowance or bonuses. Radio Dispatchers working in police departments in Michigan cities had hourly wages (1999) of:

Depending on the employer, Dispatchers may receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick leave.

Many Dispatchers have previous experience as truck drivers, general clerks/typists, or claims adjusters. Dispatchers who become familiar with company operations can, with additional college or technical courses, qualify for some administrative and sales positions. Experience and individual ability are the most important factors in advancement.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 234,400 Dispatchers were employed in 1996. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. In addition to openings arising from growth, many openings are expected yearly as Dispatchers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. A growing economy including more electronic commerce purcheses via the Internet, and greater production are expected to cause continued traffic growth through this decade. This should lead to an increased need for more Dispatchers. About 1.3% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Dispatchers looked like this:

There are about 8,375 Dispatchers employed in Michigan. Many of them were employed by trucking and warehousing firms. Others worked for wholesale and retail firms, manufacturers, taxicab companies, police and fire departments, and urban transit authorities.

Employment of Dispatchers in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 210 annual openings is expected with 80 due to growth and 130 due to replacement of workers who retire or leave the labor force. The number of Dispatchers needed in Michigan will depend on the economy. As more communities attempt to provide expanded and improved emergency services, the need for Dispatchers will grow.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development