Education · 1 of 4

The path

Nothing is legally required. What gets you hired is knowing how freight actually works.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 is the normal ask. Strong written communication matters more than marks.

2. 2

   Get near the industry

   6 months to 2 years

   Warehouse, customer service, driver helper or office administration at a carrier. Many dispatchers are promoted from inside.

3. 3

   Optional college training

   1 to 2 years

   A one or two-year logistics or transportation certificate at a college such as Conestoga, Mohawk or a regional polytechnic. It shortens the wait but is not required.

4. 4

   First dispatch desk

   Immediately after hiring

   You start on a smaller board, usually nights or weekends, with someone senior nearby.

5. 5

   Build a specialty

   Years

   Cross-border, refrigerated, flatbed, hazardous goods or courier. Specialists get paid more and are harder to replace.