Education · 1 of 4
The path
Nothing is legally required. What gets you hired is knowing how freight actually works.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Grade 12 is the normal ask. Strong written communication matters more than marks.
- 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
Optional college training
1 to 2 years
A logistics or supply chain program, such as Conestoga College's diploma in supply chain and operations for commercial trucking. It shortens the wait but is not required.
- 4
First dispatch desk
Immediately after hiring
You start on a smaller board, usually nights or weekends, with someone senior nearby.
- 5
Build a specialty
Years
Cross-border, refrigerated, flatbed, hazardous goods or courier. Specialists are harder to replace.