Terminal managers are responsible for the smooth operation of a trucking center or terminal. A terminal is the place where a truck loads or unloads its freight before or after a road trip. Terminal managers coordinate, direct, and supervise all activities in the terminal concerned with the delivery and storage of freight before and after shipping. Terminal managers work for common carrier firms that transport the goods other companies make.
The duties of terminal managers are many. They plan and direct freight operations and determine the approximate weight of the freight that is to be transported. Terminal managers also decide what types of lifts and crates will be used to move the freight on and off the trucks. In addition, terminal managers are responsible for keeping the company's trucking equipment in good working order.
Terminal managers must be able to work effectively with all types of people. They have contact with people both inside and outside the terminal. For example, they often deal with customer complaints. They must closely supervise the loading of freight in order to avoid damaging goods scheduled for transport. Their precautions save money and help the company maintain a good reputation for reliable service. Terminal managers are also responsible for making sure the working conditions are safe for company employees.
Education and Training
Terminal managers should have a high school diploma. Most companies seek job applicants who have some college education as well. High school and college courses in science, business administration, and personnel relations are helpful. Some community and junior colleges offer courses in warehouse organization, materials handling, and production control. Many of these courses combine classroom study with on the job training.
Many firms also offer on the job training. New managers learn the routines of the terminal before they are given full responsibility. Many terminal managers start in positions as truck drivers or dispatchers.
Getting the Job
School placement offices offer good job information. State employment offices sometimes list openings for terminal managers. Applying directly to companies often leads to jobs.
Employment Outlook
Advancement depends on experience and education. For example, terminal managers who have some college training or a degree stand a better chance of advancing than those with only a high school diploma. Terminal managers can become company representatives or traffic managers.
The job outlook is good. General economic growth should increase the amount of freight that needs to be moved. The trucking industry will expand to meet the increased demand, providing new openings for terminal managers.
Working Conditions
Terminal managers usually work 40 hours a week. However, because most terminals operate around the clock, terminal managers are often required to work overtime when business gets particularly heavy. Terminal managers generally work in shifts. Terminal managers should get along well with people. A spirit of cooperation among all the workers is important if the terminal is to be run efficiently and smoothly.
Earnings and Benefits
Salaries vary, depending on education and experience. Some terminal managers earn between $26,000 and $30,000 a year. Standard benefits include paid vacations and holidays. Many companies offer health insurance plans.
Nature of the Work
Truck and bus dispatchers coordinate the movements of trucks or buses entering and leaving a terminal. Truck dispatchers assign drivers to trucks that have loaded trailers attached. Bus dispatchers assign drivers to buses. Dispatchers then see that the trucks and buses move out of the terminal on schedule. Truck dispatchers also assign the loads to be transported. They ensure that truck drivers have the correct freight charge bills for their loads.
Both truck and bus dispatchers stay in touch with the drivers while the latter are on the road. Drivers and dispatchers communicate by phone or by two way radio. Dispatchers take care of the drivers' questions and problems. If there are routing problems, dispatchers radio the drivers to tell them what other routes they can take. The progress of the drivers along their routes is charted on large control boards in the company's dispatch offices. It is the dispatcher's duty to make sure that the boards are updated. Many dispatchers employ computer aided dispatch systems to accomplish many of their tasks. However, because these systems are costly, some dispatchers still use more traditional methods.
When trucks and buses return to the terminal, the dispatcher checks them in and handles their trip records. The dispatcher also provides information concerning deliveries to the customers and handles customers' requests.
Education and Training
Truck and bus dispatchers usually have a high school diploma. They receive brief on the job training from their employer. Many truck and bus dispatchers are first hired for driving jobs. As drivers, they become familiar with terminal procedures, with federal and state driving regulations, and with their company's operations.
Getting the Job
Drivers who show the necessary abilities may advance to the position of dispatcher. Some truck dispatchers begin their careers as dock workers or by doing clerical and junior office assignments. As vacancies occur they move up to the post of dispatcher. You should apply directly to truck or bus companies for any of these jobs. Newspapers sometimes list job openings for the trucking industry.
Employment Outlook
Advancement possibilities are good for dispatchers who remain with one company for a long time and demonstrate an ability to handle assignments competently. Some dispatchers advance to truck terminal managers.
The employment outlook is good for both truck and bus dispatchers. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as average. Most job openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other jobs or who retire. Employment is sensitive to economic conditions, however.
Working Conditions
Dispatchers must work well under pressure and be very responsible. They must be able to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently without getting flustered.
Dispatchers usually work a 40 hour week. When emergencies occur or the workload is particularly heavy, they may be expected to put in extra hours.
Earnings and Benefits
Truck and bus dispatchers have annual earnings that average about $20,000 to $25,000. Benefits include paid vacations and holidays. The length of vacations often varies according to the number of years a dispatcher has been employed by the same company. Most companies offer pension plans and life and health insurance benefits.
