Crew Dispatcher Onboarding Checklist

Crew Dispatcher Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Crew Dispatcher starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Transportation onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Crew Dispatcher, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Crew Dispatcher onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Crew Dispatcher Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The crew dispatcher should receive a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including safety protocols, communication channels, and standard operating procedures. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated trainer.

2. Familiarization with crew scheduling software: As a crew dispatcher, it is crucial to become proficient in the company’s crew scheduling software. This task involves training sessions or online tutorials to understand how to input crew availability, assign shifts, and manage crew rotations. The IT department or a designated software trainer usually handles this task.

3. Understanding crew qualifications and certifications: The crew dispatcher needs to be aware of the qualifications and certifications required for each crew member. This task involves reviewing crew records, licenses, and certifications to ensure compliance with industry regulations. The crew dispatcher typically collaborates with the HR department or a designated compliance officer.

4. Learning about crew member roles and responsibilities: To effectively dispatch crews, the crew dispatcher should have a clear understanding of each crew member’s role and responsibilities. This task involves reviewing job descriptions, talking to crew members, and shadowing experienced dispatchers or crew members. The crew dispatcher may work closely with the operations manager or a designated mentor.

5. Familiarization with transportation routes and schedules: A crew dispatcher must have a good understanding of the transportation routes and schedules to efficiently assign crews. This task involves studying maps, timetables, and transportation plans. The crew dispatcher may collaborate with the operations department or a designated route planner.

6. Training on emergency response procedures: In the event of an emergency, the crew dispatcher plays a critical role in coordinating response efforts. This task involves training sessions on emergency response procedures, including evacuation plans, communication protocols, and incident reporting. The crew dispatcher may receive this training from the safety department or a designated safety officer.

7. Introduction to communication systems: Effective communication is essential for a crew dispatcher. This task involves training on the company’s communication systems, such as radios, phone systems, and messaging platforms. The crew dispatcher may receive this training from the IT department or a designated communication specialist.

8. Shadowing experienced crew dispatchers: To gain practical experience and learn best practices, the crew dispatcher should shadow experienced dispatchers. This task involves observing and assisting with daily tasks, such as crew assignments, shift changes, and communication with crew members. The crew dispatcher may work closely with a senior dispatcher or a designated mentor.

9. Understanding union agreements and labor regulations: In industries with unions, crew dispatchers need to be familiar with union agreements and labor regulations. This task involves reviewing collective bargaining agreements, understanding work rules, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. The crew dispatcher may collaborate with the HR department or a designated labor relations specialist.

10. Participating in team meetings and cross-functional training: To foster collaboration and a deeper understanding of the company’s operations, the crew dispatcher should participate in team meetings and cross-functional training sessions. This task involves attending meetings with operations, maintenance, and other departments to enhance coordination and knowledge sharing. The crew dispatcher may work closely with the operations manager or a designated team leader

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Crew Dispatcher checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Crew Dispatcher up to speed and working well in your Transportation team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.