Text Messaging Aids Dispatching Efficiency, Accuracy

number of trucking and logistics companies are communicating voicelessly with drivers through mobile text messaging, which can lessen the frequency of phone conversations with dispatchers. The latest technology delivers instant notification that could help make drivers more efficient on their routes, fleet executives and mobile communications experts said.

“With voice, you either have to have a lot of dispatchers ready to answer the phone when a driver calls, or drivers have to wait on hold until a dispatcher can get to their call,” said Marc Mitchell, explaining the appeal of text messaging. Mitchell is transportation practice director of Illinois-based Enterprise Information Solutions, an information technology consulting company.

“No one likes being on hold, least of all people who get paid to drive. A data exchange can happen at the immediate convenience of the driver, without the need for someone on the other end of the phone to write things down,” he added.