At Ninja Dispatch, part-time dispatchers are at the forefront of merging the gig economy with traditional truck dispatching. The roles of workers within companies started to change in 2020 with the COVID pandemic. The lockdowns forced companies and workforces to go more digital, since everyone had to work remote, technologies such as Zoom and Google Meet gained popularity. Those workers that knew how to quickly adapt to this new way of working started to excel, while those that needed that office supervision, failed.
The pandemic led companies to work remote.
The shift towards remote dispatching opened the eyes of a lot of trucking company owners as to who was actually working, and who was not that vital to the operation. Furthermore, some companies even noticed that what they thought required 3–4 people, may only require 1 dispatcher. Outsourced dispatch teams started to grow in popularity due to the niche specific services they provide.
As a dispatch staffing provider for the American markets, many of our clients have sized down their operations, while keeping the number of trucks they run at the same amount. Their operations are run leaner and meaner, decreasing the operational overhead and increasing their profits.
If you think that this was just specific to trucking due to the “great freight recession”, then you’re wrong. This phenom was the case in just about every industry. Just think of all the layoffs that occurred in the last few years at just about every large tech company. Twitter or X as it’s branded now, laid off over 80% of its workforce!
When layoffs of this size occur, and companies don’t go under, business owners MUST ask themselves if the traditional way of operating can be changed. Is an office, with an internal team, better than a contracted outsourced services provider? Does it make sense economically to have an internal team with equipment, office fees, benefits, paid days off, taxes, retirement plans, insurance, etc.
What is the gig economy?
The gig economy represents a transformative shift in how people work, leveraging short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs. This economic model has seen explosive growth, particularly as digital platforms make it easier than ever to find and execute gig-based work. In essence, it’s about flexible, autonomous job roles that are defined by freedom and personal choice rather than the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 job.
Gig work is reshaping the way trucking companies view their workforce.
The implications of this shift are profound. For one, it decentralizes how work is performed, linking talent and businesses across the globe without the need for physical offices. This model not only supports a more balanced lifestyle but also reduces costs for businesses. They can tap into a global talent pool and pay only for the work they need without the overhead associated with full-time employees.
But how exactly is this relevant to truck dispatching and the broader transportation industry? The rise of the gig economy invites us to reconsider the very foundation of workforce management and operational efficiency.
Truck dispatching in the gig economy
The gig economy might not seem like a natural fit for the trucking and logistics sectors, yet at Ninja Dispatch, we’ve identified significant opportunities.
You might wonder, “But Ninja, isn’t trucking a 24/7 operation? How can this be adapted to a gig structure?”
The answer lies in the variability of the workload.
If you’re a Director of Operations or a Chief Operations Officer within a trucking firm, you’re well aware that there are days when your dispatchers are overwhelmed, and then there are times when they barely have enough to keep busy.
It’s the peculiar nature of dispatch work—some days are so chaotic that you might want to tear your hair out, while other days are smooth sailing with all trucks loaded and en route without issues.
Here’s where Ninja Dispatch sees a chance to cut costs for trucking companies.
Enter the “Monday Dispatcher” concept. Mondays are notoriously busy as the week kicks off. Staff return to the office, drivers need their loads, and the backlog from the weekend requires updating. Brokers drivers, and customers demand attention, and some loads might even need reassigning.
While there’s a clear need for dispatcher manpower on Mondays, the demand typically tapers off as the week progresses. This pattern opens the door for gig-based dispatching, where Ninja Dispatch will handle peak times, allowing companies to optimize their staffing and reduce idle labor costs during quieter periods.
By integrating gig workers into their operations model, trucking companies can not only save on overheads but also increase flexibility and responsiveness, making them more agile in a dynamic market environment. This approach not only aligns with modern workforce trends but also addresses the unique challenges of the transportation industry.
Where can I find a good part-time dispatcher?
The concept of a gig economy dispatcher is essentially akin to that of a part-time dispatcher. One major hurdle here is the reluctance of employees to accept part-time roles, which they often view as temporary or less serious. Typically, those willing to accept part-time work might not fully commit and could leave for better opportunities as they arise.
At Ninja Dispatch, we’ve turned this challenge into our competitive advantage. Most trucking companies find it impractical to employ a dispatcher solely for busy Mondays. That’s where we come in. Ninja Dispatch allows these companies to hire a dispatcher just for the day—perfect for handling the Monday rush or any other peak times.
Our model offers flexibility not only to trucking companies, but also to dispatchers who prefer the gig style of working. This approach caters well to those seeking balance and variety in their work, without the commitment to a full-time position. We connect trucking companies with skilled dispatchers who are vetted and ready to handle the specific challenges of the logistics and transport industry on a part-time basis.
This innovative approach ensures that companies aren’t left short-staffed when they most need support, and it also keeps operational costs optimized throughout the rest of the week. Employing part-time or gig economy dispatchers through Ninja Dispatch becomes a strategic move that boosts efficiency and adapts to the dynamic needs of the market.
By rethinking employment strategies in this way, Ninja Dispatch not only supports trucking companies in streamlining their operations but also pioneers a new, flexible way of working that aligns with modern workforce trends.
Ready to streamline your dispatch operations with the flexibility of gig work?
Contact us at office@ninjadispatch.com to find out how our part-time dispatchers can enhance your company’s efficiency and profitability.