What Recruiters Look for in Dispatch and Operations Resumes

Dispatchers, terminal managers, and operations professionals play a critical role in keeping supply chains running smoothly. But when it comes to landing the next big opportunity, your resume has to work as hard as you do.

At Truckker, a TPI Company, we review hundreds of resumes a week for logistics and transportation roles. The best ones don’t just list responsibilities — they tell a clear story of operational impact, leadership ability, and reliability under pressure. Here’s what we look for in top-tier resumes for dispatch and operations roles:

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1. Clarity and Structure

Your resume should be easy to scan — hiring managers often spend less than 30 seconds on the first read.

• Use clear section headings (Summary, Experience, Skills, Certifications)
• List experience in reverse chronological order
• Keep formatting simple and professional
• Keep it to 1–2 pages (max)

2. A Strong Summary Statement

Open with a 2–3 sentence summary that gives us a quick snapshot of your experience and strengths.

Good example:
"Experienced dispatch coordinator with 8+ years in freight logistics, known for optimizing delivery routes and leading cross-functional teams inhigh-volume terminals. Strong communicator with a focus on safety and cost efficiency."

Avoid vague phrases like “hardworking team player” — get specific.

3. Quantified Accomplishments

Numbers catch a recruiter’s eye and show the scale of your impact.

Look for ways to quantify:

• Fleet size managed (e.g., “Dispatched 25+ drivers daily”)
• Cost savings (e.g., “Reduced fuel costs by 15% through route optimization”)
• Team leadership (e.g., “Supervised 12 staff across 3 terminals”)
• Delivery performance (e.g., “Maintained 98% on-time delivery rate”)

4. Relevant Logistics Skills

Include both technical and soft skills that are vital to success in operations roles.

Top hard skills to list:

• Route planning software (e.g., McLeod, TMW, Samsara)
• Fleet scheduling
• Load planning
• HOS and DOT compliance
• Inventory/warehouse systems

Top soft skills:

• Communication under pressure
• Time management
• Conflict resolution
• Crisis management
• Leadership and team coordination

5. Evidence of Leadership

Even if you’re not in a formal management role, recruiters want to see signs you can lead.

Highlight:

• Mentoring junior staff
• Coordinating shift handovers
• Taking charge during disruptions (weather, delays, emergencies)
• Contributions to process improvements or SOPs

If you’ve stepped up without the title, say so — this shows initiative and potential for promotion.

6. Certifications and Training

List any relevant certifications, training, or licenses:

• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
• WHMIS
• Forklift certification (if applicable)
• Safety or compliance courses
• Fleet management software training

These extras can tip the scales, especially in competitive hiring markets.

7. Customization for the Role

Tailor your resume for each role — especially the job title and keywords. Use the job posting as a guide.

For example, if the job mentions “multi-terminal coordination” or “customer load tracking,” reflect that wording in your resume if you have that experience.

In the logistics world, efficiency matters — and that starts with how you present yourself on paper. A strong dispatch or operations resume doesn’t just show what you’ve done — it shows how you’ve made an impact.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your logistics career, Truckker can help. Our recruiters specialize in matching skilled professionals with top employers across Canada’s transportation sector.

Reach out to the Truckker team today to have your resume reviewed or get matched with open roles.

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