Get Started with Dispatch Buddy – Your Ultimate Dispatching Tool
Download & Install:
1.Download: Add Dispatch Buddy from the Chrome Web Store. Click here to download.
2.Install: Once downloaded, pin Dispatch Buddy to your browser toolbar for easy access.
Initial Setup:
3.Sign In: Click on the Dispatch Buddy icon and log in using your Gmail account. If you encounter an error message, please accept the Privacy Policy and Terms of Services.
4. Customize Email Templates: Visit our Email Template Guide and Email Library to select and customize your default email template. Use provided variables to create as many email templates as you need.
Explore and Activate Main Features:
5. Discover Features: Take some time to explore the features of DispatchBuddy, including sending emails, calculating Rates per Mile (RPM), load filtering and using Google Maps integrations.
6. Activate Main Features: Click on the Dispatch Buddy icon, navigate to the “Features” tab, and activate all the necessary features.
Operational Guide:
7. Load Boards: Log in to your usual load board, like DAT or TruckStop.
8. Refresh the page: After logging in and activating features, refresh your load board pages to enable the extension fully.
How to Add, Create, or Edit Templates in Dispatch Buddy
Accessing Your Templates:
Start by going to your account dashboard. Alternatively, click on the Dispatch Buddy extension icon in your browser toolbar, then click the “Edit” button. This action redirects you to the “My Templates” page.
Navigating My Templates:
On the “My Templates” page, you can view all your existing templates. Here, you can choose to edit an existing template or create a new one.
Creating a New Template:
Click on “Add new template” to start creating a fresh template.
Template Name: Enter a name that helps you identify the template easily. Use descriptive names like “Available Truck – DAT” or “Load Info Request – MC1111t” to differentiate between templates. This input is not visible to the recipient.
Subject Line: Input the email subject that the broker will see, such as “I have a truck for you – {{origin}} to {{dest}}. ”. This uses variables like {{origin}} and {{dest}} which will be replaced with actual data when the email is sent, for example, “I have a truck for you – Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA.”
Email Body: is where you provide the details about your dispatch needs. Use it to clearly state your request, ask any relevant questions, and provide your contact information for a quick response. This template utilizes placeholders that will be automatically filled with specific details (like origin, destination, distance) based on the load data you’re working with. It ensures that each email you send is customized, relevant, and provides all the necessary information to facilitate quick decision-making and response from the broker. See example of the email sent and the output received below:
User Template sent:
Hello,
Could you check this load from {{origin}} to {{dest}}? We’re located {{do}} miles away and ready to go now. Do we need any special equipment or tarping for this?
Thank you,
Max Dispatch
MC 11111
(222) – 222-2222
Receiver Template received:
Hello,
Could you check this load from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA? We’re located 51 miles away and ready to go now. Do we need any special equipment or tarping for this?
Thank you,
Max Dispatch
MC 11111
(222) – 222-2222
In this template above:
{{origin}} and {{dest}} dynamically insert the starting and ending locations of the load.
{{do}} inserts the distance from your current location to the load PU, making each email relevant and specific to the load being discussed.
Using Your Templates: After creating and saving your templates, you can easily select which one to use from the Dispatch Buddy extension. Just click the pinned icon, choose your desired template, and the system will populate the email fields accordingly.
You’re All Set: With your templates ready, you can efficiently handle multiple dispatch queries and improve load request times. Don’t forget to visit our Email Template Library to explore pre-made templates based on successful emails we’ve used in the past, providing you with proven starting points to adapt and use. Get started now to streamline your dispatch operations effortlessly!
Email Template Library: Creating Effective Email Templates
Creating efficient and impactful email templates is crucial for streamlining communications and increasing load bookings. Here are essential tips and ready-to-use examples to help you create your own effective email templates using Dispatch Buddy:
Tips for Creating Great Email Templates:
Clear Subject Line: Keep the subject straightforward and directly related to the load, helping brokers immediately understand the email’s purpose.
Concise Email Body: Focus your message on essential information to keep the email brief and to the point, facilitating quicker responses.
Professional Signature: Always include a signature with your company details and contact information. This not only enhances your professionalism but also significantly increases response rates from brokers.
Here are some examples of templates you can create using our variables, which automatically insert load information into your email message:
Template 1: Load information needed
Subject: Load Inquiry: {{origin}} to {{dest}}
Body:
Hi there!
I’m interested in the load from {{origin}} to {{dest}}. Could you please provide more details, including the PU/DEL date and time and what is your target rate?
Thanks,
[Company name and MC number]
[Your Name] – [Your phone number]
—
Signature
Template 2: Lets book it now
Subject: Lets book it now: {{origin}} to {{dest}}
Body:
Hello,
I’m looking to book the load from {{origin}} to {{dest}}. I have read all the comments and I can comply with it, can you put me on it? My MC number is 111111
Thanks,
[Company name and MC number]
[Your Name] – [Your phone number]
—
Signature
Template 3: Best Rate Request
Subject: Load Details Needed: Ref #{{ref}} – MC 111111
Body:
Hi,
Could you please provide details for the load with reference number {{ref}}? I have a truck {{do}} miles away , it’s a {{truck}} with tarps and straps.I see its posted for {{rate}} – is the best you can offer considering we are {{do}} miles away?
Thanks,
[Company name and MC number]
[Your Name] – [Your phone number]
—
Signature
Template 4: Simple
Subject: Load Inquiry – {{origin}} to {{dest}} – REF: {{ref}}
Body:
Hi, could you check the load from {{origin}} to {{dest}}. Could you share some more details and any specific requirements?
Thanks,
[Company name and MC number]
[Your Name] – [Your phone number]
—
Signature
Template 5: Call request
Subject: Hey could u check this for me – {{origin}} to {{dest}}
Body:
Hi, can you please check this posted load for me – {{origin}} to {{dest}}?
I have a truck that can take this. We are empty now – give me a call if you are available, my number is 222-222-2222, ex 222.
Thanks,
[Company name and MC number]
[Your Name] – [Your phone number]
—
Signature
Feel free to adjust these templates based on specific requirements or preferences. To edit or create your personalized template, simply access the DispatchBuddy Dashboard and click on Edit Template.
With these templates and customization tips, you’re well-equipped to communicate effectively, book more loads, and enhance your dispatch operations.