Train Crew Dispatcher Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Train Crew Dispatcher

Best Schools to become a Train Crew Dispatcher in U.S. 2024

Valencia College

Orlando, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,984
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,933
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:43,370

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

In-State Tuition:$4,140
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,580
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:51%
Total Enrollment:12,949

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

In-State Tuition:$10,708
Out-of-State Tuition:$26,392
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:62%
Total Enrollment:27,539

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Marion, IN

In-State Tuition:$8,632
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,632
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:40%
Total Enrollment:10,012
Train Crew Dispatcher Job Description:
  • Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location.
  • Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains.
  • Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Train Crew Dispatcher

Job Duties for Train Crew Dispatchers

  • Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.

  • Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.

  • Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.

Technologies and Skills Used by Train Crew Dispatchers

Industrial control software

  • RailComm DocYard
  • SAIC government services and IT support software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Talking to others

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Train Crew Dispatcher

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Train Crew Dispatcher

FAQs About Becoming a Train Crew Dispatcher