The Hidden Costs of In-House Dispatching — And How to Avoid Them
- Swift Assist
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
At first glance, managing your own dispatching in-house might seem like the most straightforward and cost-effective choice. After all, what’s better than having full control under one roof? But beneath the surface, in-house dispatching often comes with hidden costs that can quietly chip away at your bottom line.
At Swift Assist, we've seen how businesses—especially in the taxi, towing, and service industries—can unintentionally overspend on dispatch operations without realizing it. Here's a closer look at these hidden costs and how to avoid them.
1. Labour Costs Beyond the Paycheque
Hiring full-time dispatchers isn’t just about their hourly wage. There are taxes, benefits, vacation coverage, sick days, training, and turnover-related costs to consider. These expenses stack up quickly—especially if you need 24/7 coverage or bilingual support.
Avoid it: Outsourcing your dispatching to a professional service means you pay only for the coverage you need—without worrying about payroll overhead or staffing gaps.
2. Staff Turnover and Retraining
Dispatching is a high-stress role, and burnout is common. Every time a dispatcher quits, you’re left scrambling to cover shifts and train a replacement. That’s time-consuming, costly, and disruptive to service quality.
Avoid it: A dedicated dispatch service has trained, experienced professionals ready to step in. You don't need to worry about hiring or retraining—continuity is handled for you.
3. Technology and Infrastructure Costs
Running an in-house operation means investing in software, phone systems, computers, headsets, and reliable internet—and maintaining it all. Even minor technical issues can grind operations to a halt.
Avoid it: Remote dispatch services like Swift Assist operate with our own cloud-based infrastructure, backed by redundancy and reliable tools. You don’t pay extra for the tech—we've already got it covered.
4. Inefficiency from Multitasking
In many small operations, dispatchers are also expected to handle admin work, customer complaints, or even billing tasks. This splits focus, slows response times, and increases the chance of mistakes.
Avoid it: When you partner with a service that specializes in dispatching, every call and request is handled with full focus and attention—improving both efficiency and professionalism.
A single missed call could mean a lost fare, job, or long-term client. When dispatchers are overwhelmed or understaffed, response time suffers—and customers notice.
Avoid it: With Swift Assist, every call is answered promptly and professionally. We prioritize reliability so your customers aren’t left hanging—and neither are you.
Final Thoughts: Do More With Less
In-house dispatching might feel like the safer route, but hidden costs can make it far more expensive than you realize. By outsourcing to a trusted, affordable partner, you gain more than just cost savings—you gain time, peace of mind, and a more professional front line.
At Swift Assist, we specialize in dispatching and back-office support for small fleets and independent operators across Canada. Let us help you avoid the hidden costs—and focus on growing your business.
Ready to learn more? Request a quote today or email us at info@swiftassist.ca
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