Dispatcher

Job Description

Job Description

Dispatcher

• Reports to: 
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Department: Transportation

Job Summary

The Dispatcher is responsible for coordinating the daily movement of local hauling and dry bulk pneumatic transportation operations. This position schedules drivers, assigns equipment, manages customer deliveries, and ensures the safe, efficient, and timely transportation of dry bulk commodities such as calcium carbonate. The Dispatcher serves as the primary communication link between drivers, customers, operations, and maintenance while ensuring compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and company safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and dispatch local drivers and pneumatic trailers to meet daily customer delivery requirements.
• Coordinate same-day and next-day deliveries while maximizing equipment utilization and minimizing empty miles.
• Monitor driver locations, route progress, loading and unloading times, and delivery status using GPS and transportation management systems (TMS).
• Communicate load assignments, customer requirements, delivery schedules, and route changes to drivers.
• Coordinate with customers, terminals, plants, and dispatch personnel to schedule loading appointments and delivery times.
• Manage local hauling operations while responding quickly to customer requests, schedule changes, weather delays, traffic conditions, and equipment issues.
• Ensure drivers comply with DOT regulations, FMCSA requirements, Hours of Service (HOS), Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations, and company safety policies.
• Verify load documentation, bills of lading, delivery tickets, scale tickets, and proof of delivery.
• Maintain accurate dispatch records, driver schedules, load status, equipment availability, and customer communications.
• Work closely with the maintenance department to coordinate preventive maintenance and minimize equipment downtime.
• Assist with driver payroll by accurately recording trips, loads, detention time, and other operational data.
• Resolve customer service concerns professionally and provide proactive communication regarding shipment status and delivery updates.
• Support after-hours and weekend dispatch coverage as required by operational needs.
• Create weekly efficiency reports for drivers using the previous week’s hours.
• Send daily e-mail to management (notes) on daily issues and updates regarding loads and day-to-day communication.
• Manage unidentified events and pair with correct driver
• Keep stock of paperwork and packets for drivers at abutment location for drivers.
• Pick up daily packets from abutment Rd. and make sure Jasper packets are delivered daily.
• Able to cover other dispatchers when needed on other shifts
• Driver changes cannot be confirmed until logistic manager or operations manager have been consulted and approval has been granted.
• Manage all pick up appointments for prepaid and collect customers.
• Accurately weighing vehicles using scales and recording the weights and other relevant information.
• Maintain accurate records, including scale tickets, bills of lading, purchase orders, and packing slips in legible manner.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in logistics or transportation preferred.
• Two or more years of dispatch, transportation, or logistics experience preferred.
• Experience in local trucking, dry bulk pneumatic transportation, construction materials, or industrial hauling strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, HOS, and ELD regulations.
• Proficiency with transportation management systems (TMS), fleet GPS tracking, Microsoft Office, and dispatch software.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Experience dispatching pneumatic tank trailers and local hauling operations.
• Knowledge of dry bulk commodities
• Understanding of pneumatic loading and unloading procedures.
• Familiarity with truck scales, terminals, batch plants, quarries, mills, and industrial facilities.
• Ability to build strong relationships with drivers and customers.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience in Microsoft office (Excel, word processing, power point)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Frequent use of telephones, radios, computers, and dispatch software.
• Ability to respond quickly to changing operational demands.
• Occasional after-hours, weekend, or holiday availability as business needs require.

Work Environment

• Office environment supporting a fast-paced trucking and logistics operation.
• Frequent communication with drivers, customers, terminals, maintenance personnel, and management.
• Requires the ability to prioritize competing demands while maintaining excellent customer service.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain high on-time pickup and delivery performance.
• Efficiently schedule local routes to maximize driver productivity and equipment utilization.
• Reduce unnecessary downtime.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and accurate dispatch documentation.
• Support a strong safety culture by promoting compliance with company policies and DOT regulations.
• Maintain positive relationships with drivers, customers, and business partners through professional communication and responsive service.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Hankins Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.