Transportation Dispatcher

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organized and customer-focused Dispatcher to join our operations team. This role is responsible for coordinating the daily movement of freight by working closely with drivers, customers, ports, rail terminals, warehouses, and internal teams to ensure safe, compliant, and on-time deliveries. The Dispatcher serves as the central point of communication, proactively resolving issues, optimizing equipment utilization, and providing exceptional service in a fast-paced transportation environment.

The ideal candidate thrives under pressure, communicates effectively, and can manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily dispatch activities for port drayage, hazmat, intermodal, shuttle, and truckload shipments.
• Schedule and dispatch drivers while ensuring on-time pickups and deliveries.
• Communicate load details including pickup and delivery instructions, appointment times, equipment requirements, and customer expectations.
• Monitor shipments from dispatch through delivery, providing real-time updates to customers and internal teams.
• Maintain ongoing communication with drivers to address delays, traffic, equipment issues, and route changes.
• Coordinate with port terminals, rail facilities, warehouses, and customer service representatives to minimize delays and maximize efficiency.
• Post available equipment on DAT and secure backhaul opportunities to maximize equipment utilization.
• Enter driver pay, accessorial charges, and shipment information accurately into the transportation management system.
• Obtain customer approvals for detention, demurrage, per diem, and other accessorial charges while notifying management of potential cost impacts.
• Assist with driver settlements, billing inquiries, trailer utilization, and equipment coordination.
• Participate in daily planning meetings and collaborate with operations, maintenance, safety, and customer service teams.
• Maintain accurate dispatch records and documentation while ensuring compliance with DOT, FMCSA, customer, and company requirements.
• Build strong working relationships with drivers, customers, and business partners through responsive, professional communication.
• Provide backup support to Customer Service Representatives and other operations functions as needed.
• Support after-hours operational needs on a rotating basis, as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of dispatching or transportation logistics experience.
• Experience with drayage, intermodal, port operations, or hazmat transportation preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and transportation management/dispatch software (experience with VI Software preferred).
• Experience using DAT Load Board or similar freight platforms preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

What Success Looks Like

• Freight is dispatched efficiently and delivered safely and on time.
• Drivers receive timely, accurate communication and support throughout each load.
• Customers receive proactive updates and exceptional service.
• Equipment utilization and backhaul opportunities are maximized.
• Documentation, driver pay, billing, and shipment records are completed accurately.
• Operational issues are resolved quickly with minimal disruption to service.
• Strong working relationships are maintained with drivers, customers, terminals, warehouses, and internal teams.

Why Join Us?

Join a team where your work has a direct impact on keeping freight moving safely and efficiently. As a Dispatcher, you'll play a key role in coordinating transportation operations, supporting drivers and customers, and helping deliver exceptional service every day. We offer a collaborative, fast-paced work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a competitive compensation and benefits package.