Dispatcher/Planner (1st Shift)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

**1st Shift: 5:00AM - 1:30PM**

Position Summary: The Dispatcher/Planner coordinates the daily scheduling, routing, and dispatching of drivers and freight to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective delivery of goods. Serving as the primary point of communication between drivers, customers, and operations staff, the Dispatcher/Planner monitors loads in transit, resolves delays in real time, and ensures compliance with company policies and applicable California and federal transportation regulations. The role is essential to maintaining efficient fleet operations and a high level of customer service.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Schedule, route, and dispatch drivers and vehicles to meet delivery deadlines and maximize operational efficiency.
• Monitor driver locations, loads, and delivery status using dispatch and GPS/telematics software.
• Serve as the primary communication link between drivers, customers, warehouse staff, and management, relaying instructions and resolving issues promptly.
• Respond to delays, breakdowns, traffic, and weather disruptions by rerouting and reassigning loads as needed.
• Ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and California transportation regulations, including hours-of-service and meal and rest break requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of dispatch activity, deliveries, driver hours, and load documentation.
• Coordinate with the maintenance team to schedule vehicle servicing and address mechanical issues.
• Track and document freight discrepancies, damages, and customer concerns, escalating as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Minimum of one to two years of dispatch, logistics, or transportation coordination experience.
• Working knowledge of California and federal DOT/FMCSA regulations, including hours-of-service rules.
• Proficiency with dispatch software, GPS/telematics systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong verbal and written communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Availability to work flexible shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or on-call coverage as needed.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Associate's degree or coursework in logistics, supply chain management, or transportation.
• Experience with Transportation Management System (TMS) software.
• Familiarity with regional California freight routes, ports, and traffic patterns.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.
• Knowledge of fleet maintenance scheduling and basic vehicle compliance requirements.
• Prior experience in a high-volume logistics, trucking, or distribution operation.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged sitting (office/administrative work)
• Repetitive hand/wrist movements (typing, scanning, equipment use)
  

Work Environment:

• Office environment
• Fast-paced, high-volume operational environment

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to any status protected by applicable law. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. The statements should not be construed as an exhausted list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. There may be additional duties outside the normal responsibilities to be performed as needed.