SummaryThe Dispatcher will coordinate and schedule drivers for pick-up and delivery in a safe, efficient, and timely manner. The Dispatcher role is responsible for the utilization of drivers and trucks to create capacity, maximize productivity and ensure prompt, courteous and efficient service to all customers. This role requires the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement to ensure effective business operations of both the company and our customers. This position is on site Monday through Friday with the ability to resolve issues after hours and/or on weekends as needed.Essential functionsReasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Schedules drivers for pick-up and delivery; selects the most efficient routes for each driver.
- Oversees equipment availability; assigns drivers, trucks, and extra drivers when needed.
- Anticipates weather complications along routes and at the drivers' destinations; communicates delays and route changes as necessary.
- Maintains contact with drivers; receives and dispatches response and emergency aid when needed.
- Maintains and reviews operation records; monitors daily logs for errors and/or compliance violations.
- Monitors drivers' working hours to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
- Receives driver trips sheets and participates in driver payroll functions.
- Oversees maintenance and repair schedules for vehicles.
- Ensures maximum productivity by successfully routing vehicles. This will require autonomy and little work direction from management.
- Handles incoming calls, e-mails, and texts from Drivers, Operations, customers, Customer Service and Sales department.
- Participates in rotating on-call schedule providing support after customary business hours.
- Proactively troubleshoots and resolves potential delivery and service issues before they result in service interruptions.
- Communicates with maintenance shop personnel and occasionally serve as an emergency point of contact for mechanical downtime, and other issues.
- Assigns loads to drivers based on the most advantageous routes and driver location.
- Gathers and maintains documentation for pick-ups (scheduled, missed, extra pick-ups), route completions and driver locations. Maintains driver accountability for service and paperwork policies and procedures.
- Provides professional, courteous interaction with external and internal customers.
- Reports driver performance issues or concerns to appropriate management for resolution.
- Works cooperatively with Safety Department and enforces appropriate company policies and procedures.
- As required, assists in evaluating, implementing, and operating a new dispatch system for the company- including training others
- Promotes positive company culture.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Independent thinker, positive personality, and a take charge attitude.
- Strong organizational skills to prepare and assign routes.
- Strong leadership skills to ensure drivers' compliance with direction and assignments.
- Accepts accountability for self and assigned drivers regarding compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements and/or company policies and procedures.
- Proficient with or able to quickly learn dispatch and recordkeeping systems.
- Ability to work at a fast pace and under pressure.
- Thorough understanding of shipping industry.
- Knowledge of Office 365 products
Required education and experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required;
- At least three years of related experience and execution of similar duties in warehouse/freight operations required.
- Associate's degree in Transportation or Logistics, and/or equivalent in job related experience preferred.
Work environment and physical demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (including keyboarding.)
- Ability to stand, crouch or kneel at times.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
CompensationWe offer the following to support you and your family:
- $55,000 to $65,000 annual salary range
- Direct deposit paid bi-weekly
- Affordable Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance plans-Eligible 1st day of month following date of hire.
- Free health savings account employer contribution
- Competitive 401(k) Match-Fully vested from date of hire!
- Paid time off
- 10 paid company holidays
- Free basic life insurance up to $150,000
- Free employer paid Short-term and Long-term disability coverages
- Employee Assistance Programs
- and more!
Travel required
- The home office for this role is indicated at the top of this job description. Travel to other Ingredients Plus locations may be required as business needs arise.
Affirmative Action/EEO statementIngredients Plus is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability and military or veteran status. In addition, Ingredients Plus complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it maintains facilities. Ingredients Plus also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. Other dutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.