Job Description
Purpose:
The purpose of a Dispatcher is to serve as a main point of contact for existing customers, to meet their hauling needs by utilizing resources (drivers/equipment) to successfully haul a variety of products across inter and intrastate highways. The Dispatcher is primarily responsible for coordinating customer orders and directing, scheduling, and maintaining drivers on routes that allow customers’ needs to be met, while also through independent judgment driving utmost profitability for the company in compliance with DOT regulations and company rules.
Primary Job Functions:
- Lead, guide, and assign/schedule drivers and vehicles according to customer requests, keeping in compliance with DOT Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, company rules and safety guidelines. Notify drivers of daily job assignment schedules and monitor same.
- Communicate daily with customers via phone and email to determine driver demand; accept and administer order entry process including BOLs.
- Communicate with Billing or other departments within Hilco Transport for any operational request including contacting drivers for any daily paperwork, Maintenance needs or equipment issues.
- Enforce understanding and compliance with all Company Policies and procedures, safety rules and government regulations.
- Use independent judgment to coordinate with drivers & clients to identify/mitigate scheduling problems & relay any major concerns to upper-level management for resolution.
- Serve as liaison between drivers and shared services functions as needed (HR, Safety, Billing, Accounting, Maintenance, IT); handle communications on driver’s behalf regarding PTO requests, benefits/leave, work accidents, haul sheets/driver paperwork, maintenance needs/equipment issues, etc.
- Identify, report, and make recommendations for disciplinary actions due to driver misconduct, attendance issues, or other HR and/or Safety violations. Promote HR and Safety programs, and participate in the administration of disciplinary action and safety review processes for drivers.
- Serve as a main, resourceful, point of contact for drivers to troubleshoot problems that occur while they are on the road; chart and modify routes as needed & appropriately guide drivers to complete successful routes, protecting the profitability of the company.
- Develop solid understanding of geographical areas in which we operate in addition to various hauled products, including specific loading/unloading requirements & capacities.
- Responsible for grooming and developing newly hired dispatchers as well as becoming cross-trained in the different markets/clients we serve.
- Monitor timeliness of dispatched runs.
- Draft, edit, and maintain a comprehensive dispatch log to record all details of pick-up and drop-off for each driver, that successfully services all client needs for the upcoming business day.
- Engage in the driver interview process and make recommendations for hiring to upper-level leadership.
- Overall use of independent judgment on significant operational matters to increase efficiencies and lower cost.
- Regular attendance is required.
- This is not an all-inclusive of job requirements and/or duties and may not contain all mental and physical capabilities necessary to perform the job at all times due to circumstances. Operational, safety and other needs may require the employee to perform any and all other duties assigned. Employees are expected and must perform all such duties and tasks.
Qualifications:
- 1-year of previous dispatch or other applicable experience, preferred.
- Must have strong leadership skills including the ability to assess applicants, coach, counsel, direct, train and mentor employees.
- Possess strong verbal, written, and listening communication skills.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize.
- Strong attention to detail, a must.
- Ability to operate independently, and exercise judgment, with little to no direct supervision.
- Good map reading skills and ability to use GPRS devices to chart routes.
- Must have the ability to remain calm during high volume/pressure situations.
- Leadership skills including coaching, counseling, training, and hiring/termination experience, ideal.
- Familiarity with TMW & MS Office Applications, preferred.
- Class –A license, preferred.
- High school diploma or equivalent, preferred.
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