Dispatcher ELR

Heritage Grocers Group•Addison, TX

43d

About The Position

The Transportation Dispatcher coordinates delivery routes and transportation operations to support on-time deliveries. The role communicates with truck drivers, carriers, stores, and other departments; prepares and verifies driver paperwork; assigns trucks, trailers, and docks for loading and unloading; monitors routes using GPS; helps drivers address mechanical issues on the road; coordinates maintenance and repairs to reduce downtime; and supports compliance with DOT regulations. The Dispatcher plans and monitors routes and schedules, tracks trucks and trailers, responds to route changes, and records and reports driver behavior or incidents. The role also prepares and records load documentation, invoices outbound orders, verifies DOT weight requirements, and captures detailed shipment and dispatch information in a database. As a communication liaison, the Dispatcher works with transportation, carrier companies, drivers, stores, operations, accounting, and IT to address delivery, scheduling, invoicing, and operational issues. The position maintains records related to DOT and FMCSA compliance, including driver logs and inspection reports, and monitors drivers’ hours-of-service compliance.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience as a transportation dispatcher or in a similar logistics role.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Familiarity with conflict resolution.
Ability to enforce policies while maintaining a constructive and supportive approach.
Flexibility with work schedule to support a 24-hour production facility.
Ability to sit, stand, and use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 75 pounds.
Ability to squat, bend, stoop, push, pull, kneel, and reach.
Close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Additional education in logistics or a related field.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Manage driver schedules in alignment with demand forecasts and seasonal needs.
Optimize delivery routes for efficient and cost-effective transportation, and collaborate with management to adjust daily routes as needed.
Use GPS tracking and fleet management software to monitor the real-time location and status of trucks and trailers.
Respond to route changes and work with drivers to establish new routes that support timely deliveries.
Coordinate the assignment of trucks and trailers to drivers and confirm assets are operational and in the appropriate distribution center yard.
Serve as a point of contact for drivers reporting mechanical problems during transportation, and coordinate maintenance and repair services.
Monitor driver behavior using GPS tools and promptly report inappropriate behavior to the Senior Transportation Manager, while communicating with the driver and maintaining incident records.
Prepare complete and accurate invoices, weight sheets, manifests, return forms, and route information.
Invoice daily outbound orders and verify that pickups, returns, bills of lading, and cross-dock orders are dispatched with invoices.
Ensure loads meet DOT weight requirements and communicate with management when routes do not meet those requirements.
Send reports on dispatched loads and other information needed by the receiving department the following morning.
Enter accurate and timely load information in the database, including shipment details, check-in and drive times, dispatch and arrival times, truck and trailer numbers, dock, driver name, pallet totals, and special handling requirements.
Act as a communication liaison among the transportation department, carrier companies, and El Rancho drivers.
Build relationships with drivers and customers to help manage last-minute schedule changes.
Communicate with operations, accounting, and IT about systemic invoicing issues.
Communicate with stores or affected third parties about late deliveries, appointments, and operational issues.
Maintain records demonstrating regulatory compliance, including ELD driver logs and pre- and post-trip inspection reports.
Monitor drivers’ hours-of-service compliance and ensure planned routes adhere to legal driving limits.
Reinforce DOT compliance requirements with drivers and promptly report concerns involving hours of service, drug testing, or alcohol testing to the Senior Transportation Manager.