Transportation Dispatcher

Dairy Farmers of America•Rensselaer, NY

About The Position

The Transportation Dispatcher works under moderate supervision to coordinate the scheduling and dispatching of truck drivers, supporting timely, efficient product shipments and customer needs. The role performs routine duties independently, resolves straightforward issues using standard procedures, and seeks assistance with uncommon or complicated situations. The dispatcher schedules and monitors shipments—including raw milk and other products—coordinates drivers and carriers, communicates with customers and internal teams, and responds to delivery disruptions. The role also maintains transportation records and reports, validates delivery documentation and carrier charges, supports regulatory compliance, and works to optimize routes, load capacity, and transportation costs. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
1 to 3 years of dispatching, logistics, transportation, customer service, or related experience.
Certification and/or license may be required during employment.
Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
Knowledge of the geographic region being supported and of logistics and transportation regulations.
Customer service skills.
Ability to analyze logistical movements and adjustments to optimize operations.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to organize time, energy, and resources effectively.
Ability to problem-solve and make decisions under pressure while remaining calm and composed.
Ability to balance tolerance and assertiveness when dealing with customers and drivers.
Ability to multitask and prioritize work responsibilities.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Responsibilities

Schedule and dispatch daily shipments, including raw milk and other products, to meet customer needs and optimize routes, costs, and efficiency.
Assign approved drivers to loads based on availability, capacity, and delivery deadlines, and confirm load and delivery dates and times.
Audit driver compliance with schedules.
Serve as a primary point of contact among drivers, customers, and internal contacts; communicate instructions, changes, shipment status, and address issues.
Build and maintain relationships with carriers and drivers, learning their needs, schedules, and physical limitations and communicating customer and distribution-system requirements.
Follow customer contracts, including volume and quantity requirements, plant and warehouse schedules, and special circumstances.
Monitor raw milk movements to help ensure producers remain qualified during qualifying months and between Federal Orders; maximize diversions and transportation credits where applicable.
Assemble outgoing loads and coordinate orders with other depots, plants, and warehouses to maximize carrier load weights and volume.
Monitor secondary freight costs and seek to minimize them when scheduling deliveries.
Monitor deliveries from load assembly through customer delivery using tracking systems; promptly address delays and other issues.
Coordinate responses to emergencies and unforeseen events, including accidents, traffic delays, and equipment malfunctions.
Ensure dispatch activities comply with federal and state transportation regulations and keep current with relevant transportation and dairy industry regulatory changes.
Respond to customer questions and concerns about delivery times, delays, and related issues, working to maintain customer satisfaction.
Provide drivers with directions, load information, and other logistical support.
Match proof-of-delivery documents and approve carrier invoices; validate charges.
Work with other groups to resolve discrepancies between incoming manifests and dispatch schedules.
Enter and maintain accurate records in systems and spreadsheets, including proof of delivery, bills of lading, receiving credits, customer receipts, delivery schedules, carrier and hauler information, and costs; prepare regular and ad hoc reports.
Seek and negotiate the lowest carrier costs within the set authority limit.
As applicable, handle the sale or disposal of distressed loads and update the rejected-load database with accurate, timely records of quality results, disposition, and sale price.
Perform other duties as assigned.