Transportation Dispatcher

Dairy Farmers of America•Sharpsville, PA

16h

About The Position

Work under a moderate degree of supervision to coordinate the scheduling and dispatching of truck drivers to ensure timely and efficient delivery of product shipments. Perform routine duties independently and resolve straightforward issues using standard procedures. Seek assistance for uncommon, new, or complicated situations.

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 logistics and transportation regulations.
Customer service skills.
Ability to analyze logistical movements and adjustments to optimize operations.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals.
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.
Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Responsibilities

Schedule and dispatch daily loads and shipments, including raw milk and products or goods, to meet customer needs and optimize routes, costs, and efficiency.
Dispatch approved drivers to appropriate loads based on availability, capacity, and delivery deadlines; confirm load and delivery dates and times.
Audit driver compliance with schedules.
Serve as the primary contact among drivers, customers, and internal contacts. Communicate delivery instructions, customer changes, address issues, and shipment-status updates.
Develop and maintain relationships with carriers and drivers, learn their needs, operating schedules, and physical limitations, and communicate customer and distribution-system needs.
Understand customer contracts, including volumes, quantities, plant and warehouse schedules, and special requirements or circumstances.
Monitor raw milk movements to ensure producers remain qualified during qualifying months and between Federal Orders; maximize diversions and transportation credits where applicable.
Assemble outgoing orders and maximize carrier load weights and volume by coordinating orders with other depots, plants, and warehouses.
Monitor secondary freight costs and work to minimize them when scheduling deliveries.
Track deliveries from load assembly through customer delivery using tracking systems, and promptly address delays or other issues.
Handle emergencies and unforeseen events, such as accidents, traffic delays, and equipment malfunctions, coordinating with drivers and others to find solutions.
Ensure dispatch activities comply with federal and state transportation regulations and stay current on applicable trucking and dairy-industry laws and regulations.
Address customer questions and concerns about delivery times, delays, and related issues through effective communication and problem resolution.
Provide drivers with information and support, including directions, load information, and other logistical details.
Match proofs of delivery and approve carrier invoices; validate charges.
Work with other groups to resolve discrepancies between incoming manifests and the dispatch schedule.
Enter and maintain accurate records and data in systems and spreadsheets, including proofs 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 established authority limits.
May handle the sale or disposal of distressed loads and track them in the rejected-load database; communicate and maintain accurate, timely records of quality results, disposition, and sale price.
Perform other duties as assigned.