A logistics dispatcher is a professional responsible forcoordinating the movement of goodsthrough a company's supply chain, ensuring shipments are picked up and delivered on time and efficiently. They act as the central communication point between drivers, customers, and internal teams, managing schedules, optimizing routes, and resolving issues in real time.
Key Responsibilities
The specific duties of a logistics dispatcher generally include:
- Route Planning and Optimization:Using software to map the most efficient routes for drivers, considering factors like traffic, weather, and delivery windows to reduce costs and transit times.
- Driver Coordination and Communication:Assigning drivers and vehicles to specific orders and maintaining constant communication via phone, radio, or messaging to provide instructions, updates, and support.
- Scheduling:Setting pickup and delivery appointments with shippers, receivers, and distribution centers.
- Tracking and Monitoring:Utilizing GPS and transportation management systems (TMS) to monitor the real-time location and status of drivers and shipments, taking action to address delays or complications.
- Problem Solving and Emergency Response:Proactively identifying and resolving logistical challenges such as vehicle breakdowns, accidents, or customs problems to minimize disruptions to the supply chain.
- Documentation and Record Keeping:Maintaining accurate logs and records of all dispatch activities, including driver hours of service (HOS), delivery confirmations (PODs), and billing information to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Customer Service:Liaising with customers to provide updates, address inquiries, manage complaints, and ensure high levels of satisfaction.
- Compliance:Ensuring that all drivers and equipment comply with corporate safety standards and all applicable local, provincial, and federal transportation laws and regulations.
- Fleet Management:Ensuring that fleet vehicles are mechanically serviced with minimal interruption to our daily activities and that maintenance is properly recorded.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Successful logistics dispatchers typically possess a blend of hard and soft skills:
- Education:A high school diploma or equivalent is a minimum requirement, while post-secondary education in transportation, logistics, or supply chain management is considered an asset.
- Experience:Minimum 1-3 years of prior experience in a dispatching, logistics, or related customer service role.
- Technical Skills:Proficiency in dispatch management software, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), GPS tracking, and Microsoft Office (especially Excel) is essential.
- Certification:Minimum valid G license with a good driving history is required, a valid license for a higher weighted vehicle would be an asset. Forklift Certification would be an asset.
- Soft Skills:
- Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
- Ability to multitask and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Adaptability and a calm demeanor, especially during emergencies
-Monday thru Friday
-Regular Season: 6:45am to 5:00pm (9 ¾ hrs)Off Season: 8:00am to 4:00pm (7.5hrs)
-Overtime pay at time + one-half will apply in excess of 44 hours
-½ hour unpaid lunch daily
-Hourly rate of pay $28.00 to $30.00
-Probationary Period: 90 working days
-Group benefit Plan, Pension Plan will commence after successful completion of the probationary period.