LTL US - Dispatch Planner

The Erb Group; Baden; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Erb Group is seeking a Fleet Planner/Dispatcher to manage a growing driver and vehicle fleet in Ontario. You will plan routes 48–72 hours ahead and communicate continuously with drivers to ensure on-time arrivals and high service levels.

You will work closely with the Fleet Manager and intercompany teams to cover vacations and shifts, optimize equipment utilization, and respond quickly to service issues.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a dispatcher in transportation.
• Strong leadership and customer service abilities.
• Proficient in Excel and routing software; able to analyze data to improve routing.

Responsibilities

• Plan trucks and drivers 48–72 hours in advance and communicate with the team.
• Review fleet staffing to maximize efficiency of personnel and equipment.
• Liaise with other locations to improve utilization of equipment.
• Support vacation and shift coverage with Fleet Manager and intercompany staff.
• Coordinate with departments from freight booking to final delivery.
• Respond to service queries from employees and customers.
• Establish routing per contract requirements and adjust as needed.
• Coordinate with Freight Specialists to reduce empty miles and improve rate per mile.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly dashboard reports (miles, rate per mile, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned; rotating third Friday afternoons.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Problem solving

Communication skills

MS Office (Excel)

Routing software knowledge

Flexibility

Tools

Routing software

MS Office

Job description

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Fleet Manager, the Planner is responsible for the effective management and coordination of a fleet of drivers and vehicles. The incumbent is charged with ensuring that the team services its clients efficiently while meeting a high standard of customer service.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan a group of trucks and drivers 48 – 72 hours in advance, and communicate with them throughout their trip
• Daily review of fleet personnel to ensure proper allocation of human resources and equipment in order to maximize operational efficiencies.
• Liaise with other operating locations to maximize equipment efficiency and utilization
• Work with Fleet Manager and intercompany staff to assist with vacation coverage and shift coverage.
• Work in coordination with all departments to ensure efficiency from freight booking to final delivery.
• Respond to queries from employees and customers regarding service issues.
• Establish routing based on contract requirements and update as needed.
• Liase with the Freight Specialists on freight and equipment needs to drive down empty miles, and increasing the rate per mile for the tour
• Prepare various daily, weekly and monthly dashboard reports. Dashboards will measure, number of miles per truck, number of miles per driver, rate per mile and empty miles.
• All other duties as assigned.
• In rotation to work every third Friday afternoon 3pm-midnight.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Employee must be flexible with a composed approach.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
• A positive attitude and excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to identify and constructively make recommendations regarding operational improvements.
• At least 3 years’ previous experience as a dispatcher in the transportation industry.
• Sound knowledge of MS Office particularly Excel. Previous experience with routing software is an asset.
• Technical knowledge of major vehicle systems and various equipment types.
• Knowledge of Highway Traffic Act, hours of service logs, load security, weight restrictions and regulations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Flexibility for shift coverage

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-time position, 42.5 hours per week –overtime may be required