Dispatcher

First Search Inc.; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

First Search Inc. in Plymouth, MI is seeking an Automotive Transportation Dispatcher to join our operations team onsite.

This role coordinates vehicle shipments from load assignment through delivery, secures carrier capacity, negotiates rates, and keeps customers updated with accurate information. The ideal candidate has experience in transportation dispatch, logistics operations, or carrier management, and can manage multiple shipments while building strong relationships with professional car

Qualifications

• Experience in transportation dispatch, logistics operations, or related field.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple shipments.
• Excellent communication with carriers, customers, and teams.
• Decision-making in fast-paced environment.
• Ability to negotiate rates with profitability.
• Familiarity with TMS, load boards, and logistics software.
• Attention to detail in shipment records.
• Willingness to work afternoon/evening schedule and one weekend per month.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate vehicle shipments from load assignment to final delivery.
• Assign loads to carriers and secure transportation capacity while maintaining profitability.
• Monitor active shipments to meet customer expectations.
• Identify delays and issues before they impact customers.
• Resolve transportation issues quickly and escalate when needed.
• Maintain shipment statuses and carrier information in the TMS.
• Balance carrier expectations with customer service and profitability.
• Build relationships with car haulers and carriers.
• Negotiate carrier rates within pricing guidelines.
• Provide carriers with load availability and delivery updates.

Skills

Transportation dispatch

Logistics operations

Carrier management

Negotiation

TMS and load boards

Problem solving

Job description

Automotive Transportation Dispatcher (Carrier Operations)

Location: Plymouth, MI | Fully Onsite

About the Opportunity

Our colleague has partnered with an automotive transportation and logistics company in Plymouth, MI, that is looking to add an experienced Transportation Dispatcher to its operations team. This is a hands‑on position for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys solving problems, and understands the importance of keeping freight moving efficiently.

The Dispatcher will be responsible for coordinating vehicle shipments from assignment through delivery, securing carrier capacity, negotiating transportation rates, and ensuring customers receive accurate, timely updates.

The ideal candidate has experience in transportation dispatch, freight brokerage, carrier operations, or automotive logistics and is comfortable making decisions, managing multiple shipments, and building strong relationships with carriers.

What You'll Do

Transportation & Dispatch Operations

• Plan, coordinate, and manage vehicle shipments from load assignment through final delivery.
• Assign loads to carriers and secure third‑party transportation capacity while maintaining profitability.
• Monitor active shipments to ensure pickups and deliveries meet customer expectations.
• Identify potential delays, service disruptions, and shipment issues before they impact customers.
• Resolve transportation issues quickly and elevate complex situations when necessary.
• Maintain accurate shipment statuses, carrier information, and delivery updates within the Transportation Management System (TMS).
• Manage unassigned loads and prioritize shipments to ensure timely movement.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with professional car haulers and transportation carriers.
• Communicate with carriers regarding load availability, pickup schedules, delivery expectations, and shipment updates.
• Negotiate carrier rates within established pricing guidelines.
• Balance carrier expectations, customer service requirements, and company profitability.
• Track carrier declines and identify opportunities to improve carrier utilization and service.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for carriers, providing responsive and professional support.

Customer Service & Problem‑Solving

• Work closely with Account Managers and internal operations teams to ensure customer needs are met.
• Proactively communicate shipment updates, delays, estimated delivery times, and service exceptions.
• Troubleshoot transportation challenges and coordinate solutions with carriers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor shipment performance and take action to minimize delays, dwell time, and service disruptions.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service, particularly when handling time‑sensitive issues.

Operational Performance

• Monitor load profitability and make cost‑conscious dispatch decisions.
• Maintain accurate records of shipment activity, carrier communications, and operational issues.
• Participate in regular performance discussions and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and service.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure shipment coverage during shift changes, rotations, and absences.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Experience in transportation dispatch, logistics operations, freight brokerage, carrier management, or a related field.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills when working with carriers, customers, and internal teams.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and the confidence to make decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to negotiate transportation rates while considering service requirements and profitability.
• Comfortable using transportation management systems, load boards, and other logistics software.
• Ability to proactively identify shipment issues and coordinate timely solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate shipment information.
• Ability to work the required afternoon/evening schedule and one weekend per month.