Dispatcher III

ICAT LOGISTICS INC; Apache Junction (AZ); On-site; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

ICAT LOGISTICS INC. in Apache Junction, AZ is seeking a Dispatcher III to manage and optimize freight dispatch operations. You will coordinate shipments, assign routes, negotiate carrier rates, and maintain DOT compliance while communicating with customers, drivers, and internal teams.

The role requires 5+ years in logistics dispatch, strong TMS experience, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. On-site position with on-call responsibilities. Salary range provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of transportation or logistics dispatch experience in freight forwarding, LTL/TL, or air/ocean operations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of carrier operations, routing, and cost management.
• Proficiency with TMS platforms (e.g., CargoWise, MercuryGate, Descartes) and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily dispatch operations, ensuring shipments are scheduled, routed, and tracked efficiently.
• Plan, assign, and adjust routes to optimize cost, service, and equipment utilization.
• Evaluate carriers and capacity; negotiate rates and select optimal transportation solutions.
• Serve as primary communication point between customers, drivers, and internal departments.
• Monitor transit progress using TMS, GPS, and carrier communication to identify delays or exceptions; resolve proactively.
• Authorize adjustments or recovery actions to meet delivery deadlines.
• Maintain compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and company safety standards.
• Prepare daily operational reports and KPIs for leadership review.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, and Accounting.
• Identify process improvements to enhance service quality and efficiency.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior dispatch staff; on-call for weekends or extended hours.

Job description

Description

The Dispatcher III is responsible for managing the coordination, scheduling, and oversight of transportation activities to ensure timely and efficient movement of freight. This role proactively monitors shipments, communicates with drivers, carriers, and customers, and ensures service commitments are met while maintaining profitability, compliance, and operational excellence. The Dispatcher is expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment in decision-making, carrier selection, and issue resolution, aligning operations with customer and company priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily dispatch operations, ensuring all shipments are scheduled, routed, and tracked efficiently
• Plan, assign, and adjust routes and loads to optimize cost, service, and equipment utilization
• Evaluate available carriers and capacity; negotiate rates and select optimal transportation solutions
• Serve as the primary communication point between customers, drivers, and internal departments
• Monitor transit progress using TMS, GPS, and carrier communication to identify delays or exceptions; resolve proactively
• Authorize and approve adjustments, redirections, or recovery actions as needed to meet delivery deadlines
• Maintain compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and company safety standards
• Prepare daily operational reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) for leadership review
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, and Accounting to ensure operational accuracy and client satisfaction
• Continuously identify process improvements to enhance service quality and efficiency
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory and operational policies with discretion and independent judgment.
• Provide mentorship, training, and guidance to junior dispatch or logistics coordinators
• Required to be available for on-call support, weekends or extended hours depending on shipment volumes
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications & Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or Highschool diploma plus equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of transportation or logistics dispatch experience, preferably in freight forwarding, LTL/TL, or air/ocean operations
• Proven ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong understanding of carrier operations, routing, and cost management
• Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills
• Proficiency with TMS platforms (e.g., CargoWise, MercuryGate, Descartes) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory and operational policies with discretion and independent judgment
• TSA/IAC security awareness training preferred
• Functional skills with Microsoft Office products
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail
• Compliance and safety mindset
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Highly motivated team player with an outgoing and positive work attitude
• Strong work ethic with a persistence in pursuit of objectives
• Understanding and responsive to situations that require a sense of urgency
• Consistent in follow-up and follow-through
• Credible with a high level of personal integrity
• Loyal and dedicated to the success of colleagues and team members
• Optimistic toward all activities, able to transmit this optimism to others
• Adaptive to ICAT’s core values

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Frequent phone and radio communication

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No, but may provide mentorship, training to junior dispatch staff

Travel Requirement:

No, ability to work nights, evenings and be on-call on a regular basis

Salary Range:

$61,710 - $72,600