Dispatcher - Intermodal

Forward Air Corp.; Roseville (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corp. is seeking a Dispatcher for Intermodal operations. The role oversees planning, scheduling, and strategic coordination of customer freight to optimize efficiency and service performance.

It requires independent judgment to manage relationships, resolve issues, allocate resources, and drive fleet performance. Responsibilities include leading dispatch activities, acting as the primary contact for Independent Contractors, monitoring demurrage, and providing clear guidance by phone

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong analytical and operational decision‑making skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in day‑to‑day operations.
• Advanced written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience building professional driver relationships.
• Proficiency with dispatch systems; AS400 experience a plus.
• Transportation or load‑planning experience preferred.
• Discretion and confidentiality handling sensitive information.
• Proficient with Microsoft O365 and common office technologies.
• On‑site work with travel as needed for meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, scheduling, and dispatching to maximize fleet efficiency.
• Serve as primary operational decision‑maker for assigned Independent Contractors.
• Monitor demurrage and storage to prevent extra costs.
• Provide detailed instructions via email and phone.
• Accept and schedule loads while delivering excellent customer service.
• Make routing decisions balancing customer needs and company finances.
• Build strong driver relationships to support retention and performance.
• Analyze shipment data and adjust plans to maintain service levels.
• Identify root causes and implement corrective actions for ops issues.
• Communicate capacity constraints and service solutions to customers.
• Monitor driver hours and compliance for safe operations.
• Collaborate with sales and customer service on service solutions.
• Recommend process improvements to fleet performance.
• Provide guidance and training to junior dispatch staff.
• Prepare performance insights for leadership.
• Perform other duties as business needs evolve.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Written and verbal communication

Driver relationship management

Independent judgment

Discretion/confidentiality

Education

Undergraduate degree preferred

Tools

AS400

Dispatch systems

Microsoft O365

Job description

Pay Rate: starting at $70,000 per year

Schedule: Mon - Fri 7am - 4pm

The Dispatcher - Intermodaloversees the planning, scheduling, and strategic coordination of customer freight to ensure optimal operational efficiency and service performance. This role exercises independent judgment to manage relationships, resolve service issues, allocate resources, and proactively identify improvements that drive fleet performance. They serve as a trusted partner to Independent Contractors and customers, balancing operational capabilities with service expectations. The position requires advanced decision‑making, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead planning, scheduling, and dispatching activities to maximize fleet efficiency and meet customer requirements
• Serve as the primary operational decision‑maker and point of contact for assigned Independent Contractors
• Monitor containers to prevent demurrage and storage fees
• Providing detailed instruction to various personnel via email and phone
• Accepting & scheduling loads and providing excellent customer service
• Make routing decisions that satisfy customer expectations and company financial decisions
• Develop strong, influential relationships with drivers to support retention and performance
• Analyze shipment data and proactively adjust plans to maintain service levels
• Resolve operational challenges by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions
• Manage customer expectations by communicating capacity constraints and service solutions
• Monitor driver hours, performance, and compliance, making adjustments to ensure safe and legal operations
• Collaborate with sales and customer service to design service solutions and support customer needs
• Recommend process improvements to enhance fleet performance and operational reliability
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and training support to less experienced dispatch personnel
• Prepare performance insights and trends for leadership review
• All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications:

• Education: Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university preferred; equivalent experience considered
• Strong analytical and operational decision‑making skills
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in day‑to‑day operations
• Advanced written and verbal communication abilities
• Demonstrated success in building and managing professional driver relationships
• Proficiency in dispatch systems; AS400 experience a plus
• Transportation industry or load‑planning experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information
• Technical: Proficient with Microsoft O365 and common office technologies
• Environment: Ability to work on‑site and travel as needed for operational or customer meetings