Dispatcher - Local

Forward Air Corporation; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation is seeking a Dispatcher - Local to support day-to-day freight coordination and driver communication. Responsibilities include scheduling shipments, data entry, and monitoring progress to ensure on-time delivery.

This on-site role emphasizes adherence to SOPs and reliable attendance. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, strong customer service, and experience with dispatch systems; AS400 experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Able to follow established processes in fast-paced environment.
• Basic problem-solving with escalation when needed.
• Familiar with dispatch systems; AS400 a plus.
• Maintain professionalism with drivers and internal partners.
• Dispatch/transportation experience preferred.
• Dependable with attendance and scheduling.
• Proficient in Microsoft O365 and common office tools.
• On-site work required at assigned location.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine coordination, scheduling, and dispatching of customer freight using established processes and systems.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for driver communications via phone, Qualcomm, and email.
• Relay instructions and updates to Independent Contractors and document interactions in internal systems.
• Monitor shipment status and provide updates to ensure on-time delivery.
• Identify basic service issues and escalated concerns to supervisors for resolution.
• Maintain accurate records of driver hours, performance, and availability.
• Provide straightforward customer updates and route information based on set guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with customer service/sales to communicate shipment status and assist in resolving routine issues.
• Follow all department standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance requirements.
• Support new drivers by providing system instructions and basic process guidance.
• Perform data entry, documentation review, and administrative tasks to support fleet operations.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Process adherence

Problem solving

Attendance reliability

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

AS400

Job description

Compensation

• Base Pay: $20.87/ hour

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Dispatcher - Local supports day‑to‑day freight coordination by following established procedures to schedule, assign, and track shipments. This role focuses on accurately entering information, monitoring shipment progress, and communicating routine updates between drivers and internal teams. The Dispatcher provides direct support to Independent Contractors by responding to questions, relaying instructions, and escalating issues to leadership as needed. Work is performed within defined guidelines, SOPs, and systems. This position plays a critical role in maintaining timely, accurate freight movement and exceptional driver and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine coordination, scheduling, and dispatching of customer freight using established processes and systems
• Serve as the primary point of contact for driver communications via phone, Qualcomm, and email
• Relay instructions and updates to Independent Contractors and document interactions in internal systems
• Monitor shipment status and provide updates to ensure on‑time delivery
• Identify basic service issues and escalated concerns to supervisors for resolution
• Maintain accurate records of driver hours, performance, and availability
• Provide straightforward customer updates and route information based on set guidelines
• Work collaboratively with customer service/sales to communicate shipment status and assist in resolving routine issues
• Follow all department standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance requirements
• Support new drivers by providing system instructions and basic process guidance
• Perform data entry, documentation review, and administrative tasks to support fleet operations
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to follow established processes in a fast‑paced environment
• Basic problem‑solving skills with willingness to escalation issues appropriately
• Comfort using dispatch systems; AS400 experience a plus
• Ability to maintain professionalism when working with drivers and internal partners
• Transportation or dispatch experience preferred
• Demonstrated reliability and commitment to attendance and schedule requirements
• Technical: Proficient in Microsoft O365 and common office technologies
• Environment: Must be able to work on‑site and commute reliably to the assigned location