Dispatcher - Local

Forward Air Corp.; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

HSA

Vision

Dental

Life and Disability

401(k) with match

Stock purchase program

FSA

Commuter benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Forward Air Corp. is seeking a Dispatcher - Local to coordinate daily freight operations and serve as the primary driver contact. You will enter information accurately, monitor shipments, and relay updates between drivers and internal teams to ensure timely deliveries.

The role emphasizes following SOPs, providing guidance to Independent Contractors, and maintaining thorough records. On-site work with a focus on reliability and customer service is required.

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 escalate.
• Comfort using dispatch systems; AS400 experience a plus.
• Professionalism when working with drivers and internal partners.
• Transportation or dispatch experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft O365 and common office technologies.
• On-site work and reliable attendance required.

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 escalate.
• 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

Follow processes

Problem solving

Professionalism

Reliability

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

AS400

Dispatch systems

Microsoft 365

Job description

• Job Category Operations: Individual Contributors
• Job Category Logistics and Transportation
• Job Function Operations

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 escal
• 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 escal
• 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

WHAT WE OFFER

• Compensation: Competitive base pay based on experience, industry/geographic benchmarks and internal equity. Some positions may be eligible for incentive pay programs and/or equity-based incentives. Pay ranges published on job boards are not provided nor verified by the Company.
• Health: Medical and Pharmacy insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); Vision; Dental; Life and Disability; Critical Illness; Accident Indemnity; Hospital Indemnity; On-demand telehealth via Teladoc; Employee Assistance Program (counseling and financial/lifestyle coaching).
• Wealth: 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match; Employee stock purchase program; Flexible Spending Account (FSA); Commuter Benefits; LegalEASE legal coverage.
• Time: 7 paid holidays and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) tiers ranging from 10–25 days annually.
• Culture: A collaborative, transformation-driven, solutions-first environment full of "can do" attitude and "will do" work ethic.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Work Authorization: Within the United States, the Company is an E-Verify employer. Unless otherwise indicated, U.S.-based workers must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, including but not limited to F-1, H-1, H-2, L, J, and TN visas, etc.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): The Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer . Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Physical/mental requirements are listed only to identify where potential accommodations may be needed, not as qualification standards. In compliance with applicable laws and regulations (including ADA, ADEA, and FMLA), accommodations may be available to qualified individuals unable to perform essential duties without them. Additional requirements may apply to meet legal, regulatory, and Company standards.