Intermodal Dispatch Lead: Fleet Optimization

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

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