Intermodal Dispatcher

IMC Companies; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IMC Companies is seeking an experienced Dispatch/Operations professional to plan, coordinate, and execute the daily dispatch of company drivers and owner operators. You will prioritize customer requirements, appointments, and driver availability to ensure safe, timely, and cost-efficient freight movement.

Responsibilities include developing daily dispatch plans to maximize fleet utilization, resolving issues with drivers, and maintaining compliance with DOT regulations and company policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of intermodal transportation operations preferred.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations and Hours of Service preferred.
• Strong leadership, problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch drivers and owner operators to maximize utilization and on-time service.
• Prioritize customer requirements, appointments, and driver availability.
• Coordinate freight movement between terminals to optimize time and equipment use.
• Monitor productivity and adjust plans to address disruptions and changes.
• Ensure DOT compliance and proper documentation is maintained.
• Build relationships with drivers, customers, railroads, and internal teams.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Transportation management systems

Job description

Job Description

Position Overview

Responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the daily dispatch of company drivers and owner operators to maximize equipment utilization, on‑time service, and operational efficiency. Independently prioritizes customer requirements, appointment schedules, driver availability, and equipment resources to ensure safe, timely, and cost‑effective freight movement. Serves as the primary point of contact for drivers throughout the workday, resolving operational issues while maintaining exceptional customer service and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Essential Job Functions

• Exercise independent judgment when assigning freight, scheduling appointments, and dispatching drivers based on customer priorities, driver hours, equipment availability, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and execute daily dispatch plans that maximize driver productivity, fleet utilization, and profitability while maintaining customer service commitments.
• Coordinate freight movement between company terminals and operating locations to optimize driver time and equipment utilization.
• Maintain effective A-to-B dispatching practices while minimizing empty miles and maximizing revenue‑producing moves.
• Monitor driver productivity throughout the day and proactively adjust dispatch plans to address service disruptions, customer changes, equipment availability, or driver needs.
• Serve as the primary operational contact for drivers by resolving equipment issues, appointment conflicts, detention situations, route concerns, and other service‑related matters.
• Monitor driver performance and ensure required paperwork, electronic documents, and proof of delivery are submitted accurately and on time.
• Investigate service failures and exercise authority to address performance issues, including verbal and written corrective action when appropriate, while communicating concerns to management.
• Apply accessorial charges, detention, chassis usage, and other applicable billing items while ensuring Customer Service is informed of changes affecting customer invoices.
• Coordinate rail billing requests and monitor shipment status to ensure timely movement through rail terminals and customer facilities.
• Maintain and update operational reports including yard reports, MDR, driver pay exceptions, divisional pool reports, and other required operational metrics.
• Actively support driver recruiting, onboarding, engagement, and retention initiatives to maintain adequate fleet capacity.
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, Hours of Service requirements, hazardous materials regulations, and company safety policies.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with drivers, customers, railroads, steamship lines, terminal personnel, and internal departments.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer service through continuous process improvement.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching, and daily direction to company drivers while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and professionalism.
• Assist with operational planning and implementation of new business, customer requirements, and process improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality of driver records, customer information, operational data, and company business practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of terminal and regional operations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of intermodal transportation operations preferred.
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations, Hours of Service requirements, and hazardous materials regulations.
• Strong computer proficiency and ability to learn transportation management and dispatch systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment while making sound operational decisions.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; transportation, logistics, or dispatch experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Customer‑focused mindset with the ability to build strong relationships.
• Ability to perform effectively under pr