Intermodal Dispatcher & Fleet Planner

Forward Air Corporation; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Air Corporation in Kearny, NJ, is seeking a Dispatcher - Intermodal to plan, schedule, and coordinate customer freight, optimizing fleet performance and service levels. You will guide Independent Contractors, resolve issues, and make routing decisions in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires strong analytical and decision-making abilities, excellent communication, and the ability to manage competing priorities while traveling to meet customers and operations needs on-site.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong analytical and operational decision‑making skills.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment in day‑to‑day operations.
• Advanced written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience in transportation or load planning is preferred.

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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making

Independent judgment

Communication skills

Driver relationships management

Education

Undergraduate degree (preferred)

Tools

AS400

Dispatch systems

Job description

Forward Air Corporation in Kearny, NJ, is seeking a Dispatcher - Intermodal to plan, schedule, and coordinate customer freight, optimizing fleet performance and service levels. You will guide Independent Contractors, resolve issues, and make routing decisions in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires strong analytical and decision-making abilities, excellent communication, and the ability to manage competing priorities while traveling to meet customers and operations needs on-site.