Intermodal Dispatcher – Midwest Focus

Rapid Intermodal; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k)

PTO

Paid holidays

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Rapid Intermodal in Kansas City, MO, seeks an Intermodal Dispatcher for the early shift to plan, schedule, and dispatch container moves across KC and broader Midwest routes.

You will act as the frontline link between drivers, customers, and rail terminals, ensuring on-time performance and accurate data entry while complying with hours-of-service and safety rules.

Qualifications

• Aptitude for logistics and routing of loads.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to stay composed when handling urgent plan changes.
• Proficiency with email, spreadsheets, and web-based rail/yard portals.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and dispatch daily intermodal drayage loads in KC and Midwest lanes.
• Communicate clear dispatch instructions to drivers via phone, text, and dispatch/TMS tools.
• Monitor progress, track container status, and resolve delays or congestion.
• Coordinate with rail ramps, yards, and warehouses to schedule and adjust appointments.
• Enter and maintain accurate load data in the TMS, including moves and billing details.
• Manage free time, per diem, and storage exposure to minimize charges.
• Provide timely status updates and ETAs to customers and internal teams.
• Assist with POD collection and documents for accurate billing.

Skills

Logistics aptitude

Adaptability

Calm under pressure

Software proficiency

Effective communication

Detail orientation

On-site availability

Tools

TMS systems

Rail/yard portals

Job description

Location: Kansas City, MO (serving Midwest markets)
Schedule: Full-time: M-F: shift starts at 5:30 am
Reports to: Lead Dispatch

About Us

Rapid Intermodal is an intermodal drayage carrier serving key Midwest markets with a primary focus on Kansas City and surrounding rail ramps and distribution centers. We specialize in moving containers to and from regional rail hubs and customer facilities, providing reliable, on-time service to shippers and brokers across the heartland.

Position Summary

The early shift Intermodal Dispatcher plans, schedules, and dispatches container moves for a fleet of local drivers throughout the Kansas City area and broader Midwest region. This role is the frontline connection between drivers, customers, and rail terminals, ensuring time-sensitive freight moves safely and efficiently each day.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and dispatch daily intermodal drayage loads in and around Kansas City and other Midwest lanes, aligning with rail ramp and customer appointment times.
• Communicate clear dispatch instructions to drivers (container, chassis, pickup/delivery addresses, appointment windows, special requirements) using phone, text, and dispatch/TMS tools.
• Monitor driver progress, track container status, and proactively resolve issues such as delays, equipment shortages, access problems, or rail/yard congestion.
• Coordinate closely with rail ramps, yards, and warehouses in the Kansas City region (and other Midwest hubs as needed) to schedule appointments and adjust plans in real time.
• Enter and maintain accurate load data in the TMS, including moves, accessorials, in/out times, and rail billing details.
• Manage container and chassis free time, per diem, and storage exposure by planning turns and returns to minimize avoidable charges.
• Provide timely status updates and ETAs to customers and internal teams, especially when service exceptions occur.
• Support driver compliance and safety by considering hours-of-service, company policies, and rail/yard rules when assigning and adjusting loads.
• Assist with collection of PODs and other documents to ensure accurate billing and on-time invoicing.

Required Qualifications

• Aptitude for logistics
  
• Willingness to learn and adapt
• Ability to maintain calm logic inside urgent complexities.
• Proficiency with software and comfort using email, spreadsheets, and web-based rail/yard portals.
• Clear, professional communication skills when working with drivers, customers, and terminal personnel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for managing multiple loads, appointments, and equipment assets simultaneously.
• Ability to work on-site in Kansas City, early shift, starts at 5:30 am.

Even better if you have

• Recent experience as an intermodal/drayage dispatcher, preferably working with Midwest rail ramps or yards.(e.g., Edgerton/Logistics Park Kansas City and other regional facilities).
• Familiarity with common Midwest lanes (MO, KS, NE, IA, OK, AR) and regional customer expectations.
  

Key Competencies

• Ownership: Takes responsibility for on-time performance, communication quality, and accurate data entry.
• Customer focus: Balances customer needs with operational realities and driver safety.
• Problem solving: Anticipates issues and resolves them before they impact service or cost.
• Midwest mindset: Professional, courteous, and dependable, with a focus on long-term relationships.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary, starting at $22/hr, commensurate with experience
• Access to Health Insurance, 401(k), PTO, paid holidays
• Fast growing family-owned company w/ pathways for growth