Dispatcher

Job Summary

The Dispatcher at Sealy Logistics is responsible for coordinating, scheduling, and monitoring all transportation activities to ensure the efficient, safe, and timely movement of freight. This role manages daily communication with drivers, supports customer delivery requirements, resolves routing issues, and maintains accurate documentation for all inbound and outbound loads. The Dispatcher is a critical link between drivers, customers, warehouse staff, and management, ensuring compliance with DOT regulations, company policies, and service standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Driver Dispatching & Scheduling
• Create, organize, and adjust daily driver schedules based on delivery requirements, customer needs, and load priorities.
• Assign routes and loads to drivers in a manner that maximizes fleet efficiency and reduces operational costs.
• Monitor driver ETA updates and route progress throughout the day.
• Coordinate freight pickups, deliveries, backhauls, and drop-and-hook schedules.
• Re-route or adjust dispatch plans in response to delays, emergencies, customer changes, or operational issues.

Communication & Driver Support

• Maintain continuous communication with drivers via phone, messaging systems, and dispatch software.
• Provide drivers with accurate load details, instructions, and route information.
• Assist drivers with questions regarding DOT compliance, safety guidelines, company procedures, equipment issues, and delivery documentation.
• Serve as the primary contact for driver concerns, resolving conflict or operational challenges as they arise.
• Notify customers of changes, delays, or service expectations in a timely and professional manner.

Documentation & System Management

• Enter, update, and maintain all load and driver information in the dispatch and transportation management systems.
• Track mileage, fuel usage, hours of service (HOS), and equipment utilization.
• Maintain accurate records of delivery times, driver logs, and trip reports.
• Prepare daily dispatch reports for management, including completed loads, delays, and performance metrics.
• Ensure all driver paperwork is collected, complete, and compliant with company and DOT standards.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure drivers remain compliant with DOT hours-of-service regulations, company safety policies, and vehicle maintenance schedules.
• Monitor ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data and proactively identify any potential violations.
• Report safety concerns, accidents, incidents, or damaged freight according to company procedures.
• Work closely with the Safety Department on driver coaching, compliance review, and corrective action processes.
• Verify appropriate driver qualifications, certifications, and documentation as required.

Operational Coordination

• Collaborate with the warehouse team regarding load readiness, trailer availability, and special handling instructions.
• Communicate with customers, vendors, and other logistics partners to ensure efficient load scheduling and service expectations.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, breakdown recovery, and replacement vehicles with the Maintenance Department.
• Assist in optimizing route planning to reduce fuel consumption and improve productivity.

Customer Service

• Provide exceptional customer service by ensuring on-time pickups and deliveries.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding shipment status, delivery schedules, and service issues.
• Escalate customer concerns to management when necessary while providing timely follow-up.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of transportation operations, trucking logistics, and DOT regulations.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills; ability to manage multiple drivers and loads simultaneously.
• Clear and professional communication skills (written and verbal).
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment with constant changes and shifting priorities.
• Professional and calm demeanor when managing stressful situations or urgent issues.

Technical Proficiencies

• Dispatching software and Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
• ELD monitoring platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• GPS tracking systems

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of dispatching experience in trucking, logistics, or transportation operations.
• Experience with flatbed, dry van, or specialized freight (depending on Sealy Logistics' fleet type).
• Familiarity with DOT, FMCSA, and HOS regulations required.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience dispatching for a multi-driver fleet.
• Knowledge of regional and national transportation routes.
• Customer service experience in a logistics environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Fast-paced office environment with frequent phone and computer use.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods.
• Occasional visits to yard or warehouse areas as needed.
• Must be available for after-hours or weekend calls when operational emergencies occur.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• On-time delivery and pickup percentage
• Driver compliance and HOS accuracy
• Load assignment efficiency
• Reduction in routing delays or service failures
• Driver satisfaction and communication effectiveness
• Customer satisfaction and issue resolution time