Dispatch and Carrier Operations Specialist

Overview

The Logistics and Carrier Operations Specialist is a key role responsible for managing the process of sourcing, vetting, and onboarding new carriers to ensure a reliable and efficient transportation network. This position also supports daily dispatch operations by dispatching loads and managing carrier relationships to ensure smooth and timely delivery. The specialist will work closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain high standards of service, improve operational efficiency, and resolve any issues related to carrier performance or load coordination. A strong understanding of logistics, carrier management, and transportation processes is essential to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of this role. Note: As with all positions within operations, this role requires flexibility to assist other functions during capacity shortages, business growth, or periods of increased customer demand.

Responsibilities

• Carrier Sourcing, Vetting & Onboarding: Source, vet, and onboard new carriers, ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and company standards, and maintaining up-to-date carrier documentation.
• Carrier Relationship Management: Maintain and manage ongoing carrier relationships to ensure effective communication, issue resolution, and optimized service performance
• Customer & Carrier Interfacing: Act as the point of contact for both internal and external customers, addressing inquiries related to shipments, deliveries, and operational status. Maintain strong relationships with customers and carriers to ensure clear communication and efficient service.
• Order Entry & Shipment Routing: Enter customer orders into the system, route shipments, and ensure all details are accurate to meet both customer and operational requirements.
• Scheduling & Appointments: Schedule and coordinate appointments for pickups and deliveries, ensuring alignment with customer needs and operational capacities. Update scheduling systems to reflect accurate appointment times and availability.
• Tracking & Tracing: Monitor and track shipments, ensuring that all deliveries are on schedule. Communicate updates to internal teams and customers regarding shipment status, delays, or changes.
• Asset Fleet Support: Support the management and coordination of fleet resources, assisting with tracking fleet availability and ensuring efficient asset utilization.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with the Transportation Department and other internal teams to resolve operational challenges and improve processes. Ensure smooth coordination between customers, carriers, and internal departments.
• Issue Resolution: Identify and resolve any issues related to carrier performance.
• Load Dispatching & Coordination: Dispatch loads for assigned accounts, ensuring timely and efficient delivery, and coordinating with carriers to meet operational requirements and customer expectations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated analytical ability, attention to detail, and strong computer skills preferably with transportation and warehouse management systems
• Ability to evaluate alternatives to make the best overall value decisions considering cost, customer expectations and other factors
• Ability to function in a high-stress environment and solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Exercise solid judgment, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Must possess a proven record of taking initiative and responsibility, both individually and as a member of a team
• Act with a real time sense of urgency
• Possess the ability to learn and become an accomplished user in, but not limited to, customer as well as company transportation and warehouse management systems
• Possess the ability to write routine reports and correspondence in a professional manner
• Possess the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Execution – the drive to take action, achieve results, think creatively, work efficiently and competently
• Communication – the capacity to listen to others, process information and communicate effectively
• Relationships – the ability to build personal relationships and facilitate team success
• Must be able to prioritize, multi-task, and manage time effectively
• Assertive, driven, and enthusiastic individual with strong work ethic § Must have ability to identify and resolve issues and maintain positive employee and customer relations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with customers and carriers.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with attention to detail in scheduling and operational tasks.
• Proficiency in logistics software, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and other relevant tools.
• Problem-solving skills with a proactive and customer-focused approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Experience, education, degrees

• High school diploma or equivalent; a degree in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field is a plus.
• 3-5 Previous experience in logistics, customer service, or supply chain operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for customer and carrier interactions.
• Proficiency in logistics software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure, particularly during high-demand periods.
• Basic understanding of logistics, dispatching, and asset fleet management.

Physical demands and Work Environment

Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment. Will spend majority of time sitting working on computers and telephones. Work is primarily performed in an office as well as warehouse environment