Intermodal Dispatcher

Grapevine Intermodal • Full-time • California, United States, US • $28 - $33 / hour • 1d ago

Grapevine Intermodal, LLC provides superior service to our customers in the southern west coast United States. We are dedicated and work diligently to maintain the highest level of customer satisfaction. Our commitment to providing professional intermodal services to all our valued customers in a safe and compliant manner is unparalleled. Our robust customer service and strong commitment is part of our philosophy and is passed along to all of our associates.

Our team is growing and we are hiring an Intermodal Dispatcher for our Pomona, CA location.

The intermodal dispatcher coordinates and schedules the transportation of freight to and from the rail yard. This involves assigning loads, optimizing routes, communicating with drivers and customers, and resolving operational issues to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries. Key responsibilities include tracking shipments, maintaining accurate records, managing container logistics, and handling administrative tasks. Ideal candidates will have 1-3 years previous experience in dispatching with an intermodal transportation carrier.

Key responsibilities

Dispatching and scheduling: Assigning loads to drivers, planning their work schedules and optimizing routes for efficiency and cost effectiveness. Drivers that will deliver/pickup long hauls (OTR, crossing the scales) are being utilized and asked to deliver/pickup when the loads are available. Ensuring the drivers achieve their financial goals, which means reviewing weekly settlement reports on assigned drivers and engaging drivers performance based on those reports. Dispatchers are required to be assigned and dispatch between 14 – 18 drivers.
Communication: Serving as the main point of contact between drivers, customers and other internal teams. This includes providing drivers with clear instructions and updates and communicating with customers about their shipments in a timely manner. This also includes responding to emails inquiring about capacity and equipment that might be needed. It is your responsibility to look up in GTG and make the determination yourself. Problem-solving: Diagnosing and resolving operational issues that arise during transit, such as delays or unexpected changes, to minimize impact and maintain a high level of service.
Tracking and monitoring: Monitoring the location of drivers to ensure location with equipment and the next available load option, based on the driver’s hours of service. Monitoring the Need Driver board and communicating any delays to the customer 2 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time.
Administrative tasks: Performing administrative tasks associated with drivers having the proper paperwork to complete their loads, bookings if applicable and once out gated, the booking spreadsheet is updated. Answering customer emails on your allotted answering schedule.
Dispatcher Schedule: Each dispatcher has a schedule start time that will be required to be adhered to. OT must be approved by management. This is not told to a manager but needs to be requested with the reason it is required. Any unauthorized OT will result in disciplinary action.

Essential skills and qualifications

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
Ability to work under pressure and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with transportation management systems (TMS) and common software like Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of logistics, transportation regulations (e.g., DOT rules), and local roadways is often required.
Experience in intermodal dispatching, logistics, or supply chain management is often preferred.
Keeping an organized desk/record of driver locations and maintaining that structure throughout the entirety of your shift.
Ability to stay on task independently.

Grapevine Intermodal offers paid time off (PTO) with seven paid holidays, comprehensive benefits package including 401k retirement plan.