The Dispatcher - Local supports day‑to‑day freight coordination by following established procedures to schedule, assign, and track shipments. This role focuses on accurately entering information, monitoring shipment progress, and communicating routine updates between drivers and internal teams. The Dispatcher provides direct support to Independent Contractors by responding to questions, relaying instructions, and escalating issues to leadership as needed. Work is performed within defined guidelines, SOPs, and systems. This position plays a critical role in maintaining timely, accurate freight movement and exceptional driver and customer service.
Compensation: $24.32 per hour
Schedule: Monday- Friday 9am-5pm, onsite
Responsibilities:
Perform routine coordination, scheduling, and dispatching of customer freight using established processes and systems
Serve as the primary point of contact for driver communications via phone, Qualcomm, and email
Relay instructions and updates to Independent Contractors and document interactions in internal systems
Monitor shipment status and provide updates to ensure on‑time delivery
Identify basic service issues and escalate concerns to supervisors for resolution
Maintain accurate records of driver hours, performance, and availability
Provide straightforward customer updates and route information based on set guidelines
Work collaboratively with customer service/sales to communicate shipment status and assist in resolving routine issues
Follow all department standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance requirements
Support new drivers by providing system instructions and basic process guidance
Perform data entry, documentation review, and administrative tasks to support fleet operations
All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Strong customer service and communication skills
Ability to follow established processes in a fast‑paced environment
Basic problem‑solving skills with willingness to escalate issues appropriately
Comfort using dispatch systems; AS400 experience a plus
Ability to maintain professionalism when working with drivers and internal partners
Transportation or dispatch experience preferred
Demonstrated reliability and commitment to attendance and schedule requirements
Technical: Proficient in Microsoft O365 and common office technologies
Environment: Must be able to work on‑site and commute reliably to the assigned location
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Since 1990, Forward Air has been a leading provider of ground transportation and related logistics services to the North American air freight and expedited LTL market. We offer surface shipping on an accelerated “time-definite” basis, delivering cargo at a specific time, but under less time-sensitive situations – supplying you with a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We work with companies of all sizes to develop tangible advantages and build the best products to meet your specific needs. Forward Air presents to the wholesale transportation community (logistics companies, freight forwarders, integrated air cargo carriers, passenger/ cargo airlines, and non-traditional shippers), a single-source provider that can deliver more supply chain services and a superior menu of choices. Throughout the years we have added supplementary lines to our linehaul service, such as full truckload operations (Truckload Services), final-mile coverage (Complete® Cartage), and an Airline Logistics program, and we will continue to expand our services to meet the changing needs and growth of our customer base.
Forward Air is structured to optimize both savings and service to our customers. Direct partnerships with owner-operators and other surface transportation providers, enable us to remain cost-competitive. The Forward Air network is designed with over 90 facilities located at or near major U.S. and Canadian airports, 12 regional sort centers and over 300 beyond points (secondary airports provided through our Complete Cartage service), creating one of the most comprehensive linehaul networks in the industry.
The foundation product for Forward Air is our expedited linehaul service, offering consistent and reliable transit and on-time, damage-free deliveries. By locating terminals on or near airports and maintaining a scheduled transportation network, we are able to arrange for convenient and consistent service with broad geographic coverage. Shipments of varying sizes (TL/LTL) are received at our terminals and transported by contracted service providers either (1) on a direct truck to the destination terminal, (2) through our Columbus, Ohio central sorting hub, or (3) through one of our 12 regional hubs, where they are unloaded, sorted, and reloaded in rapid fashion. After reloading the shipments, our contracted service providers deliver them to the destination city for early morning recovery. Through our Forward Air Complete® cartage service, customers also can have shipments picked up from the shipper, delivered to the final consignee, or transferred at the airport, simplifying the freight management processes. These options allow us to maximize handling efficiency of each shipment while minimizing freight loss and damage, improving transit times over traditional ground transportation.