DISPATCHER in Wilmington, California at SALSON LOGISTICS INC

Location: Wilmington, CA

Department: Operations

Position Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Operations Manager / Terminal Manager

SalSon Logistics is seeking an experienced and highly organized Transportation Dispatcher to support our Wilmington, California operations. This position is responsible for coordinating the daily movement of drivers, equipment, containers, and freight while ensuring safe, efficient, and on-time service.

The Dispatcher serves as a critical link between drivers, customers, port terminals, warehouse operations, and management. The ideal candidate will have experience in transportation, trucking, drayage, or port operations and must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change throughout the day.

This position requires strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, along with the ability to effectively manage multiple drivers and loads simultaneously.

* Coordinate and dispatch drivers for daily pickups, deliveries, container moves, and other assigned transportation activities.

* Assign drivers and equipment based on customer requirements, appointment times, driver availability, equipment availability, and operational priorities.

* Provide drivers with accurate load information, pickup and delivery instructions, appointment details, and special customer requirements.

* Maintain continuous communication with drivers throughout their shifts.

* Monitor driver progress and proactively address delays, missed appointments, traffic issues, equipment problems, and other service disruptions.

* Adjust dispatch assignments throughout the day as operational needs change.

* Ensure drivers receive clear and accurate instructions regarding their assignments.

* Coordinate container pickups and returns involving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and surrounding terminals.

* Schedule and monitor terminal appointments.

* Track container availability, last free days, appointment requirements, and return requirements.

* Coordinate empty container returns and equipment availability.

* Monitor containers and loads to help minimize unnecessary demurrage, detention, per diem, dry-run, and storage expenses.

* Communicate terminal closures, appointment issues, congestion, and other port-related delays to appropriate operations personnel.

* Work closely with drivers and operations management to maximize equipment utilization and driver productivity.

* Track shipments from dispatch through final delivery.

* Monitor pickup and delivery appointments and ensure service commitments are met.

* Provide timely status updates and ETAs to customers and internal departments.

* Immediately communicate potential service failures, delays, or other operational concerns.

* Respond professionally to customer inquiries and assist with resolving transportation-related issues.

* Coordinate with customer service, warehouse, billing, safety, maintenance, and other departments as necessary.

* Maintain accurate records of load status, delays, delivery issues, and customer communications.

* Monitor driver availability and Hours of Service when assigning work.

* Ensure dispatch decisions support DOT regulations and company safety requirements.

* Immediately escalate safety concerns, accidents, incidents, equipment failures, or compliance issues to the appropriate department.

* Never instruct or encourage a driver to operate in violation of DOT regulations, Hours of Service requirements, or company safety policies.

* Maintain accurate dispatch records within the company's transportation management system.

* Update load status, driver assignments, appointment information, arrival/departure times, and delivery information.

* Review driver paperwork and ensure required documentation is submitted accurately and timely.

* Assist with resolving missing PODs, delivery receipts, container information, and other operational documentation.

* Utilize GPS/fleet tracking systems to monitor driver and equipment locations.

* Maintain detailed documentation regarding delays, service failures, accessorial charges, and unusual operational events.

* High school diploma or GED.

* Previous experience in transportation, trucking, logistics, dispatch, or a similar operational environment.

* Strong verbal and written communication skills.

* Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.

* Ability to prioritize assignments in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.

* Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

* Ability to remain professional and composed while handling operational challenges.

* Comfortable working with transportation software, GPS systems, email, Microsoft Office, and other computer-based systems.

* Ability to work effectively with drivers, customers, management, and other departments.

* 2+ years of transportation or trucking dispatch experience.**

* Experience with **port drayage or container transportation strongly preferred.**

* Familiarity with the **Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach** and surrounding terminal operations.

* Experience scheduling and managing terminal appointments.

* Knowledge of container terminology, demurrage, detention, per diem, last free day, chassis usage, and empty returns.

* Familiarity with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and electronic dispatch platforms.

* Understanding of DOT Hours of Service regulations and commercial driver operations.

* Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

* Sense of urgency

* Strong attention to detail

* Driver and customer relationship management

* Effective communication

* Critical thinking and problem-solving

* Ability to manage competing priorities

* Accountability and follow-through

* Teamwork and collaboration

* Professionalism under pressure

* Strong operational awareness

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced transportation environment. The Dispatcher must be able to manage frequent telephone calls, emails, driver communications, system updates, and changing operational priorities throughout the workday.

The position may require flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, or additional hours depending on customer and operational requirements.

Performance Expectations

The Transportation Dispatcher will be expected to contribute to:

* On-time pickup and delivery performance

* Driver productivity and utilization

* Effective equipment utilization

* Reduction of preventable service failures

* Accurate and timely dispatch system updates

* Reduction of avoidable demurrage, detention, per diem, and dry-run expenses

* Timely communication of service issues

* Driver and customer satisfaction

* Safe and compliant transportation operations

About SalSon Logistics

SalSon Logistics is a full-service transportation and logistics provider committed to delivering dependable, efficient, and customer-focused transportation solutions. Our success is built on strong operations, dedicated employees, professional drivers, and a commitment to providing exceptional service to our customers.

**SalSon Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.**