Intermodal / Drayage Dispatcher Rushmore Transportation Franklin Park, IL Job Details Part-time | Full-time 8 days ago Benefits Paid time off Qualifications Computer operation Customer communication Operations management Interpersonal skills Employee relationship building GPS Attention to detail Dispatch software communication Typing Hours of Service (HOS) regulations Customer service problem-solving Quality data entry Hazardous materials regulations Full Job Description Rushmore Transportation LTD is looking for an experienced, dependable Intermodal/Drayage Dispatcher to manage daily container movements throughout the Chicago market and Midwest. The dispatcher is responsible for building and executing the daily schedule for company drivers and owner-operators while balancing customer appointments, rail availability, last free dates, driver hours, equipment availability, traffic, and changing operational conditions. This is not simply a load-assignment position. The dispatcher is expected to take ownership of each shipment, communicate proactively, solve problems before they become service failures, and keep drivers productive throughout the day. The right candidate will be organized, calm under pressure, comfortable making independent decisions, and capable of managing approximately 15-20 trucks . Primary Responsibilities Build the daily and next-day dispatch plan for import, export, empty, repositioning, and local container movements. Assign loads to company drivers and owner-operators based on location, driver hours, appointment times, equipment availability, customer priority, and operational efficiency. Maintain productive A-to-B dispatching while minimizing empty miles, unnecessary waiting, and driver downtime. Coordinate pickups and deliveries involving Chicago-area rail ramps, container yards, customer facilities, warehouses, and equipment depots. Monitor rail and terminal systems for availability, holds, last free dates, appointments, reservations, billing status, and ingate or outgate restrictions. Secure and manage rail appointments, terminal reservations, pickup numbers, release numbers, and required billing. Track import last free dates, export cutoffs, receiving windows, empty-return locations, and equipment termination requirements. Identify potential storage, demurrage, detention, per diem, or missed-appointment exposure and take action before charges occur. Communicate complete dispatch instructions to drivers, including container numbers, chassis requirements, appointments, pickup numbers, reference numbers, addresses, and special instructions. Maintain regular communication with drivers throughout the day and respond quickly to delays, equipment problems, terminal issues, or changing customer requirements. Update load status, driver assignments, notes, appointments, and documentation accurately in PortPro and other company systems. Collect and review proof of delivery, interchange receipts, scale tickets, inspection reports, detention records, and other shipment documentation. Track driver detention, dry runs, bobtails, chassis splits, flips, pre-pulls, layovers, and other accessorial activity. Notify customer service and billing of additional charges with clear documentation supporting the charge. Coordinate roadside repairs, breakdown assistance, chassis repairs, tire service, and other equipment-related issues. Monitor driver Hours of Service and ELD information when assigning and adjusting work. Maintain accurate container, chassis, yard, and driver-status reports. Communicate service problems to customers and internal staff before they become surprises. Investigate service failures, document the cause, and work with management on corrective action when appropriate. Coordinate closely with customer service, safety, billing, maintenance, and management. Help build positive driver relationships and participate in driver retention and recruiting efforts. Assist with other transportation and operational responsibilities as assigned. Required Skills and Qualifications At least two years of transportation dispatch, trucking operations, or logistics experience preferred. Previous intermodal or container drayage experience is strongly preferred, but qualified dispatchers from other transportation sectors will be considered. Familiarity with Chicago rail ramps, container yards, and intermodal operations is a major advantage. Experience using a transportation management system; PortPro experience is a strong plus . Ability to learn and work with railroad, terminal, depot, GPS, and ELD systems. General understanding of DOT regulations, Hours of Service, driver safety, and equipment requirements. Knowledge of hazardous-material requirements is helpful. Strong computer, typing, and data-entry skills. Clear and professional verbal and written communication. Strong judgment and the ability to make decisions without waiting for constant direction. Ability to organize multiple shipments, drivers, appointments, and changing priorities at the same time. Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented during service problems. Strong attention to detail, especially when entering container numbers, reference numbers, appointments, and shipment information. Dependable attendance and willingness to take ownership of the dispatch board. What Success Looks Like A successful dispatcher: Keeps drivers moving and reduces avoidable downtime. Protects last free dates and export cutoffs. Maintains high on-time pickup and delivery performance. Prevents avoidable storage, detention, demurrage, and per diem charges. Provides drivers with complete and accurate information. Keeps customers informed before they have to ask. Maintains accurate information in PortPro. Documents additional charges properly. Handles problems with urgency without creating unnecessary confusion. Builds trust with drivers, customers, and coworkers. Looks ahead instead of only reacting to the problem in front of them. Why Join Rushmore Transportation? Rushmore Transportation LTD is a growing Chicago-area trucking and logistics company focused on professional service, strong driver relationships, and dependable execution. This position offers meaningful responsibility and a clear opportunity to grow. Dispatchers who demonstrate that they can independently manage a larger operation, protect customer relationships, improve truck productivity, and lead other team members will have opportunities for increased responsibility and compensation.

Job Types:

Full-time, Part-time Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person