Dispatcher

Job Description

Job Description

About A&L Foods, Inc.:

Founded in 1938, A&L Foods, Inc. is a trusted and established wholesale distributor serving the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. With a strong commitment to quality and service, we specialize in distributing a diverse range of products, including kosher, specialty, ethnic, and general grocery items. Our customers include independent retailers, supermarkets, institutions, and food service providers.

JOB SUMMARY: The Dispatcher plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and timely movement of goods. Your primary responsibility will be to coordinate and manage fleet operations while ensuring compliance with DOT regulations and maintaining optimal logistics flow. You will serve as the central point of communication between drivers, clients, and internal teams. This position requires strong decision-making skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate daily dispatch operations, including assigning routes and delivery schedules to drivers.
• Monitor fleet activity and ensure compliance with all applicable DOT regulations.
• Communicate with drivers throughout their shifts, providing updates and responding to any issues or delays.
• Maintain and manage the company’s EZ-PASS account for the fleet.
• Schedule third-party carrier routes as needed, ensuring timely delivery and cost-effective transportation.
• Coordinate and schedule routine and emergency maintenance for A&L Foods trucks.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of deliveries, shipments, and vehicle service.
• Respond to phone inquiries from drivers and customers, providing high-level customer service.
• Support the logistics team with administrative duties related to fleet and route management.
• Participate in on-call rotations and respond to transportation issues outside regular business hours when needed.
• Prior routing/routing software experience and geographic knowledge of muti-states. .
• Maintain freight negotiations and shipping lanes.
• Adjust routes based on real-time traffic data to avoid delays and minimize distance traveled to reach destinations.
• Prioritize deliveries based on customer needs and time windows.
• Minimal weekend availability (Sunday) may be required on an as-needed basis.
• On-call responsibilities will be shared as part of a rotating schedule.

• Other duties as assigned/needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience Requirement:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience in dispatching or logistics management.
• Solid understanding of DOT regulations and transportation compliance.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Routing experience with routing software for delivery routes.

Key Competencies:

• Customer Service Skills: Professional and courteous when interacting with customers and internal teams.
• Organization and Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and maintain organization in a busy office environment.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in processing orders and preparing documentation.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Problem-Solving: Resolves customer issues and office challenges in a proactive and timely manner.
• Attendance and Punctuality : Arrive at work on time and limit unscheduled absences.

WORK ENVIRONMENT, EQUIPMENT, AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands listed below are representative of those that will be required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office setting within a warehouse distribution environment
• Occasional interaction with warehouse and operations staff
• Core hours are 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM , Monday through Friday.
• Friday hours will adjust to accommodate the earlier office closing time.
• Continuous typing and viewing of computer screens are required.
• Must be able to work in high-stress situations calmly and effectively.

Benefits Summary:

We offer the following benefits: 401K, Vacation PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and other Supplemental benefits.

Core hours are 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Friday hours will adjust to accommodate the earlier office closing time.