Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Goods Dispatcher

💰 $45,000 - $65,000 Annually (DOE)

LogisticsSupply ChainWarehouse OperationsTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

As a Goods Dispatcher, you are the operational linchpin of our warehouse, responsible for orchestrating the smooth and efficient flow of finished goods from our facility to their final destinations. You will coordinate with warehouse staff, freight carriers, and customer service teams to ensure every order is dispatched accurately and on schedule. This role requires a sharp eye for detail, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure. You will be instrumental in upholding our commitment to operational excellence and timely delivery, directly impacting customer satisfaction and the overall success of our supply chain.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Logistics Assistant
  • Data Entry Clerk (in a logistics context)

Advancement To:

  • Dispatch Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Logistics Coordinator / Logistics Manager
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Freight Broker / Carrier Representative
  • Logistics Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Coordinate and manage the daily dispatch of all outbound freight, ensuring alignment with customer delivery requirements and carrier capacity.
  • Meticulously prepare, verify, and process all shipping documentation, including bills of lading (BOL), packing slips, commercial invoices, and customs declarations.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the warehouse team, truck drivers, and freight carriers, communicating loading dock assignments and pickup schedules.
  • Utilize Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to generate pick lists, process shipments, and track order status.
  • Proactively track and trace all outbound shipments from departure to final delivery, providing real-time updates to internal stakeholders and customers.
  • Efficiently schedule freight pickups with a variety of carriers (LTL, FTL, parcel) while negotiating and optimizing for the most cost-effective shipping rates and routes.
  • Resolve any shipping-related issues, such as delays, damages, or lost items, by investigating the root cause and coordinating with carriers for a resolution.
  • Ensure all outgoing shipments comply with company policies, transportation laws, hazardous materials regulations, and international shipping requirements.
  • Conduct final quality assurance checks on packed orders to verify accuracy of items, quantities, and labeling before they are loaded for dispatch.
  • Maintain a detailed and accurate log of all daily shipping and dispatch activities for reporting and record-keeping purposes.
  • Collaborate closely with the sales and customer service departments to accommodate special shipping requests and communicate potential delivery schedule changes.
  • Manage the dispatch board and dock schedule to optimize the flow of trucks and prevent congestion in the shipping area.
  • Generate and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly shipping reports to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like on-time delivery and cost-per-shipment.
  • Oversee the correct loading of trucks, ensuring that weight is distributed properly and goods are secured to prevent damage during transit.
  • Process and coordinate return shipments (reverse logistics), ensuring products are received, inspected, and documented correctly.
  • Communicate and enforce safety procedures within the shipping dock area to all personnel and visiting drivers.
  • Audit and approve freight invoices, cross-referencing them with dispatch records to ensure billing accuracy.
  • Maintain strong working relationships with carrier representatives to ensure a high level of service and to facilitate capacity planning.
  • Plan and consolidate shipments where possible to maximize trailer space and reduce transportation costs.
  • Provide clear and concise instructions to material handlers and forklift operators regarding which orders to stage and load.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the inventory control team with cycle counts and physical inventory audits, particularly for finished goods in the shipping and staging areas.
  • Maintain and manage the inventory of shipping supplies, such as boxes, pallets, tape, and labels, placing orders as needed to prevent shortages.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and suggesting enhancements to dispatch processes, software, or workflows.
  • Provide training and support to new warehouse team members on proper shipping procedures and documentation requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Proven experience using TMS software for routing, carrier selection, and freight tendering.
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Proficiency in using WMS platforms to manage order fulfillment, from picking and packing to shipping.
  • ERP Software: Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics) for order processing and inventory lookup.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in MS Excel for data analysis and reporting, as well as proficiency in Outlook and Word for communication.
  • Shipping Documentation: In-depth knowledge of creating and managing shipping documents, including BOLs, commercial invoices, and export/import paperwork.
  • Carrier Portals: Experience navigating various LTL, FTL, and parcel carrier websites for booking, tracking, and document retrieval.
  • Route Optimization: Ability to analyze and determine the most efficient and cost-effective shipping routes and methods.
  • Data Entry: High level of speed and accuracy in data entry for processing orders and maintaining records.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of DOT regulations, freight classifications, and HAZMAT shipping requirements.
  • Reporting & Analytics: Competency in generating reports from logistics systems to track KPIs and identify trends.

Soft Skills

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and effective interaction with drivers, internal teams, and carriers.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to quickly identify and resolve complex shipping and logistical issues.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough, with an ability to ensure the accuracy of every shipment and document.
  • Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to prioritize a high volume of tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure: A calm and resilient demeanor, capable of making sound decisions during high-stress situations.
  • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build and maintain positive professional relationships with colleagues and external partners.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and operational demands.
  • Negotiation: Basic negotiation skills for discussing rates and service levels with freight carriers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in a dispatch, shipping/receiving, or logistics coordination role.

Preferred: Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing, distribution center, or third-party logistics (3PL) environment is highly desirable. Forklift certification is a plus.

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