Dispatcher - Lancaster Farm Fresh : Job Details

Description: WE ARE NOT ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR A DISPATCHER, BUT WE ALWAYS ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AND RESUMES FOR FUTURE POSITIONS. Lancaster Farm Fresh Organics' mission is to support the 120 small, local farms of Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, by delivering their freshly picked produce to wholesale markets and CSA members with as little turnaround time as possible. We ship predominately organic produce, as well as other perishable food products. We specialize in expedited shipping- our produce is generally on market shelves and in CSA members' hands within 24 hours of being picked. Our drivers are friendly and professional, and excel in providing the best customer service. LFFO serves all of Eastern Pennsylvania, New York City, Washington DC and most of the tri-state area. We also have a for-hire hauling company, Root Network, that does dedicated routes outside of LFFC, along with supplementing stops on LFFC routes. Job Summary Dispatchers coordinate pick-ups, deliveries, and handle drivers' issues. This position requires strong communication abilities along with solid logistical and organizational skills. There are times dispatchers need to be on call outside of work to deal with any issues that may arise. Essential functions: • Support and implement efficient and timely delivery routes and/or backhaul opportunities to and from the customer base. • Monitor transportation operations to effectively react and communicate necessary adjustments to the daily operating plan. • Maximize driver and equipment utilization. • Assist with gathering and analyzing information and in developing reports to measure the performance of transportation operations. • Ensure compliance with DOT regulations. • Collaborate with other dispatchers, the transportation management team and other departments to achieve operating results. • Commercial driving experience is a plus. • Knowledge of all federal, state and local regulations related to transportation. • Significant knowledge of the Mid-Atlantic area (PA, NY, NJ, DE, MD, DC, and Northern VA) • Must be customer service oriented in person and over the phone. • Strong analytical skills to identify opportunities to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and increase customer service. • Ability to deal with a lot of information effectively in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines. • Other duties may be assigned as necessary. Requirements: Qualifications: -Exceptional analytic and organizational skills -Ability to work on multiple projects with strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment, both independently, and with a team -Dependability and flexibility -Ability to drive a cargo van in a pinch -Clean driving record -Ability to pass a background check and drug screening -Ability to work with route planning software, spreadsheets and Word documents -Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities -Comfortable with office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook -Enthusiasm for, and commitment to, working with farmers in the local, organic food business Requirements • Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalency. • Minimum age of 21 to meet DOT regulations for commercial motor vehicles. • Must pass a post-offer DOT drug screen. • Dispatch or transportation industry experience helpful. • Capacity to multitask and prioritize efficiently. • Computer skills - Microsoft products. • Attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy and follow through. Skills/Abilities • Outstanding customer service abilities • Ability to stay calm in high pressure situations • Dedication and enthusiasm with a whatever-it-takes attitude • Excellent organizational skills • Ability to accurately follow and/or give oral and written instructions • Ability to solve problems in independent and team setting Additional Info: This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Other duties, not listed here, may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the team.