Dispatcher

Dispatcher

Department: Dispatch

Reports to: Operations Manager

Employer: Lurvey Sod Farm LLC (in partnership with Major Transportation Services)

Location: Whitewater, WI

Job Summary

• Serve as a Dispatcher for flatbed and seasonal van/long-haul operations originating from Whitewater, WI, supporting Lurvey Sod Farm LLC and coordinating daily with Major Transportation Services.
• Dispatch CDL drivers hauling turf sod and hard goods to affiliate destinations in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
• Collaborate with vendors, sales associates, drivers, mechanics, and the Operations Manager to build accurate orders and ensure DOT-compliant loading and transport.
• Monitor routes, communicate ETAs, resolve delays, and optimize next-day scheduling for fuel and equipment efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide professional customer service in person, by phone, and email.
• Take orders from garden center associates and customers; ensure all needed details for accurate fulfillment.
• Verify vendor loading accuracy, safe securement, and proper weight distribution. Schedule and coordinate daily deliveries; facilitate loading/unloading as needed. Prepare accurate invoicing details, freight billing info, and purchase documentation. Manage Agriculture Warehouse inventory for flatbed deliveries.
• Coordinate equipment repairs and maintenance with shop mechanics. Communicate with dispatch team regarding loads, drivers, and equipment issues. Solicit off-season freight and facilitate rate agreements with brokers and customers.

Driver Dispatch

• Dispatch CDL drivers within DOT Hours of Service limits.
• Track routes throughout the day and communicate ETAs to customers and vendors. Match loads to equipment and driver availability; balance workloads effectively.
• Schedule sod harvesting with Lurvey Sod Farm based on orders received by 3:00 PM. Assign and manage backhauls such as Unilock brick from WI or IL locations.
• Manage off-season van/long-haul freight including contract accuracy and AIR documentation.
• Use JJ Keller Encompass mileage estimates to forecast seasonal revenue needs.
• Provide operational recommendations to the Operations Manager for next day dispatch planning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of general office equipment and computer systems.
• Clear oral and written communication skills with a customer-focused approach. 
• Strong organization, prioritization, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to learn product knowledge: sod, brick, stone, and landscape materials.
• Understanding of DOT compliance, weight limits, load securement, and safe flatbed loading. 
• Ability to estimate product quantities accurately based on customer needs.
• Strong problem-solving and ability to respond quickly to order or schedule changes. 
• Willingness to assist with miscellaneous tasks during slowdowns and off-season periods. 
• Useful geography knowledge of Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Credentials and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in dispatching, customer service, or sales preferred.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, flatbed operations, or freight brokerage is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary range: $50,000-$75,000, depending on experience. Health, dental, and vision insurance offered.
• Retirement plan options available. Paid time off and holiday pay included.
• Employee discounts on landscape materials. Seasonal overtime opportunities based on workload.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Lurvey Sod Farm LLC and Major Transportation Services are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under applicable federal, state, or local law.