Offshift Dispatcher at West Side Transport in Cedar Rapids, IA

Offshift Dispatcher

Full Time · Location: Cedar Rapids, IA, US

WEST SIDE TRANSPORT, INC.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title	Off-Shift Dispatcher
Department	Operations
Reports To	Off-Shift Supervisor
Shift	Off-shift — evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled
Date Revised	August 11, 2026

Position Summary

The Off-Shift Dispatcher provides frontline support to drivers during evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours. This position processes driver messages and calls, communicates load plans and customer requirements, keeps trip information current, arranges rescues when service is at risk, and hands off need-to-know information to the day shift.

The ideal candidate is a dependable, solutions-oriented communicator who remains composed under pressure, works effectively with limited on-site supervision, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Dispatch drivers and process inbound messages and phone calls, answering driver questions through the in-cab messaging system.

• Send load plans, customer information, route suggestions, local directions, and fuel solutions in a timely manner so drivers are well informed and can trip plan properly.

• Maintain accurate and current estimated times of arrival (ETAs) and projected times of availability (PTAs) in the system.

• Monitor driver Hours of Service (HOS) availability when communicating assignments and plans.

• Notify the day shift when a pre-plan or load plan will not work, or no longer works, for a driver.

• Plan drivers and arrange rescues as needed to protect customer service commitments.

• Escalate breakdowns, accidents, severe weather, and other after-hours emergencies to the appropriate on-call manager in accordance with company procedure.

• Document driver communications, load changes, and open issues so that day-shift personnel receive a complete and accurate shift handoff.

• Support driver retention by responding promptly and professionally to driver questions and concerns, and by escalating unresolved issues to management.

• Support compliance with DOT regulations, Hours of Service requirements, and company safety procedures.

• Cross-train with related departments and participate in company-wide training opportunities as business needs require.

• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.

• Availability to work an off-shift schedule, including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred

• One or more years of experience in transportation, trucking, dispatch, or customer service.

• Experience with transportation management software and in-cab or satellite communication systems.

• Working knowledge of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and DOT compliance requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise in-cab messages to drivers.

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with limited direct supervision during off-shift hours.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands under time pressure.

• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure or emergency situations.

• Geographic awareness and the ability to interpret routing, mapping, and local directions.

• High attention to detail with excellent documentation and shift-handoff recordkeeping.

• Working knowledge of DOT regulations and Hours of Service (HOS) requirements as they apply to dispatch.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and transportation management software.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.

• Frequent use of standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, and satellite communication systems.

• Occasional walking throughout the office and terminal.

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis.

Disclaimer

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as business needs dictate.