What are the responsibilities and job description for the Barge Dispatcher & Logistics Coordinator position at Heartland Companies?
GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB
The Dispatcher directs and coordinates all barge operations activities. This position will be responsible for but not limited to: dispatching and monitoring all barge movement, managing routine barge maintenance, managing vendor relations including negotiation of rates and vendor contracts, provide direction for support staff to meet goals, coordinating with sales department to meet customer expectations and utilize barge assets in most efficient manner. Reports to the Operations Manager.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
This is an exempt position.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Gather and record daily barge traffic.
- Dispatch barges to meet customer expectations in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
- Daily communications with customers to keep them informed of barge order fulfillment and shipment progress.
- Daily communications with vendors to keep them informed of barge orders, schedules and known maintenance issues.
- Offer guidance and assistance in resolve customer and/or vendor issues.
- Monitor barge load and unload activity.
- Maximize tonnage per loading by loading to maximum allowable drafts.
- Direct and manage barge cleaning and routine maintenance activity.
- Promote and manage vendor relations to meet goals of the company, including negotiation and administration of rates and contracts.
- Maintain all operations activity in company database.
- Coordination with sales manager to make sure customer expectations are being met and barge fleet is being utilized in the most efficient manner.
- Coordination with accounting department to assure all information necessary for billing is complete and accurate.
- Coordination with fellow dispatchers on barges coming into or going out of their respective areas of operation.
- Be aware of what is going on in all other dispatch areas and be prepared to step in and help out if needed.
- Properly maintain the shared Operations Calendar as it relates to your dispatch area…. lock closures, revetment work, etc…
- Provide necessary information to accounting department for approval of vendor invoices.
- Review and approve towing and extraordinary invoices.
- Assist with monthly accounting accruals.
- A certain amount of travel is required to meet, form and maintain relationships with Heartland’s customers and vendors.
- Assist with various administrative and supervisory functions as directed.
Participate in weekend duty rotation.