Nightime Intermodal Trucking Dispatcher

Nighttime Intermodal Trucking Dispatcher

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Schedule: Full-time, Night Shift 6:00 PM–4:00 AM], includes weekends and alternating holidays
Pay: Negotiable benefits

Position Summary

We are seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Nighttime Intermodal Trucking Dispatcher to coordinate freight movements during overnight operations. This role is responsible for dispatching drivers, monitoring container and chassis availability, communicating with rail terminals and customers, resolving service issues, and keeping accurate operational records.

The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, highly organized, comfortable working independently overnight, and experienced with trucking, drayage, intermodal, or freight dispatch operations.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch company drivers and/or owner-operators for intermodal container pickups and deliveries.
• Monitor driver locations, load status, appointment times, terminal cutoffs, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate with rail ramps, ports, warehouses, customers, brokers, and drivers to ensure efficient freight movement.
• Track container availability, chassis assignments, empty returns, last free days, demurrage, detention, and terminal restrictions.
• Respond promptly to overnight service interruptions, missed appointments, driver delays, equipment issues, and customer requests.
• Provide clear load instructions, directions, pickup numbers, appointment details, and delivery requirements to drivers.
• Update dispatch software, TMS, spreadsheets, and customer portals with accurate load and status information.
• Maintain detailed shift notes and provide a thorough handoff to daytime dispatch and operations teams.
• Verify compliance with company procedures, Hours of Service requirements, safety expectations, and customer-specific instructions.
• Assist with after-hours calls, escalations, and emergency response as needed.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in trucking dispatch, intermodal drayage, logistics, transportation, or freight coordination preferred.
• Knowledge of intermodal operations, rail terminals, ports, container/chassis management, and appointment systems is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication skills by phone, text, email, and dispatch platforms.
• Ability to prioritize multiple urgent tasks in a fast-paced overnight environment.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office, TMS/dispatch systems, GPS tracking, and customer portals.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining reliable communication with drivers and management.
• Availability for overnight, weekend, and holiday coverage as required.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with systems such as Truckmate, Samsara, Railinc, customer portals, port/terminal portals,
• Familiarity with U.S. DOT and FMCSA requirements.
• Bilingual communication skills are a plus.
• Experience dispatching owner-operators and company drivers.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Retirement plan / 401(k).
• A stable role with opportunities to grow in transportation and logistics.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief summary of your dispatch or transportation experience apply through ZipRecruiter. Include “Nighttime Intermodal Dispatcher” in the subject line.

Pacella Trucking Express, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

One of the largest drayage trucking companies in the Chicagoland Area. Experience and relationships best describe Pacella Trucking Express. We are based in Chicago and have been in the intermodal drayage trucking industry for more than 40 years.