Transportation Outbound Dispatcher - Second Shift

Transportation Outbound Dispatcher – Second Shift – Wednesday – Saturday

• Job Category: Transportation & Logistics
• Employment Type: Full‑Time
• Location: North Kingstown, RI 02852, USA

Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” or the “Company”) is a dynamic $850+ million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic. With over 160 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity‑driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long‑term vision.

At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

The Transportation Outbound Dispatcher role at OSJL is responsible for the real‑time coordination and execution of the daily dispatch plan for the transportation fleet. This position ensures the efficient routing of local delivery and over‑the‑road drivers, focusing on timely departures, compliance with planned schedules, and clear communication with drivers and internal stakeholders. The role serves as the primary point of contact for drivers on the road, resolving immediate issues, and escalating problems to the Team Leader as necessary.

• Execute the daily dispatch plan for the transportation fleet, local delivery, and over‑the‑road drivers, reporting directly to the Transportation Outbound Team Leader.
• Assign daily driver activities, including delivery routes, vendor pickups, backhaul schedules, and special routings, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
• Proactively monitor and track all shipments, verifying loads are dispatched on time and in compliance with planned schedules.
• Act as the primary point of contact for drivers, addressing on‑the‑road issues such as delays, routing changes, and equipment trouble, and communicating resolutions effectively.
• Manage and actively monitor the drivers’ Electronic Logging Device (“ELD”) system for electronic logs, trip management, and real‑time location tracking, ensuring compliance with Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and Hours of Service regulations.
• Proactively communicate potential or actual late shipments with the Transportation Outbound Team Leader and retail teams, providing clear reasons for delays (weather, traffic, equipment issues, etc.).
• Process and maintain necessary documentation, including dispatch sheets, bills of lading, and driver paperwork.
• Ensure all equipment pre‑trip and post‑trip inspection reports are accurately completed by drivers and advance maintenance needs to the appropriate personnel or Transportation Outbound Team Leader.
• Support the department’s safety culture by immediately reporting any unsafe driving or accident instances to the Team Leader for coaching and follow‑up.
• Proactively document and communicate late shipments with department management and retail teams, including reasons for delays, missed arrival times, driver issues, and equipment issues.
• Maintain a working knowledge of key distribution center systems and reporting, including ELD Onboard Computer (“OBC”), Transportation Management System (“TMS”), and trailer tracking.

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Experience in transportation, logistics, or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency with TMS, OBC/electronic logs and familiarity with basic DOT rules and regulations is highly preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on clarity and professionalism in high‑pressure situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with the Google platform (i.e., Docs, Sheets) is preferred.
• Work primarily in a distribution center environment. Physically active position including positioning oneself, moving, transporting, and ascending and descending ladders, to relocate products and equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be exposed to outside weather…