Dispatcher

Description

Cartage Xperts is a trusted logistics partner in the temperature-controlled pharmaceutical freight industry. We specialize in secure, compliant, and time-sensitive transportation between Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Rockford (RFD),  freight forwarders, and pharmaceutical warehouses throughout the Midwest region.

We are growing and seeking an experienced Dispatcher with gateway experience—someone with a deep understanding of O’Hare’s cargo layout and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

Position Overview:

This position functions as a dispatcher, overseeing the efficient, compliant, and timely movement of pharmaceutical cargo in and out of ORD and RFD. You'll serve as the operational link between our drivers, customer service team, airport cargo terminals, freight forwarders, and warehouse personnel.

This role is ideal for someone who understands both the hands-on execution and the strategic planning that goes into moving sensitive, high value cargo through airport gateways.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day gateway operations at O’Hare, including oversight of all inbound/outbound shipments, driver assignments, and freight availability at cargo terminals.
• Serve as the main point of contact for drivers and our customer service team. Knowledge of ground handlers a benefit, including WFS, Swissport, Alliance Ground, Menzies, and airline stations, a plus.
• Coordinate pickup windows, freight availability, and special handling requirements (e.g., cold chain, hazmat, or high-value shipments).
• Direct and monitor dispatching of drivers to and from airports and warehouse locations, ensuring alignment with ETAs, load integrity, and customer-specific SOPs.
• Supervise cold chain compliance during pickup, in transit, and at delivery – including monitoring reefer units, temperature logs, and chain of custody documentation.
• Work closely with the customer service department to ensure up-to-date shipment information, proactive communication with clients, and resolution of service issues.
• Identify and mitigate delays or issues at cargo terminals, and escalate operational challenges proactively.
• Maintain detailed operational records, delivery documentation, shipment logs, and ensure all data is accurate and audit-ready.
• Collaborate with leadership to improve routing efficiency, minimize wait times at O’Hare, and streamline internal SOPs.

Requirements

• 3+ years experience in dispatch, airport gateway coordination, or operations within freight forwarding, air cargo, or trucking.
• In-depth understanding of ORD and RFD cargo layout, freight stations, and ground handler processes.
• Experience with temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical freight is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cold chain requirements, including chain of custody, temperature control monitoring, and regulatory compliance (GDP/GMP).
• Ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders, including drivers, handlers, freight forwarders, and internal teams.
• Proficient in dispatch software, GPS tracking systems, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.