Dispatcher

Job Description

Job Description

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.

• 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.