Also called: Intermodal Dispatcher, Port Trucking Dispatcher
Schedules trucks to pick up containers from ports and rail yards and track them to delivery.
A drayage dispatcher checks which containers are released from customs, books port appointments, assigns drivers, and juggles problems like closed terminals and missing paperwork.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. A high school diploma plus on-the-job training in dispatch software and port and rail yard procedures.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 43-5032: Decline (-1% or lower).
High risk for 10 years. Port appointment systems and AI dispatch already schedule container pickups; few dispatcher jobs remain.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to drayage and trucking companies near ports or rail yards for dispatcher trainee
Classes: Computer applications, Geography.
Official data: O*NET occupation 43-5032.
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