Operations / Dispatch Manager

Operations / Dispatch Manager 

Leadership | Accountability | Operational Excellence 

Location: Owatonna, MN or Lakeville, MN 

Salary: $70,000-$95,000 based on experience and qualifications 

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 3% IRA match 

About TraLo! 

Tralo Inc. is a family-owned transportation company based in Owatonna, Minnesota, specializing in freight and logistics solutions across the U.S. and Canada. With expertise in oversized and specialty loads, we’re dedicated to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Our collaborative, professional work environment supports personal and team growth, ensuring we deliver reliable and innovative logistics services every time. 

About the Role: 

This position is responsible for effective load planning, driver and equipment utilization, service performance, and fleet productivity. The Operations / Dispatch Manager will work closely with Dispatch, Drivers, Safety, Maintenance, and Management to ensure the fleet operates safely, efficiently, and profitably. 

What You'll Do: 

• Lead, coach, and manage dispatch personnel, including priorities, coverage, performance, and accountability. 
• Oversee load planning and driver assignments while balancing freight, equipment availability, Hours of Service, home time, and customer commitments. 
• Monitor key fleet metrics including revenue per truck, total miles, deadhead, utilization, idle trucks, and freight quality. 
• Evaluate lanes, reload opportunities, and repositioning decisions based on the economics of the complete freight cycle. 
• Monitor pickups, deliveries, appointments, delays, and service issues and ensure timely resolution. 
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with drivers regarding assignments, schedules, delays, equipment, and home time. 
• Work with Safety on driver eligibility and compliance concerns and with Maintenance on equipment readiness, breakdowns, and downtime. 
• Identify operational issues and underperformance, establish corrective actions, and follow through to completion. 
• Maintain accurate operational records and ensure established dispatch procedures are followed. 
• Provide weekly management updates on fleet performance, staffing, service issues, and corrective actions. 
• Participate in an established after-hours operational escalation rotation. 

What You'll Need: 

• 3+ years of experience in OTR trucking, dispatch, fleet operations, or transportation management. 
• Previous dispatch or operations leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of Hours of Service, load planning, driver utilization, deadhead, revenue-per-mile, and fleet economics. 
• Strong communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to analyze operational data and make sound business decisions. 
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced transportation environment. 
• Experience with TMS, ELD, or fleet-management systems preferred.