Load Planner / Truck Dispatcher
Top Energy LtdAbout Us
Top Energy Ltd. is an established, family-owned trucking company with over 22 years of experience in the transportation industry.
We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and results-driven Truck Dispatcher / Load Planner to join our team in Elk Grove Village, IL.
The ideal candidate combines strong freight market knowledge, excellent negotiation skills, proactive load planning, and t
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he ability to effectively manage drivers and daily dispatch operations. This position requires someone who can think ahead, make profitable decisions, and keep trucks moving efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Freight Booking & Load Planning
• Source, negotiate, and book profitable freight through load boards, brokers, and established customer relationships.
• Proactively plan loads 24–72 hours ahead whenever possible to minimize downtime and keep trucks moving.
• Identify profitable reloads, backhauls, and continuous freight opportunities to maximize revenue.
• Evaluate loads based on market rates, total miles, operating costs, driver availability, and future freight opportunities.
• Monitor freight market conditions and strategically position trucks for profitable loads.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with freight brokers and customers.
Dispatch & Driver Management
• Manage assigned drivers and coordinate daily dispatch operations.
• Maintain clear, professional, and consistent communication with drivers regarding load assignments, routes, schedules, and expectations.
• Monitor driver availability, Hours of Service (HOS), and delivery schedules to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
• Track shipments using GPS and dispatch software to ensure timely pickups and deliveries.
• Proactively resolve delays, breakdowns, appointment changes, and other operational challenges.
• Coordinate with brokers, customers, drivers, and internal departments to ensure smooth execution of shipments.
• Manage multiple loads and driver schedules simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Operational Efficiency & Performance
• Monitor truck revenue, rate per mile, out of route miles, and equipment utilization.
• Make sound dispatch and load-planning decisions that improve overall fleet profitability.
• Maintain accurate load information, rate confirmations, dispatch records, and shipment documentation.
• Provide timely and professional updates to brokers, customers, and internal teams regarding shipment status and operational issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and maximize revenue.
Qualifications
Required
• Minimum 2 years of experience in truck dispatching/load planning
• Proven experience sourcing, negotiating, and booking freight.
• Strong understanding of the U.S. freight market
• Experience using DAT, Truckstop, or similar freight load boards.
• Strong knowledge of rate per mile (RPM), deadhead miles, load profitability, and route planning.
• Working knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations, Hours of Service (HOS), and electronic logging devices (ELDs).
• Excellent negotiation, communication, phone etiquette, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, and general computer applications.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize effectively, maintain accurate records, and make quick, sound decisions under pressure.
• Dependable, proactive, and capable of working independently and in a team
Preferred
• 3+ years of experience in dispatching and load planning.
• Established relationships with freight brokers and shippers.
• Experience with transportation management systems (TMS), GPS tracking, and dispatch software.
• Strong understanding of freight market trends and lane profitability.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who does more than simply keep trucks loaded.
The successful candidate is a strong negotiator, a proactive load planner, and an effective dispatcher who understands that every decision impacts fleet profitability.