Cowan Systems, LLC is hiring: Overnight Dispatch Manager in Baltimore

Cowan Systems and Cowan Management are part of Schneider National. Formed in 1924, the company operates six divisions nationwide with a fleet of 2,100 power units and 6,500 trailers across 40 locations.

Cowan is a national truckload carrier that specializes in dedicated fleet services, offering customized transportation packages that include specialized equipment, strict timetables, and detailed reporting. The company provides a 100% supply‑chain solution that includes local and long‑haul trucking, brokerage, warehousing, and driver leasing.

Cowan is committed to a healthy, safe, and stable work environment that promotes team‑work and learning opportunities. Individual success, equal opportunity, and professional growth are core principles.

Our Mission

To provide logistics and transportation services that create value for clients, suppliers, employees, and owners, while pursuing safety and excellence.

Our Vision

Cowan is an industry leader and carrier of choice, driven by passion for service, best‑in‑class drivers, professional management, safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Our Values

• Safety of our team drives every decision we make.
• An entrepreneurial spirit fostered by a healthy work environment.
• Fiscal responsibility.
• Exceptional customer service.

Job Summary

The Dispatch Manager is responsible for executing customer freight delivery and overseeing their assigned fleet. This leadership role reports to the Operations Manager or Terminal Manager. The Dispatch Manager identifies problems, develops solutions, implements systems, and fosters a culture that supports the company's mission and core values.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct and indirect reports: Professional Drivers.

Schedule: Monday‑Friday 9 PM‑7 AM.

Job Duties

Driver & Terminal Connect

• Effectively dispatch a fleet using proper procedures for real‑time management of freight and drivers, ensuring high data accuracy.
• Maintain the highest driver relationship and satisfaction for new and tenured drivers.
• Actively onboard new drivers following the 12‑week onboarding process.
• Regularly review driver scorecards to ensure drivers meet performance and income goals.
• Audit driver manifests for pay accuracy and workload balance.
• Advocate for drivers in relation to executable plans.
• Communicate policy and schedule changes to the fleet.
• Participate in driver mentoring and appreciation activities as prescribed by the Terminal Manager.
• Oversee fleet of drivers, ensuring all are properly trained and coach performance improvement as needed; notify the Terminal Manager or Operations Manager for corrective action or formal performance improvement plans.
• Participate in pre‑trip inspections with drivers on a regular basis.
• Coach and counsel your fleet in productivity, customer care, service, attendance, and company rules; develop driver performance improvement plans in coordination with HR and the Terminal Manager.
• Confirm driver plans via Qualcomm and/or phone, providing any required information to complete the assignment including special load requirements (Hazmat, specialty equipment, etc.).

Safety Connect

• Promote a culture of safety by proactively addressing safety concerns, communicating safety goals and standards to all drivers, and providing resources for resolution.
• Ensure fleet compliance with DOT HOS and driver fitness requirements before dispatch; assist in scheduling physicals and submitting required documentation.

Customer Connect

• Monitor driver progress during the shift to ensure on‑time dispatch and delivery of freight; address and notify the customer of any delays or issues.
• Address all customer needs and concerns as they arise and elevate issues that require higher involvement to the Operations Manager or Terminal Manager.
• Collect and inspect driver manifest and other necessary documentation required to pay the driver and invoice the customer after each shift, including bill of lading and lumper receipts.

Maintenance Assessorial Connect

• Maintain, track, and report equipment levels daily at all customer locations; request adjustments as necessary to ensure optimal utilization.
• Perform periodic equipment inspections to identify unreported maintenance issues and accident damage; participate in pre‑trip inspections with drivers.
• Review revenue per truck per day and conduct quarterly fleet performance reviews with Terminal Manager and Operations Manager to identify opportunities and develop improvement plans.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or substituted with 4 years of similar experience.
• 2 years of dispatching CDL Class A truck drivers.
• Computer applications experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of DOT, OSHA and related safety regulations.
• Excellent customer service, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to develop a working knowledge of all terminal operation aspects.
• Travel may be required as dictated by the customer/business.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer keyboard, and speak on the telephone; occasional lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Customer‑focused: Passionate drive to meet customer needs and offer unique solutions.
• The ability to motivate and lead drivers to meet and exceed customer expectations and company goals.
• Self‑starter willing to adapt, prioritize and organize; ability to manage a process from start to finish.
• Ability to set clear expectations and work with others to accomplish specific goals.
• Effective and professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Judgment and decision making considering costs and benefits of potential actions.
• Complex problem solving and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Superior communication including speaking, active listening and conveying information effectively.
• Monitoring/assessing performance of self and others to make improvements or implement corrective action.

Employee Benefits

• Yearly starting salary: $55 K–$60 K (depending on knowledge & experience).
• Full benefits – Medical, Vision, and Dental.