Fleet Dispatcher

Canal Barge Company Inc.

Houston Fleet Dispatcher

Founded in 1933, Canal Barge Company (“CBC”) is a family-owned, independent marine transportation company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. While retaining the tight-knit community of a family-owned company, CBC has grown into a diversified business with 850+ employees operating over 900 vessels. Our greatest strength is in providing dedicated bulk freight logistics within the rivers and canals of the United States, Gulf of Mexico, & Atlantic Coast. Dedicated to long-term mutually beneficial relationships and tailor-made customer service, CBC has a strong customer base made up of several Fortune 500 chemical and oil companies, as well as construction companies, fabricators, public utilities, engineering companies, and the United States Government (we are particularly proud of our ongoing work with NASA supporting U.S. Space Missions).

CBC is a leading company in the inland marine industry with a history of steady growth and an exceptional human & environmental safety record. We believe CBC’s Mississippi River transportation system is among the most efficient and environmentally friendly methods of transporting cargo within the United States.

I. ABOUT THE ROLE

Canal Barge Company (CBC) is looking for a Fleet Dispatcher who thrives in a fast paced environment solving logistics challenges. The ideal candidate is personable with the vessel crews and Transportation Services department, with an eye for efficiency and creative solutions.  As a Fleet Dispatcher, you support and help manage a seven figure annual logistics operation.

This is a learning position that spans many areas of the company, as such effective communication is key.  The right candidate will have the ability to be a multitasker. The correct candidate is a humble, hungry, and smart team player who is willing to learn all aspects of the business.

II. BASIC FUNCTIONS

• Perform Dispatch Functions at CBC’s Pelican Fleet located in Houston.

• Determine boat requirements through barge orders and monitoring of local dock schedules.

• Schedules Pelican Fleet Vessels to optimize service

• Manage efficient vessel utilization, including spot horsepower requirements.

• Coordinate with the Transportation Services Dispatchers to optimize port operations (linehaul boat turns, shifts to and from docks, cleaning facilities, shipyards, etc.).

• Manages new and revised orders for barges in the CBC logistics software systems, coordinating with Dispatchers in Transportation Services.

• Coordinates new and revised orders with CBC Barge Allocators.

• Flexibly manages in-bound and out-bound barges to/from the Houston harbor.

• Maintains the shared file barge plan for the harbor “fleet rundown”

• Coordinates barge cleanings with the TSG Cleaning Coordinator and cleaning dock manager.

• Leads regularly scheduled video calls to review logistical plans and expectations.

• Manages utilization of SIUT (Linehaul) and Unit vessels when locally available.

• Work with Port Captains, Captains and Vendors to ensure safe and efficient vessel performance.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fleet Dispatcher has the following responsibilities:

• Communicate closely with the West Canal Dispatcher(s) located in New Orleans and Port Operations personnel located in Sulphur, LA.

• Support fact based decision making with analytical support.

• Meet with customer facility personnel to improve CBC service in the Houston area.

• Travel to New Orleans headquarters as needed/requested.

• Responsible for other duties as required.

• Ability to work flexible hours (and or shifts) including weekends.

• Requires nighttime and weekend call duty.

IV. LOCATION 

• Must live in the Greater Houston Area.

• Works at the fleet location, with occasional WFH (work from home) available.

V. RELATIONSHIP

The Fleet Dispatcher reports to the Manager of Harbor Operations.

VI. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Experience in dispatch/transportation services

• Inland Boat/Barge Operations experience preferred

• Management experience preferred.

• Proficiency in computer and clerical duties (email, web-based software, adobe, office)

• Proficiency in TowWorks software a plus

Canal Barge Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.