I'm a Independant Dispatcher in Training Looking for Advice

Discussion in 'Freight Broker Forum' started by tealtransport, Oct 10, 2012.

Would you as an O/O use currently or have used in the past a Independent Dispatcher?

  1. *

    I am currently using a Independant Dispatcher for some or all of my loads.

    6 vote(s)
    14.0%
  2. I have used an Independant Dispatcher in the past, but with bad results.

    3 vote(s)
    7.0%
  3. *

    I have used an Independant Dispatcher in the past, but would rather save money and book loads myself

    3 vote(s)
    7.0%
  4. *

    I have never and would never use an Independant Dispatcher.

    13 vote(s)
    30.2%
  5. *

    I have never used an Independant Dispatcher, but would be open to trying one some day.

    16 vote(s)
    37.2%
  6. *

    What is an Independant Dispatcher?

    8 vote(s)
    18.6%
  1. tealtransport

    tealtransport Bobtail Member

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    Oct 10, 2012
    Manchester, TN
    0
    Hello!!!

    First, I want to say that I'm not looking for business. I am simply wanting to know how I can better serve my drivers. It's seems to me that the drivers are the lifeline of this business, and many of you guys are unhappy about how most dispatchers and companies treat you. I personally have been an entrepreneur at heart since I was 15 years old: at my dad's dock where he stored his shrimp boat, I would give guided tours of the shrimping industry...even though I knew nearly JACK about it. It made my dad proud though. I owned a grooming salon for 4 years and only quit because I had 3 children. I've learned a lot about business and I know the key feature to any business is the ones you are working for. SO, I want to know what would be the 'perfect' dispatcher description. I can listen to my teachers all day, but in the end it's the drivers that count. To me, this is not just another job, this is relationships that I will be building. I am still on excellent and endearing terms with all of my past grooming clients when i see them. I try my best to serve the customer first and foremost.

    I do possess the necessary skills, I believe to make a good dispatcher. But my goal, is to be the best dispatcher. Hopefully, with your help and advice you can aide me in achieving that. It's sounds to me that this industry is in dire need of some great dispatchers.

    Thank you in Advance for your help!!!

    Andrea
     
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  3. Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

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    Jul 6, 2008
    Liberty, Missouri
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    Communication is the key to happiness. Drivers want to drive. Not really. Drivers want big paychecks. The way they get big paychecks is to keep moving. The problem drivers have is they do not have access to the big picture. Let the driver in on you though process. Let him know what you are planning. Do not treat him like an employee, treat him like a partner.

    Also, post naked pictures.
     
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  4. tealtransport

    tealtransport Bobtail Member

    31
    15
    Oct 10, 2012
    Manchester, TN
    0
    ha...ha..ha...sorry...no naked pictures..I'm sure there's enough of them out there on the web already. Since starting my class, I've started to look at drivers more like my buddies...I find myself watching the trucks as I drive the interstate...And in reality. I'm the employee....the drivers are my bosses...so.

    I hear you guys like to be chatty...well, so do I. I think we'll get along just fine

    wooly Rhino...how often is too often to call a driver in a day? How much is bothering? Also aren't there time issues...I understand some drivers drive at night, and sleep during the day?
    I plan on starting my day about 6am.
    Thanks
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 11, 2012
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  5. Jumbo

    Jumbo Road Train Member

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    7,388
    Sep 4, 2009
    Appleton, Wisconsin
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    What is an "Independant dispatcher"? Is that the new term for "broker"?
     
  6. tealtransport

    tealtransport Bobtail Member

    31
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    Oct 10, 2012
    Manchester, TN
    0
    No. A broker is someone who usually posts the load on load boards. They have made deals with direct manufactures and can provide things like quickpay and fuel advances to the drivers. usually they have a ton of money in the bank to do that.

    An independant dispatcher is one who works for Independent Owner Operators...at least owning their own rig...usually your own trailer too..but there are load you can just transport the trailer as a part of the load itself. I am not bound to a brokerage company with multiple trucks...I work for You and you alone. I spend all my working hours and then some looking for the best loads for my Carriers. Therefore I am privately owned, and can offer many services (sorry, no sexual....wooly rhino) that you wouldn't normally get with a company or brokerage. Such as billing, invoicing, bookwork, I handle ALLLLLLL faxing information..no papers for you to sign or mess with. I simply call you with a load....if you accept and all works out well, the next thing you'll recieve the load confirmation sheet and you are set. And as soon as you have set off, I am busy 'shopping' for the best load for your return. I work around you. If you want to be home on weekends...then I focus on loads that do that.

    I also have the freedom to set up with direct manufactures across the country. I can set up lanes to ensure steady, good income.

    Hopefully, that answers your questions.
     
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  7. Cobra67y20

    Cobra67y20 Medium Load Member

    317
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    Jul 24, 2012
    Oviedo, Fl
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    Realistic delivery time! You need to keep in mind the transition of a load from point a to point b takes x amount of hours depending on route, weather and max legal speed limit. Oh, and we need to eat and fuel this make take 20 minutes or more, depending how long the line is. Some trucks can only max out only at 65mph.
    Also don't become a dispatcher saying everything is a hot load. We know if it is or not, we do at times ask the receiver of the goods.
    We all need to make money and you also. If your honest and sincere, drivers will like you and go out of there way to help. (It works both ways).
    Good luck
    :smt040
     
  8. BigJim1937

    BigJim1937 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 27, 2012
    Fargo,ND
    0
    Ok where to start #### I wish the wife could get on here right now to answer this. She actually gets along with most of her dispatchers. Me on the other hand well been lied to so many times that the trust factor is just no longer there. The only time I want to hear from them is when they have a load for me the rest of the time I dont want them wasting my time with useless information. A few years back one dispatcher in particular found out just how low he was on the totem pole. Depends on the company and how they perceive the drivers, this company put drivers first, this dispatcher thought he was the master of the drivers. He found out just how fast the ops manager could punt his ### out the door. Me I called the sales people when I need something they get it done.
     
  9. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Tennessee
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    When you take responsibility of freight without taking possession of it, which means you have someone else pick up the freight and deliver it, you are considered a broker and need a brokers license and Motor Carrier #.
     
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  10. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    12,232
    Aug 4, 2008
    Let me check my logbook
    0
    An independent dispatcher books freight through brokers, etc for a O/O . . . essentially another middle man, yet I don't believe there are bonding and insurance requirements on an independent dispatcher . . .
     
  11. tealtransport

    tealtransport Bobtail Member

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    Oct 10, 2012
    Manchester, TN
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    condocruiser.... I am not taking control of the load..the driver is. I am simply finding the loads for him...that is my job.
    Lilbit...While it is true I can get freight from load boards. I can also set up my drivers with direct manufactures and get them loads without it going through a broker.

    there are no bonding or insurance requirements...and no licensing required either.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 11, 2012
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