What if DM /dispatchers were paid and treated the same as Truck Drivers?

Discussion in 'Road Stories' started by BigSam, Nov 30, 2008.

  1. BigSam

    BigSam Light Load Member

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    What if DM /dispatchers were paid and treated the same as Truck Drivers?


    • Paid by the letter/numeral typed.
    • Computer limited to 58 letters/numeral per hour. (even though legal limit is 70).
    • Have to wait while computer downloads/uploads info each day for no pay.
    • Computer network crashes at times …. Must sit and wait (no pay) until clear.
    • Your every moment is being monitored (Qualcom, DOT, ect.)
    • first keypunch error…verbal warning
    • second …written warning
    • third…. Fired and banned for life (DAC) from ever being a DM/ Dispatcher again
    • No set work hours. Work 100 hrs a week … 30-40 hrs for free (see 3 &4)
    • At end of work shift must push desk to “Common” area to sleep on
    • Only room for 75 % of desks to park so, have to look for area to sleep (hallway, stairwell ,ect)
    • Must work 3-4 weeks straight for the privilege to have 34 hrs off at home.
    • Must pay a fee (toll) each day to enter office to work.(company doesn’t reimburse)

    Anybody think of anymore???
     
    Mamatiger, RBPC, jess-juju and 5 others Thank this.
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  3. Double L

    Double L Heavy Load Member

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    Now that sounds like a good idea, make them go a few days without a shower and meal!
     
  4. 1nonly

    1nonly tease-y-ness

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    Don't forget no heat in the winter and no A/C in the summer except when actively typing.
     
  5. Sad_Panda

    Sad_Panda Road Train Member

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    Give 'em a bottle to pee in and call it good!

    :biggrin_25510:
     
  6. wahwah70

    wahwah70 Medium Load Member

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    I think you would see a lot of DM's applying for a gun license..lol

    Great post BigSam... Great post!
     
  7. rigdriver1

    rigdriver1 Bobtail Member

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    95% of DMs could NOT take 1 day in our shoes, let alone 1 week.
    They would run screaming like little kids into the hills and caves
    and stay hidden.
    If you cant tell I have a LOW account of MOST DMs. :biggrin_25516:
     
    BigSam Thanks this.
  8. Ducks

    Ducks "Token Four-Wheeler"

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    A logical follow-up question here is...

    Would you trade your driving job to become a dispatcher? My one friend had the opportunity, and he decided he didn't want a desk job or the hassles that come with dispatching. Like he said, when he's driving, he has only one load to worry about -- HIS!

    How do ya'll here feel? Would you trade?
     
  9. sidewinder429

    sidewinder429 Light Load Member

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    Jul 18, 2008
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    It would seem to me that you really don't know what it's like to be on the other side of job! I am not a DM, FM or Dispatcher. But I drove for almost 8 yrs OTR pulled reefer, flat and van. Also spent 2 yrs working for a driving school teaching people to get their CDL. And now I work in the office at a trucking company. And you folks really have no idea the things that we have to put up with either. The saying goes walk a mile in another man's shoes. Just a few examples I will give... Hmmm where do I start.
    Driver smells so bad that the stench remains several minutes after he leaves. Fat guy, small shirt, bib overalls and tighty whities that aren't so white hanging out the sides. Driver who pulls out the yard and cuts off traffic causing it to have to stop as you return from your lunch hour. Driver from your own company changing lanes and forcing you out of yours (I was not in the blind spot) because they didn't bother to lean and look. Oh and the one I caught driving for 2 days with only a five hour break in the middle. He decided it would be fun to let his retard wife pretend to be him on the phone. He was brought in for a come to Jesus meeting and they sound nothing alike. Drivers who think they know the rules but really don't! Oh boy, I better stop now this could get rediculously:biggrin_25516: long.
     
  10. BigSam

    BigSam Light Load Member

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    Been there done that.... no problem... would I do it again? Doubtful... But for different reasons then you would think. (Read one of my other posts in the drivers health thread). Worked as a dispatcher for 5 years before company was sold and consolidated . Easier, safer and less hassles then driving/owning truck.
     
  11. 1nonly

    1nonly tease-y-ness

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    No way! A little good natured complaining aside, I love my job and there is no way I would give it up voluntarily.

    I am constantly amazed a how little respect some drivers have for their dispatcher. I recall one time I called my company after hours to get an authorized fuel stop and spoke with a trainee dispatcher. She was shaky and a little "out of it". She apologized to me saying she had just got off the phone with a driver who was yelling at her and wouldn't listen to what she was saying. I told her it was OK, I understood some drivers are very mean-spirited and will just fly off the handle if you don't tell them exactly what they want to hear. That trainee-dispatcher doesn't work there anymore.

    I've gotten frustrated with my dispatchers a time or two, and I'm sure they've gotten frustrated with me as well. Even so, respect in the workplace is not optional.
     
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