Ask A Dispatcher anything

So I've been on this forum for over 10 years now. I drove a truck for over 10 years, and now I'm a dispatcher. I've run reefer otr, oil field, hauled heavy equipment, and drove for Walmart for a couple of years. Now I'm a dispatcher for a reefer company out of West Texas. The unique thing with this company is that all of the dispatchers are former drivers. And most of us have driven for this company. It gives us a unique perspective on the industry since we have been on both sides of the fence.

I'm starting this thread to help dispel some of the myths of dispatchers. Obviously, I can't speak for every dispatcher out there; but I can do my best to answer any questions about a dispatcher mindset or why you got put on that crappy load again. Keep in mind though, smart-### questions will receive smart-### answers. So ask away!

 

Depends on the company. We use PC Miler which runs zip code to zip code. It gives us a cost, drive time, and mileage. In your example, Dallas to NYC will cost $2,175.73, take 27 hours and 59 minutes, and is 1,566.3 miles.

 

Threaten to quit. Seriously. There's a severe driver shortage right now. Drivers hold all the cards.

 

You didn't quote the 1st part of my message. It depends on the company. I was telling you what my company uses.

It sounds like you doubt my role as a dispatcher...

 

The bottom line is that you have to work together as a team to get it done. As a driver, you are looking at your next load. As dispatchers, we are looking 2-3 loads down the line. It's not personal by any means. It is that you are the best truck and/or driver to get the load done. If you refuse the load, then that's on you. Just don't expect us to be worried about getting you moving until we get everybody else moving. Because your refusal just screwed our entire plan up, and now we have to work our ### off to fix it.