Going from a driver to a dispatcher?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by dogchimp, Jan 18, 2014.

  1. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2012
    Messages:
    2,907
    Thanks Received:
    51,430
    Location:
    hunting...../ retired
    0
    you really need to chill out there....also need to thicken the skin somewhat and learn when you're being chided...Also it would behoove you to not engage in a conversation that you really know nothing about. Quit assuming mje...ask 1st. This is the first time you've gotten short with me ...ever............ thought you respected older hands much more than that....didn't mean to say anymore than I did....
     
    mje Thanks this.
  2. JPenn

    JPenn Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2008
    Messages:
    1,829
    Thanks Received:
    1,874
    Location:
    Northern Tier PA
    0
    Patience is a top requirement in dispatch, as is clear and concise communication, and the ability not to allow your kvetch with one driver affect your interaction with the next. You also need a high level of familiarity with maps, truck routes/restrictions and state/provincial specific issues. You've got to be a quick study and willing to continue to learn. Time management is key as you're more than likely to have multiple phone lines ringing off the hook at any given time.

    If it paid well and qualified applicants were preferred over people completely clueless about the entire industry, it'd be a decent if stressful job.
     
  3. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2012
    Messages:
    2,907
    Thanks Received:
    51,430
    Location:
    hunting...../ retired
    0

    just like drivers......just like drivers.....just like drivers....
     
    JPenn Thanks this.
  4. MidwestResident

    MidwestResident Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2012
    Messages:
    4,321
    Thanks Received:
    4,637
    Location:
    Wichita KS
    0
    I was totally wrong in all areas, no excuse on my part. I do apologize.

    God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!
     
  5. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2012
    Messages:
    2,907
    Thanks Received:
    51,430
    Location:
    hunting...../ retired
    0
    That is the very reason that most places will take a pass on a driver that is getting ready to , or has already retired. They want folks that will do as they say , even if it means sometimes pushing a rookie driver , or even offering a veteran more money "if" he fudges alittle just to get the job done. Most guys can tell when it's right or not with enough experience....they ( the companies ) don't want that. It "causes problems".......Before I retired , in 2011 a dispatchers job came available at GSF....I though I might give it a try , Nah...they said you don't have a 4 year college degree...or equivalent....I started to say after 33 years of service , I sort of have a grip on how to deal with the problems that may come-up with driver/equipment/scheduling..or even problems with customers....but I kept my mouth shut...better to leave on a good note....Glad I did too.........Found out later they did hire a 23 year old that had a logistics degree..never been in a truck/trailer , didn't know how the trucks were loaded......BUT he was QUALIFIED......go figure.......
     
  6. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2012
    Messages:
    2,907
    Thanks Received:
    51,430
    Location:
    hunting...../ retired
    0
    No Sir , not wrong , just UN-informed is all....no need to apologize...it's all good! No harm -No Foul....but a kind gesture...Thanks.......TTTD
     
    mje Thanks this.
  7. Wolfyinc

    Wolfyinc Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2013
    Messages:
    2,888
    Thanks Received:
    969
    Location:
    Salem, or
    0
    yeah thats what irritates me, lot of planners never drove, some DM's never drove...we have a safety guy who looks like he is 18 yrs old and has never drove but he can tell you how to drive your truck out there...