Trucker Dispatcher Job Roles

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by farmerjohn64, Jul 1, 2020.

  1. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    I think I’ll just call safety straight away because if they gaf they would’ve routed me there already
     
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  3. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    They should be ur first call whenever things dont get done and it affects u doing ur job..
     
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  4. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    I’ll keep that in mind, these guys couldn’t give a dang about me lmao there’s like 10 different people under, “Safety Contacts.” Maybe my dispatcher will get a kick in the balls and start treating me like a human being, doubtful
     
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  5. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    That is the biggest problem i ran into as well when i worked with swift. There is so many different people inevery department and they all deal with so many drivers, nobody knows whats going on
     
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  6. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    Heck I might’ve had a different dispatcher today, was a woman named, “Tina”
     
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  7. Espressolane

    Espressolane Road Train Member

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    Here is something you might want to know.
    The person you talk to for work assignments is paid a base salary plus commissions. They have incentives to keep your truck generating revenue. It is in their best interest.
     
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  8. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Just an FYI, many companies don't have loads they keep on the shelf just so someone can go home.

    Ask your dispatcher where you can take the truck to get repaired, tell them the a/c stopped working.

    And be careful with this idea that a dispatcher isn't your boss, they are in many ways. They can give you crap work without worrying about being punished.
     
  9. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    I’ll have to drop the trailer somewhere because my road isn’t wide enough to turn a trailer on, but I can bring the tractor no problem.

    You’re right, part of the reason why I’m asking this here because I don’t wanna get black listed by my dispatcher, nor do I want to get taken advantage of by being Mr. Yes Man.

    Appreciate the responses everyone.
     
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  10. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    I wouldn't go to safety - yet.

    After informing ops I need to get into a company shop, if my next load doesn't get there I send a messge along the lines of "I'm sure you have a plan that I don't see, but remember I need my ac repaired". It's a polite way of saying "do your job, or I will give you no peace." After that, its phone calls. Only after I have exhausted all other options do I go up the chain, and I make it clear that is my intention - "I know you're doing what you can/following protocol but I think I need to kick this up a level". A lot of times the politely worderd non-threat is all you need.

    When you do get into a shop be prepared to sit for a few days. Odds are there is only one or 2 hvac mechanics so it may take a day just to get into the bay.

    As to hometime - look ahead. I always try and give at least 2 weeks notice of tah, preferably 30 days. As we get closer, a few gentle reminders aren't out of line. Also remember that sometimes you need to go south to get north.

    I had a trainee lose his little mind when on Thursday we got sent from Memphis to Napoleon OH. What he didn't know, and refused to learn, was that if we took a load to Chicago, we would still need to get north which would mean scrap paper, which means tight dock, probably getting reworked for overweight etc. Going to Napoleon meant we could grab a load to Beaver Dam and dead head home. More pay, less work, same total time.
     
  11. farmerjohn64

    farmerjohn64 Road Train Member

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    I’ll give this approach a try tomorrow, see what my dispatcher says first
     
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