How to keep your truck moving

My DM is partial to beef jerky. I refer to him as "the boss of me ". I don't whine. I will do favors, keeping in mind that they are good for markers I can call in later.

We're frendly but keep it adult and professional. We have a good mutual respect.

Gees, I'm freakin blessed!

 

First of all I wouldn't call him a "dispacher", I would call him a "dispatcher" instead. Sorry, I couldn't help myself....

 

i am not sure your dispatch will appreciate you calling a customer for anything but directions.

let your dispatcher know you wanna run and not sit. but if he gives you a load to NYC, do not gripe about it either.

i ain't so sure giving gifts is a good idea, it can make for enemies with your other co-workers, up to the point where they can vandalize your rig when you are at a truck stop or rest area, even at a customers place. not only that, but your dispatcher can always be expecting gifts from you and if you run out of money or just stop giving gifts..??

say hello to every hell hole out there....best not to start giving gifts...wanna give something,..?? give them your best possible work ethics and effort to do the job.

 

We're encouraged, almost expected, to call our customers both shippers and receivers. And not just for directions. Never had a problem when asking if I could come early for either.

 

Suck it up in the beginning, while your dispatcher learns what kind of driver you are.

Then, take your runs and do your job to the best of your ability, no matter where they deliver to. Don't whine, cry or complain unless there is a legitimate reason you must. Keep your dispatcher aware of you availability and hours available.

That all can be summed up as simply just " do your job". There are enough poor drivers out there that, in many cases, just doing what you are supposed to can really make you stand out.

 

one thing I found very handy.......
GET AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO YOUR DELIVERY THE DAY BEFORE. that way after you are empty you have as many hours to drive as possible.
another thing that works well (sometimes) try to limit line 3-4 hours to 8.75 per day, that way you do not have to restart and can roll every day.
**disclaimer** I KNOW it's coming LOL sometimes either of these suggestions is not practical

 

Maybe not practical to do all the time but still great advice! I find 9.75 will work as well.

 

Truckers will have to adapt to new ways of doing things with the eventual universal EOBR mandate.

 

#1 Rule........

Work for an outfit that has a good freight base !!!!!!!

Good Luck !