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Dealing w dispatch

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Robbman, Aug 11, 2011.

  1. Aug 11, 2011 #1
    Robbman

    Robbman Bobtail Member

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    Feb 11, 2011
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    been out of training and driving solo for a month now. still learning alot and trying to stay calm and not panic. my primary dispatch that works during the weekdays has been fine although i think hes pretty new as well so it kinda feels like the blind leading the blind at times. he is helpful and reasonable when I call. Then there is the night and weekend crew in which I try to avoid when possible. they mostly have attitudes, dont seem take into account our dot clocks and encourage bending the rules when necessary. How should I deal w these guys?
     
    Robbman, Aug 11, 2011
    Robbman, Aug 11, 2011
    #1
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  3. Aug 11, 2011 #2
    ronin

    ronin Road Train Member

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    Jul 22, 2008
    San Antonio, Texas
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    Use your primary dispatcher, preferably in person when you go to the terminal... and get him to "line you out" for whatever you need through the overnight period - all so you don't have to deal with nights and weekends.

    For example, it's a Thurday, and you unload on Friday evening. Instead of the guy going home and leaving you to the weekend crew, ask him to get with the planner and get you a pre-plan that carries you through the weekend.

    Also, if you're delivering in the evening, after your regular guy is gone, and you know you'll need a Comcheck for a lumper at 2100 hrs.... take care of it with your primary guy - not only will you have an authorized check in hand, you won't have to call the night crew.
     
    ronin, Aug 11, 2011
    ronin, Aug 11, 2011
    #2
    blktop-bucanear and zebcohobo Thank this.
  4. Aug 11, 2011 #3
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    3,485
    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    Good advice Ronin! No matter how mad or stressed out you get at your DM never let them know! Always say "yes sir/maam" and get the job done. Yes you will crap loads, yes there will be times you sit, yes there will be times you won't get home. This is all part of driving a truck. So suck it up and do what they say and soon once you have proven yourself you will find your pay constantly increasing because your DM know you can handle anything they throw at you and that you do it without complaining. DM's absolutely love drivers that do this. So brown up your nose and go make some miles!

    One more thing, try not to bother your DM for every little thing. When you do talk to them get to the point, be brief and don't tie them up. They have a hundred other drivers ringing their phone off the hook with their problems.
     
    chompi, Aug 11, 2011
    chompi, Aug 11, 2011
    #3
    Flying Dutchman Thanks this.
  5. Aug 11, 2011 #4
    gravdigr

    gravdigr Road Train Member

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    May 2, 2011
    Hollidaysburg, PA
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    My DM is pretty good. Bent over backwards to get me home this weekend. I feel bad he couldn't get me home friday, I don't think he realized how short my hours are. He kept apologizing and thanking me for being flexible. I'm hoping my good attitude will pay off since I'm missing the first day of the brian fisher atv reunion event to which tickets aren't cheap. Least I'll get all day saturday to tear up the trails on the dirtbike and grizzly.
     
    gravdigr, Aug 11, 2011
    gravdigr, Aug 11, 2011
    #4
  7. Aug 11, 2011 #5
    Sequoia

    Sequoia Road Train Member

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    Dec 4, 2010
    Tampa Bay, FL
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    Don't be that driver who calls in the mid-afternoon just to talk!
     
    Sequoia, Aug 11, 2011
    Sequoia, Aug 11, 2011
    #5
  8. Aug 11, 2011 #6
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Yeah, generally night dispatchers are just there to fill in. Most dispatching is done in daytime. The company may have 2-3 guys to cover hundreds of drivers, most of which are sleeping. So conduct your biz with your regular daytime dispatcher, preferably over the q-comm.
     
    Allow Me., Aug 11, 2011
    Allow Me., Aug 11, 2011
    #6
  9. Aug 11, 2011 #7
    lil may

    lil may Road Train Member

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    May 25, 2009
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    No my hubby just sends them E Mails all the time
     
    lil may, Aug 11, 2011
    lil may, Aug 11, 2011
    #7
  10. Aug 12, 2011 #8
    gravdigr

    gravdigr Road Train Member

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    May 2, 2011
    Hollidaysburg, PA
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    I actually got a nice weekend dispatcher today. Usually they are indifferent, mean, or downright nasty. I'm supposed to be home today but ran out of hours to get this load delivered. I can deliver it tomorrow but won't have the hours to get home. I explained everything to him and he was pleasant and said no problem he could help me out and he did. I went right to my 70 today and get 5.25 hours tomorrow and will need 4 hours for drive time and .5 hours for refuel and to drop the trailer. Wonder what I'll do with my extra 45 mins lol
     
    gravdigr, Aug 12, 2011
    gravdigr, Aug 12, 2011
    #8
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