Driver Perks

If you catch a dispatcher lieing to a driver dispatcher loses their job. I will do almost anything for a dispatcher that stand by their word. If they mess up they admit it. Not try to pass the buck to the driver. A good honest dispatcher can make the company and driver money without lies and half truths. I will quit a company faster because of a dispatcher than I will cause of poor equipment

 

just pay for my XM radio n food for the week n we good. Also if u like how i work dont keep me waiting for my reload have it ready for me n if u cant, just be honest so i can get some zzzz

 

An incompetent, dishonest, surly dispatcher will cause way too many drivers to quit, before they're finally dealt with by their management.
Dispatchers seem to have too much power over drivers; their income and lives.
Watch the dispatchers, they are very often the weakest link in process...and bad ones are kept way too long.
Drivers won't complain because they're afraid to, they just quit.

 

Pre-plans should be the norm when at all possible once the driver has proven his/her dependability.

 

Refrigerators in the truck. In the last 25 years we have gone from spring ride cab overs and throttle springs to modern day air ride equipment with abs and everyone still is packing cold cuts in a stupid cigarette lighter powered cooler.

 

Honestly, while I certainly have nothing against money, just have someone in management say thank you for a good job would be a huge bonus. Let people know they are appreciated, if they deserve it.

Back when I was driving, APUs just weren't around. We idled. In fact, most of us did it way too much, (me included.) But making a driver freeze or sweat his nuts off just don't cut it. Do whatever it takes to give that driver the ability to keep his truck comfortable.

I could do a real rant on trucking company shops here. (Worked for Knight. . .)

If you have a company shop, keep an eye on what is going on there, OTHER than just the bottom line. When a driver brings a truck in for work, is he treated reasonably. Does the shop even attempt to work with the driver? Do you have knowledgeable mechanics that are willing to work?

Or do they honestly feel that drivers are the lowest form of animal life, and treat them that way.

Mutual respect should be demanded, of EVERYONE that works for the company, from the company owner to the youngest newest yard dog operator. No body should be allowed to treat anyone else like they are less than human.

Sure, there are times that stress takes over. But if you have anybody there (driver or otherwise) that makes a habit of being rude to co-workers, they should be sent packing.

 

Tell your dispatchers that you will be randomly monitoring their qcoms/phone conversations with drivers, to make sure everyone is acting professional and respectful to everyone else. That'll keep 'em honest and pleasant.

 

1. APU for my comfort.
2. Inverter to keep my refrigerator running.
3. Paid detention.
4. Extra $18.00 per day I am out.
5. Affordable health insurance that actually covers me and my family. (Forget the $3000 deductible plans)
6. Pay for 1 truck wash per week.
7. Nice looking equipment - aint got to be new but should look good - with a decent mattress.
8. No qualcom - I'll call you and you call me.
9. RESPECT.

I get all the above and can't see myself driving for anyone else! That is driver retention.

 

I'm sorry, sir, but your price is too high!