mercer transportation

but really, why are you sitting back and waiting on the coordinator, go after it yourself.

 

Remember if you COMMIT to a load you have to take it. Better call the agent and find out the details first. It's a real problem when someone commits and gets dispatched, then says they don't really wnat the load, or can't take it. Ultimately it can lead to termination. Your coordinator can ACCEPT you on the load which is different. We used to have that option on the board but that got abused also and got removed.

 

There are several companies named Mercer, which one are you at? The one Skateboardman and I are with is First Empty First Offered which is tremendously different than first in first out. which is a dispatch system, and at this Mercer we are not dispatched but rather offered loads. And if that is the "rule" you think governs all load choices you may need 4 days to figure out the system, not three. There is a lot more to success here than just the load board. Developing relationships with shippers, receivers, and particularly agents is how you run this as a business. If you just want to be a truck driver then the load board is all you need. It the difference between waiting for loads to come to you, or being proactive and developing additional ways to find freight. There are many loads agents know are available, but do not pursue because there are not enough trucks, or it's not a popular lane most drivers want. When you learn all this on day 4 then you will know what agent to call days ahead of your arrival and grab a load that would otherwise never be posted, going to a destination you choose.

 

lol, I guess I got a bit ahead, I go ahead and commit sometimes, when I know who the shipper is, which I do just by location and commodity. I miss being able to match myself to see what board position I am on that load. now its either refuse or commit, just don't commit unless youre willing to take it.

 

Well, yeah Skateboardman, but that knowledge comes on day 5 when you're really experienced here.

 

I have yet to understand why the took the "match" option away. Can anyone explain that?

 

Thanks for all the help. I will call my coordinator on Monday and make sure my preferences are wide open. There policy as far as booking your on loads was kind of foggy but if we can book our on loads that will be my next option. I went into this thinking I would let the coordinator run my truck, but if that doesn't work I will start booking my own loads just as I did when I was on my on. Either way I am planning on sticking around I think this will all work out one way or the other. Thank again for the advice!!

 

I think it might have been a way to make guys commit to more loads than just window shop by matching. its a puzzle to me also

 

do it like you used, go after it, don't wait on it to come to you.

 

I appreciate the input, but I'm not struggling with the system at all!!