How do I deal with rude shippers / customers

True or not, this is funny!

 

First of all, congratulations on your entry to the world of professional driving. Only a fraction of folks that attempt this become a driver.

Regarding rude shippers or receivers always bear in mind that they are stuck in jobs that aren't high on the scale of fulfilling career paths. They may have an ####### of a boss or other "issues". They are human beings. Begin by treating them with respect and finding out what they need. Be appreciative of their help (such as they may give).

ALWAYS be a professional, from start to finish. Remember that you represent your company and some salesman somewhere worked hard to secure this account. Don't blow it for that salesman OR for your fellow drivers by doing anything to jeopardize the account.

Always thank them for their business. "I really appreciate your business", is something I say whenever I pick up or deliver a load.

Address people as "Sir" or "Mam". Politeness and respect go a LONG way to getting respect. I drove for Swift for a couple of years when I got back into trucking, now I pull a flatbed running to the oil patch. The difference in customer interactions between going to dry van warehouses and going to a typical flatbed customer is night and day. It's RARE to NOT be addressed as "Sir" or "Boss" in flatbed (although at some large shipping or receiving operations I can rarely see that old ugly disrespect creeping in).

Try your best to help the shipper or receiver have a better day because YOU were there. You may find that you might start getting calls from your DM saying, "Hey, I just got a call that customer X is asking to have you come back anytime", or "I don't know what you did, but we just took over the entire account". That may not mean much in the larger business of Swift, but when you start working for a smaller outfit it means EVERYTHING.

 

For the most part, race isn't the issue. But you and I know both know there will be days. Some people just hate their lives and need to spread that hate to others. Don't let get to you and try humour to change their minds.

I do heavy haul and rarely get a person with a crap attitude. I try to meet each person with a smile. If I'm having a crap day I will apologize in advance.

 

Not so sure I agree with everyone who says race absolutely plays no part. In the real world it can and does. In some cases it could be racism. Maybe, maybe not.

Being so young could play a part also.

How you dress and how you present yourself are what matters most though.

 

Race has nothing to do with it. These receivers see drivers of all races and ethnicities all day every day and the rude,nasty ones are rude and nasty to everyone. I've seen it a trillion times.

Now, where I do see it being an issue sometimes is language. The nasty receivers have one thing in common- lack of patience. When a driver comes in struggling speaking/ understanding the language the creep receivers let their impatience be known. But again, I don't think that is race related either.

Some of them are just unhappy creeps- but they're the same unhappy creeps to all the drivers they don't know yet

 

OK at my grocery warehouse, everyone is treated only with kindness. It really isn't bad, not even in the same universe as an HEB. Guys can sleep there. There's a john, and a world class lunch truck comes, i'm not kidding epic hot food.

Everything that he said.

And they also know your new. To the seasoned eye, you stick out like road flare on a dark night. So take it with a grain of salt. Keep in mind your new. Don't act like a gimp, but don't pretend to be something your not either. We spot guys, and help them back in all the time. I'm on the distribution side. Keep in mind when you go to those places, like mine, that's my yard. Same with the lumpers and people in the office. I do all kinds of favors for the ladies in the office at the drop of a hat. There's guys like me at every warehouse, you just don't see it. You piss the wrong guy off in the yard, maybe he walks by the office and says " Ya know that dude has a need to get unloaded last attitude."

Keep that in mind rookie. Welcome to the jungle.

 

You don't know what's in the mind of everyone so I don't know how you can say that race absolutely has nothing to do with it. We have no way to know.

The OP mentioned that they are rude to him but not to other drivers. So obviously these receivers are not rude and nasty to everyone.

I would guess age, appearance and/or attitude are more likely the issue. Perception could be part of it too.

Some like to be the victim and read stuff into words that aren't there. If you go looking for it you will find it.

I suggest the OP make sure he is being polite/professional/respectful in both manner and appearance before he decides it's anything else.

 

I used to actually be jealous of the sorry SOB's at warehouses because at least they got to shower that morning and will see home at the end of their shift. BTW I'm white and got disrespected several times. I'd still rather take the disrespect than have them pulling some BS like refusing to load a trailer or have you wait half the day to unload.

True story, there is a shipper in Loudon TN that requires clean trailers. Fine, so I sweep out the unit before arriving. I get there and immediately the shipping clerk had an attitude. After backing into the dock they go to inspect every nook and cranny of the trailer. I am talking about even checking if the load strap holes had debris in them. There was a small stain toward the rear of the trailer and he said they won't load unless I remove it. So I go to the tractor get a gallon of drinking water I had and go to remove the stain with water, a broom, and paper towels. I finally got the most of the stain out and the original ####### had the nerve to tell me that I can't have that gallon of water in the warehouse and to immediately take it to the truck. After making me sweep the trailer again they finally loaded me. That's one of the many hassles a driver faces to all you new people looking to get into truck driving.

 

If I had to deal with truckers all day I too would be in a pissy mood.