Concerned

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Silverbeard, Aug 25, 2019.

  1. Silverbeard

    Silverbeard Bobtail Member

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    Aug 2, 2017
    Houston TX
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    I've been working for the same company for 3 years now hauling dedicated dry bulk loads for the company's Texas / South division. We primarily deliver to chemical plants and refineries across the Texas region. Our division only has 5 drivers to service customers in our territory which is typically enough to keep us all pretty busy.
    Recently we lost our regional dispatcher who was very well liked because of his ability to treat us like human beings and not numbers on a load board. He made sure our loads were distributed evenly so we all made good money. He was just simply a good dispatcher as far as dispatchers go. He abruptly resigned due to "office politics" and an inability to continue keeping his mouth shut concerning said "politics".
    The company has now hired a new dispatcher who previously worked for one "mega carrier" I won't name but its not a very reputable company in an experienced drivers mind and he also worked for one of the companies in the news recently who abruptly closed their doors leaving their drivers stranded across the country.
    Since this new dispatcher has started handling our load board, we have seen our work volume drop off significantly. As of this past Friday all of our Texas division drivers are sitting at home with no loads for the next 4 days and there will be at least 2 of our 5 drivers who will have had 5 days off with no work as of this Tuesday. I know some of you are going to tell me to enjoy the days off, and I will, but as an experienced driver in this industry I can't help but see some red flag warning signs popping up.
    I've been with this company almost 3 years now. I've never...NEVER...had consecutive weekends off and certainly never 4-5 days off with no work. The only thing that comforts me is that I do get paid a minimum salary as long as I'm available 24/7 for a load so I'm still going to get a check but I'm concerned none the less.
    Just looking for feedback...personal experience....advice from you guys and gals.....
    Thanks....
     
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  3. JReding

    JReding Road Train Member

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    Puyallup, WA
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    It sounds like your previous dispatcher may have seen the writing on the wall..? It might be worth your time to:
    A. Start asking questions, and
    B. Polish up your resume, just in case.
     
  4. Silverbeard

    Silverbeard Bobtail Member

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    Aug 2, 2017
    Houston TX
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    Yes....
    I've already started planning asking questions....
    Our main boss has supposedly been out on vacation for a couple weeks, which is also odd....
    He's going to have a busy Monday back from vacation answering all of our questions....
     
  5. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    and when you asked the new dispatcher why the change, what was the answer.?

    you did ask, right?
     
  6. Silverbeard

    Silverbeard Bobtail Member

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    Aug 2, 2017
    Houston TX
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    Honestly....that's another issue. This new dispatcher never answers his phone. He's been there 3 weeks and hasn't even called to introduce himself. He does everything by text message.....Yet another red flag.....
     
  7. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    LA (lower Alabama)
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    I would call old dispatcher if possible and discuss theese “politics”. He left for a reason obviously. Compa7appears to be going another direction with loads. Need to get hold of him and get the skinny ASAP
     
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  8. JReding

    JReding Road Train Member

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    Puyallup, WA
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    I agree, especially if you were on friendly terms with him. He’ll be more free to talk about his concerns, what may be happening... what are they gonna do, fire him? ;)
     
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  9. johnnyman1099

    johnnyman1099 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 13, 2017
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    A dispatcher that never answer his phone is definitely a bad sign. They should fire him.
     
  10. Suspect Zero

    Suspect Zero Road Train Member

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    Burbank, IL
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    And if you're really daring, you could ask him where he landed. Maybe your missing loads are there too.
     
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  11. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    The plot thickens
     
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