Advice on how to speak to my Fleet Manager

Since when does a driver simply "go home" without checking in with dispatch??? Many times things change at the last minute (loads cancel, loads are added, trucks break down, drivers run out of hours, etc) and dispatchers have to scramble to try to cover to keep their customers happy.

Sounds to me like you made a rookie mistake. The best way to handle it is to say; "I didnt realize you had additional work for me to do. In the future I will call in to double check that there is no additional work you need done."

 

I agree with what was stated above me. Never go home until you have been released by your dispatcher, no matter what company you drive for. You're paid to drive. You're not paid to think.

 

Sounds like you're dispatcher is blaming you for their "failing to do their JOB' in a timely and organized fashion. Although FM are our bosses, it's primarily their skills that build the "team". Being that team thing is not part of their training at performing their job, It takes a respectful person to realize that there is more at work here than getting mad at drivers whom are about to take to our nations roadway with 80,000 lbs.

 

Lol Werner disbatchers screw up just as much if not more then there drivers...and they go home everynight ....but you are on net ops(daycab)...and there are alot of drivers waiting for that position ...id say if u do this too often...you're going to have a sleeper behind your you again..or other option is move on..

 

I do it all the time. He goes home at 5pm sharp. I'm not about to call him at home and ask is it ok to go home now. Of course my dispatch messages have the necessary instructions until my next one.

 

So your company doesn't have anyone after 5 pm? If that is true then you must work for a very small outfit indeed. Most companies will have multiple shifts. Whatever hasn't been covered by the day shift will be handled by the night shift. Plans change based on customer demands and the drivers are expected to be available to cover (provided you have not reached your maximum work/drive hours).