So I've been on this forum for over 10 years now. I drove a truck for over 10 years, and now I'm a dispatcher. I've run reefer otr, oil field, hauled heavy equipment, and drove for Walmart for a couple of years. Now I'm a dispatcher for a reefer company out of West Texas. The unique thing with this company is that all of the dispatchers are former drivers. And most of us have driven for this company. It gives us a unique perspective on the industry since we have been on both sides of the fence.
I'm starting this thread to help dispel some of the myths of dispatchers. Obviously, I can't speak for every dispatcher out there; but I can do my best to answer any questions about a dispatcher mindset or why you got put on that crappy load again. Keep in mind though, smart-### questions will receive smart-### answers. So ask away!
Ask A Dispatcher anything
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by flightwatch, Sep 1, 2021.
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If the wall map shows it’s only 26 inches from Dallas to NYC how is the driving time calculated?
Trucker61016, Lostmykey, nredfor88 and 8 others Thank this. -
What is the most effective coercion technique that you have seen drivers utilize to teach the dispatcher to trust the driver's judgement?
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There will come a time if it hasn’t already, where the company needs are going to force you to punk a driver. How do you as a former driver handle that? Has to be a tough position.
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It sounds like you doubt my role as a dispatcher...Attached Files:
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I'm coming off a five month break from the road shortly. I very briefly considered trying other companies than the one that the O/O I was working for was leased to. The O/O had me in a breakdown prone 2 million mile truck that I just couldn't trust anymore. I drove it for 3 years.
But since, the company that he was leased to, has newish company trucks and company drivers also. AND the great dispatcher that I had has both O/Os and company drivers on his board. I chose to negotiate with the company the best pay rate that I could get AND the firm position that I must be on my old dispatcher's board. The company agreed.
In my case, this dispatcher understands me better and works with ME by far better than any dispatcher that I've ever had. It's not even close. He was a former driver and small fleet owner, and he gets it. Unlike the vast majority of the previous dispatchers in my career.
So for me, the compatible dispatcher makes the decision easy. Being understood, respected, and cooperated with, takes a lot of stress out of the job.Val_Caldera, Willmann30 and flightwatch Thank this.
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