Driving OTR with US Xpress

The first quarter of this year was a losing deal. I tried to make the best of it, even had a face-to face with my FM. Eventually, I made mention of low miles to the terminal manager. I was given a new FM, but it didn't improve. That's when I asked my old FM if I could be put back on her board. She took care of the details.

The FMs prefer to handle everything on the DT if possible. With the number of trucks each must handle, phone work is a distraction. I tend to avoid using the phone to talk to my FM unless there is no choice, or the trip I'm on requires a verbal for dispatch. But again, there's no need for anybody to be rude, I don't care how bad of a day someone is having.

If your FM is not getting you the miles, somethings wrong. Speak to him or her first and find out what the problem is (be polite). If you can't come to terms, ask to be assigned to a new board. If need be, go to the terminal manager and explain what's going on. He doesn't like to see a truck, that's available for dispatch, sitting around doing nothing but burning fuel when it could be hauling freight.

Take it from me. If you are delivering on-time and doing your job, the terminal manager will be on your side.

 

The trip I scanned in was late on Wednesday, almost 1600 ET. That was most likely the problem.

 

A lot of guys use their phones with the app to scan in their trip sheets.

I would have to replace my phone to do that, as I only have a flip phone. It's brand new, but it's limited. I have a laptop with an air card so it's simpler to get the scanner.