Forced Dispatch? How do you avoid conflicts with dispatch?

I work at a 250 truck company with "forced dispatch", however I typically run all the miles I can run because the office is good at keeping the fleet running good, and the runs are diverse and all across the nation and rarely anything short ... all this fits perfectly with my preferred style. But once you've earned your spot in the top performer list, they have no problem accommodating requests to get you out of a "lane rut" you may be in, if at all possible.

Forced dispatch is not necessarily an awful thing, but if you want to NOT have forced dispatch, you have to be prepared to deal with some other issues that will come up the first time you try and complain you're not making enough money due to too few miles because they will throw that in your face. If you only have 21 hours over the next 3 days, don't expect them to let you have options on longer runs with shorter delivery requirements that need a driver with better hours coming.

If you want to retain the option to "choose your freight" you're going to have to assume some financial investment and risks and run your own truck and be careful where you lease on with.

 

How does it become forced if you are broke or willing to trade in your freedom?

The true answer is that nothing can be forced in life, period.

You (we all) have the capacity to say no to anything.
There may be consequences, sure. But those consequences in no way take away your ability to refuse.

 

"Consequences" .... no, no, no, no. Apparently you went to school some time ago. This newer generation is taught to believe there is no such thing as "consequences" as long as you can "feel you're doing what you need to do". If someone wants to impose consequences upon them for their choices or wants, then that someone is to be publicly shamed and fired for not being understanding and accommodating to all.

 

Someone said that Swift is not forced dispatch, which is true to some degree.
But if they send you a pplan you will need a very good reason to flat out refuse it. A home time request or being sick are two that are acceptable. So is hours of service, if you really don't think you will have the time.
Saying that you don't like that city or area isn't.

Swift also gives the option to input your own pick up and delivery times, which is a very nice option.
If the times are not within the customers window the pplan is removed.
Again, though, one needs to be reasonable when using that option. You wouldn't get away with adding a day or two just to make sure you were outside the window.
I adjust the times of most of my loads because I like a little more time to relax, and they are fine with that as long as I get it there within that window.

Some loads are just really tight on time, for one reason or another, or just too tight.
If the load does not allow time for normal breaks, fueling, any rush hour traffic or construction, I'll turn it down for that reason. They can get a team for that, if it isn't a load that takes less than a full day. Or they can reschedule the delivery to give me the time I need.

But you first need to fully understand the system you are working under.
I get away with it because I'm only using the established system to my advantage.
Too many new drivers are not trained in that area because the mentors want to run as a team ASAP. Once that happens there is no time to train in the finer points.

 

I know.
The world has changed so much, in so many ways and in so little time.

 

maybe "forced"isnt a good word, maybe conned, brainwashed or manipulated would be a better word for it.

 

Good point.

And it takes some experience and knowledge to avoid being used like that.
It also takes some intelligence and self determination.

One big problem these days with that notion is that people are no longer taught to think.
They are taught to follow, like cattle.

...

Speaking of which...
I just got a pplan, here in Denver, CO.
Pick up a pre-loaded trailer tomorrow morning and then deliver a 3 stop load by the 10th in Utah, going through Wyoming.
My response was 'no'. My reason?
"Through a snow storm? I think not."
It was removed less than one minute later.

I'm wondering if they will get some idiot to actually accept it.

 

Some “Dingbat” on the view was telling the USA that be careful around trucks,cause of Forced Dispatch.Even if the driver is tired from driving,and needs a break,the company forces him to make another delivery.