Forced dispatch

You would be inclined to understand that a dispatcher has the power to dispatch a load onto you. Once that is settled, you will be given loads you cannot refuse lol.

 

Quite a few, but start turning down loads and you won't be seen as a profitable employee.

 

I believe Knight offered a choice of loads but now with the Swift merger who know if that's still the case.

 

Good luck with that. If they have loads to cover and you have hours, you're going to work. Company I work for typically lets me pick between a couple or 3 but at times there is no option as I'm needed so I get the load, like it or not

 

If you plan on working for a mega bottom feeder, a mom & pop, or anything in between, it's forced dispatch. A truck that's sitting isn't turning a profit - simple as that.

As others have stated, if you have the hours and your truck isn't in the shop, you will be expected to take the load.

Now, maybe you can play the non-forced card but your dispatcher and planner will remember. Keep it up and they'll starve you out.

In this business, you absolutely must take the occasional lousy runs to receive the good ones. Even O/Os must take a low-paying job if it means they'll be positioned to get home or get something much better.

I do like the model which gives the drivers a choice between several runs. But there will be days when you basically have to pick your poison.

 

We did not fool with systems here. Dispatcher says here three cities, which would you like? A fast exam of the weather in my head usually gets me to a sunshiny