How aggressive should I be with dispatch?

I have found that the better I treat dispatchers, the better my loads get.
Being respectful, stroke them a little bit, get them to be part of your "team", and you'll roll in high style.
People may not recall the words you said, but they'll remember how you made them feel.... Every... Single... Time.
Make them feel like you appreciate them, that you aren't just another driver out to make their day miserable, and you'll see dramatic changes.
So many drivers take an adversarial mindset against dispatch that the dispatchers immediately put up walls against the abuse.
Nobody wants to deal with "that guy" that's mean, ugly, and disrespectful.
Everyone wants the guy that is kind, respectful, and easy to work with.
Think about your own perspective.
You'll help anyone that's kind and respectful... I know I will.
But helping the crapweasel.... Nah... Help yourself and stew in your pity party...

 

Keep ALL of your communication on the Qualcomm so that there's an electronic "paper trail" of all communication between you and them. That way your butt is covered and they can't accuse you of saying something you didn't say, and they're far less likely to suggest that you violate company policy or the law.

Unless company policy requires you to give them your cell phone number, don't.

 

OP,

I’m glad you asked this question. And, it’s your lucky day. I just happen to have a minute to get you boned up and jelly tight on this dilemma.

Ok, so here’s how you deal with dispatch.

Hello? Yes this is Frank. Oh, hey Dispatch. You have a load for me? Oh great, tell me about it. Uh, hold up, hold up.

You said it has to deliver at 0400? Oh, yeah, that won’t work. My alarm won’t allow any setting before 0600. Yeah, I know, bummer right? I hate it too. Is what is what is I guess. What else you got?

Oh, a sweet run to there? Sounds great! Oh, wait a sec. Did you say it has to deliver at 1700? Oh, yeah, that won’t work. It’ll make me late getting home for dinner. I know man, wives, right?

Oh, you have a load that picks up at 0700 and delivers at 1430? Oh, that’s perfect Dispatch! It would be my pleasure to run that load for you.

Oh, hey man, you’re very welcome! I’m always here to help you out. You know that! Oh, no no no, you don’t need to say another word. It was my pleasure. Glad to do it!

Yes, you too Dispatch, have a nice rest of your day. Goodbye.

OP, are you with me fella? See the casual, always pleasant, but direct and firm approach I presented there?

THAT is ALWAYS how you deal with dispatch.

Never be a butt munch. No one likes a butt munch! Am I getting through to you fella?

 

Wow someone necro'ed an 8 year old thread.

 

Yeah, ain’t it great? Lol