How do you deal with brokers that call several times checking up on you?

I hauled a cat forklift one time going from PA to Laredo. They called me 17 times. I #### you not. After the first 2 I just silenced the call every time.

If I had my own authority I would have been more tolerant.

 

I always told brokers that you get what you pay for, check calls either made or received will cost you "x" amount more per mile.

How much would you like to spend?

Yeah, a couple of brokers got mad, and threatened no further loads, but usually I found that I wouldn't want to pull any more of their loads any way.

 

I have a policy for this, you - the driver - call them back when you are stopped in a safe location and can call IF it is important. I have them tell the broker this when the driver calls in after getting loaded, and I have them tell the broker if they don't like it, they can call me.

 

Download macropoint if you're hauling for CH Robinson. If it's other brokers, talk to them once in the morning, and that's it

 

Answer if safe to do so, communicate professionally, and assure them the job is safely in capable hands.

 

I usually emailing then before they call me letting them know status of the load.
1. My ETA for pick up.
2. When I got loaded and left shipper.
3. When I know around what approx time I will get to the receiver (closer to the end of the day).
4. Lastly when I got empty.

Some of them don't care and don't respond, some of them say "thanks for the update", and some of them appreciate these updates and being more loyal to me next time I book load with them.

This way they don't call me at all. And I don't like talking too much neither and prefer memorized messages such as emails and texts.

 

So you're hauling for TQL, eh?

 

Answer the call! This is the guy who's going to be paying you. We like him.

 

yeah answer a call, get into an accident, then what?

Don't matter who is paying, if they can't trust you to do a job, then ...