How to deal with a difficult broker.

my last post wasn't directed to you pursay but brokers in general.I've had some call me every hr on the hour like clock work.once the driver is loaded just ask him to call if He runs into any detours that would cause him to be late immediately and right when He gets at the receiver and leave it at that.there's no need to pester drivers while driving and they shouldn't have to stop and call you every time either.leave a voicemail or text and ask them to call when they stop and leave it at that.

 

at the moment no but I have been driving since 2002 and hauled for some out of line impatient brokers.

 

Problem is there are guys like me, that keep brokers updated rather they require it or not. There are also brokers who need to keep their customer updated, because that's what the customer requires. There are big brokers who have about 6 people calling within each other just because the other hasn't "updated" the system. You can always tell a broker "I am sorry, but I do not share my driver contact information just like you wouldn't share your customer direct contact information". However, if a broker calls, why not keep them updated? You and I, all of us need to understand that there are guys that simply don't care, or make up lies which can cost a lot of money for customers. Maybe storage space? Maybe expiration date? Brokers are trying to make sure things go smooth as possible on both sides, even if they have to lie a little bit, but they like to be informed. Remember that runhardgetpaid guy? What if you needed that product delivered and that guy just went to sleep because he felt tired while you had a customer on the line asking "WHERE IS MY PRODUCT!?!?!". This is why a lot of them do this. As far a safety let's not act like drivers aren't listening to streams on youtube, texting, or talking to people on the phone. Just like they can call you, or their family through head sets, is just like they can take 20 seconds out of their time day to tell a broker their city/state. If they're sleeping, they should have their phone on silent anyway.

 

I felt flattered with one broker,brian was his name he always requested me I asked him why,he said because you're always thinken ahead.I've always been real good about communicating.I'd call broker tell them I'm at shipper call while and after I'm loaded and call a couple hrs before I'd get to receiver but some brokers that's still wasnt good enough.

 

Same here, but until I got to know main guys in bigger companies, I didn't understand. For example you are on a load I have.
It shows in the system of the group to call and check. Patty, not all these guys understand trucking. They're just like regular telemarketers doing what they're asked to do. So one calls, and asks, you talk to him, blah blah, Few minutes later, another one calls, ok, blah blah. What happens sometimes is nothing has been updated and they don't know. I used to get upset too about being bothered but a guy explained to me and told me not to worry about it, as long as I let him know what's going on. So the system with some brokerages is off, but it doesn't mean we should get pissed off. Do we leave our truck at a shop without checking when it will be ready/what's going on? Imagine if for 2 days the shop didn't call us back.

 

Yeah I always love to hear about drivers who can't be bothered with check calls. That's a service issue and as a driver you provide a service. If you fail in any one area there are 1000's of other service providers out here to choose from.

Regardless of what you think or feel about a load sometimes the people paying the freight need that little extra. I'll take check calls every hour or make them if necessary. Macro-point tracking or our own company sylectus mobile tracking if they are a part of the network and ask for it, no problem.

Some people that I haul for really stress when they don't get info like that. For something so simple as missing a check call within a half hour of your status can equal a service failure in their system. This can cost these people access to higher tiers of better paying freight.

Screw up's are a dime a dozen in this business that kind freight doesn't go on any truck. If you're not trustworthy enough to do something so simple as take check calls you're not gonna get the call for that load. People have argued this with me in here over the years and like I say, keep doing what you are doing, makes it look like what I do is something special.

 

there's so much lack of communication and it's starts with the ppl that doesn't update your status when you either call or send it over the qualcomm.then you get five different people calling and not one of updates where you're at.you have to go thru the same drill day in day out every time there's a shift change.it use to get to the point I'd tell them to make sure others know so they don't keep calling.ok they say and still doesn't do anything.you get tired of repeating yourself over and over.like dam discover card,i quit answering their calls.

 

Yeah but not all system update the same. Some brokers like to tell their customers that they have live updating tracking, even tho they don't. So it's important for them to get the exact town you're in and so on every few hours. Forward Air will call you ever 2-3 hours with multiple people at the time frame to get an update. If you are a company driver, I understand, you hate it, and I hated it too! But if you own a truck or a business as a carrier you will understand why it's important.

 

But if it's @Broker Bob load, pick up the phone and tell him load was stolen because it was cheap.

 

I can understand it being important but some are so impatient you don't answer the phone they'll call every 15 minutes or less till you do answer.one thing I do not do even hands free is talk while driving not even in my car I have to be completely stopped and parked.I will not pull over either to give them my status.once I'm stopped at say reastarea then I'll call them right away before even removing my seatbelt.but otherwise no I won't make a special point to stop.