I'm a Independant Dispatcher in Training Looking for Advice

WOW...you know, I am just honestly so thankful for all of you. Though it's frustrating a bit that my account has been severely limited that I can't even PM my friends I've gotten off of here (I've contacted Truckers Report about this issue) I am still thankful for the experience I've had. Just this huge support net is so surprising. Afterburn25, I come across a lot of drivers like you, who simply after doing everything would like a little help. Now I have been a business person..you guys know that..and I'm the same as some..I would probably want to save the money, but for others it's nice to not have to worry about where your going next. For me, I have become very attached to my drivers, I spend time with them in the beginning to find out exactly what their needs are..and the specs..what the can or want to haul..etc..and just learn them. It's a working relationship, and when a dispatcher and a driver match up..and really understand each other..it's like a match made in heaven...We work like a dream. I had a driver last week average over $3 a mile...I was estatic...cause we had learned each other..and worked well together. (This is a 40' hotshot now!!) Now I never promise to always have the truck full, or always have $3 a mile runs...But I do promise my drivers my very best...because that is the best I can do. We work hard for each other. That is the way a team should work. Thank you guys so much for your support again!! I promise to give reports on at least a monthly basis. Andrea

 

The first thing I would say about having someone related dispatching for you...is it is stinking hard!!! Even for friends. Because not all drivers fit with all dispatchers...the personalities have a match. My pastor actually got me into this business..and now his wife (who was dispatching for him) literally begs me to dispatch for him...but I can't bring myself to do it...cause I don't want to damage our pastor/attendee relationship. I'm not going to lie...poor weeks do happen, it's just the business. But after all this..if she still wants to do this (cause dispatching is NOT for everyone, it takes a lot of dedication and time...like I really don't have a life outside of my truck drivers. I take my work everywhere..I'm on call 24/7, if something happens I'm there to help the driver any way I can, if he breaks down (like one of mine did this morning) I find a local wrecker and dispatch them out there to assist my driver..I can find the closest and most reasonable repair shop, if my driver wants me to handle their billing, I do that. ETC...ETC...ETC. If my driver gets upset..about a load not being exactly what it said on the rate sheet..I I I get the brunt of the frustration and have to calmly call broker and see what we can do about it. It's honestly a 24/7 load babysitting job..kinda..ha ha. I am seriously dedicated to my job, I hardly take breaks, and I'm there for my drivers. The advise I would give her...is to be ready for lots of disappointments (when a load doesn't go through at the last minute), lots of hours, lots of hard work, a very thick skin, and plenty persistance and bargaining skills, (I'm amazed on how much I can get out of a broker..I once got $1200 more than the starting price, he posted at $2400, and I got $3600...shows you how greedy they are, I later found out I could have gotten only $25 more..but I was happy about what I had gotten.) I believe my account has been reinstated..or should be soon. But to be clear...I will not advertise my business on here. there are other places for that.

Andrea

 

Well, a rare breed is what is needed. It sounds like she would be just fine. In my training I was given an appropriate Power of Attorney to use for drivers that signed up with me. The company I work for now (it's a dispatching company that works as independent dispatchers for Hotshots) instead has it included in their contract so that a POA isn't necessary. not sure how that works..but post your email and I will gladly send you my blank POA, or any other forms you may need. All my fellow classmates know me for trying to help in any way shape form or fashion I can. If she wants, I can also do a few mock broker packets to fill out...so that she doesn't get the important stuff wrong and correctly fills it out for you. Let me know if theres any other way I can help.

Andrea

 

Hmmm... Sounds like you are wanting to run a Power Only Operation, which falls into a specialty category. While there is money to be made with a Power Only Operation, I know that I have not had that specialty training to help keep you moving. simple7dispatch@yahoo.com (Dave) is the best guy I know who handles those, and is no relation to my company. He also does regular dispatching I'm pretty sure...but I know he has a few PO he works with. I've gone into a specialty class as well. I dispatch for hotshotters, although I can do regular trucks as well..hotshots are my love. My niche so to speak. As far as helping you find a driver...I"m not really sure. I don't have those kind of resources for you..but if I do come across someone I will shoot them your way.