S.W.O.T.

OAIDMB

Over
Analysis
Is
Driving
Me
Batcrappy

 

I could run you a bunch of quicken reports

 

I usually describe the situation. If it is a customer that I deal with a lot I can usually be pretty up front about unload times. Most brokers will work with you. Some will not. they want a truck that was empty at 8 am in the morning for a 5 pm pick up. Thats why I try to stay in the same lanes and do my best to deal with the same brokers as much as I can. They know me and I know them. Works pretty good that way usually.

 

I have booked loads in advance, but if there is any doubt that I can make the pickup on time, I will not take the load unless it can be rescheduled. Drivers have some control over when we can make a pick up and delivery, but have little control over how long it takes to get loaded or unloaded. I usually won't pre book loads from people that I have never done business. I have known owners who will book several loads out over a week or so. It is great if everything works as planned, but if one messes up or you are delayed, it can destroy your entire week and give you a ding on your reputation.

 

I pre-book loads up to 2 in advance, usually with enough leeway in time that in case something does happen it gives enough time to fix or notify, and I've turned down loads where making the pickup time was questionable, every time I have done that the broker has thanked me for the honesty, which astounds me as you would think that would be SOP for guys whose job kind of depends on their reputation.