waiting for a load

you've been driving for 2 years-you should know there are times you have to wait for loads.if you are always waiting for loads wherever you go then your dispatch is not doing their job.try letting them know when you think you'll be empty to give them the impression you are looking forward to your next load

 

this is the process i use.
once i put in my "empty call" i wait one hour. if not assigned a load i send my FM a message. "where are we at" (it means what # number am i on the load board) my FM, within minutes sends me back A message "we are # 1,2,3" ETC after another hour i resend the same message. i have never waited more than 3 hours to get assigned a load.

keep this in mind. the more hours you have left in your day to work the quicker (usually) you will get loaded. because it extends your range of travel.
example: if you only have 2 hours left to work (11/14/or 70) you can only pickup a load within about a 120 mile or less radius

i always try to plan my trips so i can be close to the con. the night before. that way i can get up and arrive about an hour early. still having most of the day left to drive gives me MANY more load options.

 

When I was sitting in Kansas City, KS.... in a company truck.. at a rail yard.. with freight sitting everywhere... for 3 days.. and they finally gave me a load that picked up in Altus, AR... thats too long to wait for a load when every other driver that came into said rail yard to deliver, left with a load. 50% of which asked why I was waiting... and why they couldn't get me a load out of there. I just took the truck back to the yard and went home. Bought the big Pete a week later.

 

I personally feel that if I am waiting for a load, then dispatch did not do their job. After all, a daily call in, qualcomm tracking, letting them know that I am being unloaded, they should have a planned reload in process.

Otherwise, they must be reacting to your need, not planning.

I have watched my dispatcher say she was busy, all these trucks emptied today and she has to find them loads. I asked her why she hadn't been planning ahead, she just gave me a dumb look.

 

Ive been driving about 5 years, the longest Ive waited was (this year) a day and a half, then they dead headed me home 600 miles to take my two days off (at home).... I guess Knight has to live up to there "Home Town National Carrier" slogan...? ! Yes, with pay (mileage)

 

I got here in St. Louis at 11:00 am Sat. 12/30/23. It is now 1:06 am. 1/3/24 supposedly waiting for a load . Been told there is no freight. How long is too long. I'm already not going to make a check next week.

 

Dude, you resurrected a 17 year old thread.