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Dispatchers From: "Driver's ABC's - Surviving the First Year".
Companies have different sorts of dispatch systems.
Typically you'll have one of the following:
Regional This sort of system has a person who is assigned to a particular area. If you unload in South Carolina, you might have to call Tom the dispatcher for your reload information but if you unload in California, you call Janet the dispatcher.
Assigned This type of dispatcher is "assigned" to you - which means that you'll deal with the same person no matter where you deliver. This type is often preferred because you can develop a closer relationship. The dispatcher gets to know where you like to run, how often you like to get home, etc. Additionally, there is something called "Forced dispatch" which is a dispatch system that means that the driver must take the load given to him and may not refuse it.
Dispatchers come in all shapes, sizes and most importantly, levels of capability! A good dispatcher is like gold. Many drivers prefer a dispatcher that is a former driver - they are often more realistic about schedules and understanding of difficulties, etc. That doesn't mean a dispatcher must be a former driver to be good, though.
What makes a dispatcher good?
What makes for a "bad" one?
Keep in mind, though, that dispatchers have a lot of drivers to keep track of and even a good one will sometimes mess things up. Regardless, staying on the good side is usually your best bet. Yelling at your dispatcher will rarely get you anywhere but at the top of his crap list. By the way, those on the crap list get the crap loads, crap treatment, etc. Sometimes you will have to have little "heart-to-heart" talks with the dispatcher. You will have to express your unhappiness with the loads you've been getting over the past several weeks or voice your displeasure with the fact that they've seem to have forgotten where your house is. There is no recipe for how to deal with your dispatcher but at least maintaining a professional relationship is definitely advised.
This article is an excerpt from "Driver's ABC's, Surviving the First Year," modified for the Web. This article may appear in more detail or in a different format in the book version. Copyright 2000-2007, Creative Curriculum FTTI, All Rights Reserved, no reprint without permission.
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