Hello, I’m Sharmyn. I wanted to talk about truck dispatching and give some tips as I have been working in the trucking industry for a total of 11 years.
In order to be a dispatcher, you need to have thick skin and be ready for the unexpected at any given time. Examples are truck breaks down, trailer lights go out, problems with the load or it cancels, or pay is not right, to name a few. Losing your cool in these situations will only harm your health and potentially cost you a carrier and/or customer. Possibly your job, so breathe and always have a backup plan.
Next, when you are looking for loads for your drivers, it’s best if you know what type of load your driver will take and if he has all the right equipment to do the job. There is nothing worse than sending a driver 150 miles or more, only for him to be turned away. The driver is pissed and the customer may not give you another chance to load at their facility.
Searching loads can be grueling and time-consuming. It involves a lot of phone calls and looking through load boards. This task is made easier if you know what equipment you’re working with, what type of load you want, and if you’re set up with the company you are calling. Furthermore, it will make booking the load easier. If you don’t know the type of equipment, you have to call and ask the driver. Don’t know if the driver wants to haul lumber or shingles, you have to call and ask. Not set up with the company, may need to get qualified which takes time and booking agent may take you off the load due to that. The moral is to BE PREPARED OR RISK LOSING OUT ON THE LOAD.
Alright, everything has worked out in our favor and now we have the load! Make sure you read the rate con THOROUGHLY and verify the pay, miles, commodity whatever was agreed upon is on it before signing and sending it back. This is a binding contract so if they changed anything your signature agrees to the changes. Make sure you comply with any notes put on it like, call when loaded and empty, tarping and/or strapping, pre calls, etc.
These are just some basic tips. My next post will dive a little deeper into certain subjects regarding dispatching and drivers.
If you found this helpful please follow me. If you have questions contact me on IG @4kidz4jobz or email me @ 4kidz4jobz@gmail.com
Be blessed and be safe!
4DGIRLZ LLC 