IS THIS NORMAL FOR STATER COMPANYS
Topic 3785 | Page 1
Companies seem to be trying to pile more and more drivers on their dispatchers which can lead to long wait times on the phone. I know with Knight there were times I was on hold for up to an hour, but this was usually when my DM was off and the others were having to cover extra drivers. Or especially weekends when you had fewer DM's in the office. About the only time I ever received a reply on my quailcom was when my DM was in, and he was quick to respond. It did get better when they encouraged drivers to hold questions that could wait until Monday so wait times would be shorter.
What your describing would sounds like the extreme.
Woody
Dispatcher:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
Every company is different I couldn't tell you what their issues are with your current Company but I've walked in and sat down with my Terminal manager once and told him communication is very important between driver, planner and dispatcher. Pretty much I vented for 15 minutes because of the lack of information and response I was getting and it pretty much did me no good. I got absolutely no where with it, some companies understand this and some don't. The ones that don't seem to be unwilling to change their ways as well.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Dispatcher:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.New Reply:
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I finished school on April 2nd and went to work for Watkins & Shepard Trucking, driving out of the Conover NC Terminal. I completed the two week orientation and went on the road with a coach for one week. Then I was handed the keys to a truck and given my first load assignment. I do have previous driving experience so the driving and maneuvering around in the truck isn't that big of an issue for me. My problem with the company is the communication, or lack of. I have tried on several occasions to reach my dispatcher in Conover and even tried to reach dispatchers in Missoula Mt. no one will answer the phone or respond to voicemails or emails. They communicate with me over Peoplenet, but will not respond to me when I reach out to them with questions. I can't believe this is normal in the trucking industry. I've read too many responses from experienced drivers on here telling new drivers to stay in touch with your dispatcher, make them your best friend, how do we do this when they won't even respond to a question about a load assignment?? I have been offered a job with a new company but I thought I'd get some advice here first. Thanks
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Dispatcher:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.