Improve Communication With Your Dispatcher
Sometimes truckers and dispatchers don’t have the best relationship. There’s nowhere to point the blame because it only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch. While not all dispatchers or all truckers are to blame, sometimes there are a few people who are pretty unqualified in the industry.
However, every time you run into a problem you can’t just assume it’s your dispatcher’s fault and chalk it up to them stinking. Be a professional and take the high road by learning how to effectively communicate with your dispatcher to make your job easier.
How To Communicate With Your Dispatcher
Keep in mind that your dispatcher is extremely busy. On average, they may have 10 or more drivers to keep up with on a daily basis. That’s a lot of freight tracking and planning to make sure that every load goes from it’s starting and ending location on time.
Therefore, if a dispatcher seems busy or short with you don’t take it personally. They need to be masters of multitasking to get everything done. You can make a good impression by treating them like a human and asking how they are doing and by making a little conversation when you speak with them.
While they may not always have time for small talk making a good impression will help them remember you and may result in your dispatcher working in your favor to give you the hours that you want.
Also, remember that it helps to speak the way you would like to be spoken to. That means be polite and avoid the use of profanity. Also, be direct and tell your dispatcher what you need and if you can accept a load.
Even though dispatchers are often considered to be the mystical heroes in the background of the trucking industry, they can’t read your mind. You have to let them know what you’re unhappy with, or if you’re under hours for the week. If you are, you should let them know with gentle, polite reminders.
Be sure to talk to them about something that bothers you with a clear head, before it builds up to avoid exploding about it later.
Dispatchers can only work with the loads that are available and with the fluctuating market sometimes the available loads will be more profitable than others. Know that sometimes you will have some driver detention to deal with, but it’s not the end of the world. You can calmly ask for loads to make up for it.
It’s also important to be responsive and reliable. If a problem arises, like your truck breaks down, call your dispatcher immediately to let them know so they can work on resolving the issue of a possible late delivery with the client.
Only accept work that you know you can complete. Also, if you accept a load, be sure to follow through with delivering it on time to remain dependable in your dispatcher’s eyes. This is the best way to build trust with them.
If you two get into a scruff, it’s only human nature. Both dispatching and trucking are jobs that involve a high level of stress. However, you need to stay calm and don’t lose control of your mouth. If you escalate the situation with cursing and personal insults you won’t look good. If your dispatcher attacks you or uses profanity speak to their manager about it.
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
Dispatchers and trucking go together like peanut butter and jelly. You need both to get the job done. Even though sometimes the relationship can feel like peanut butter and ranch, do your best to maintain a professional relationship to make your job easier.
If you have any tips for communicating well with your dispatcher please add them to the comment section below. Also, visit TruckLogics.com for more trucking blogs.
