Forced Dispatch

Even with forced dispatch, your relationship with your dispatcher is everything. If you have a good relationship, your dispatcher will know what you really don't like to do and will help you out. I agree with Daniel that it doesn't really matter. What matters is how you handle yourself.

I agree 100% ... the relationship with dispatch is everything. In 18 months I've turned down one load. I didn't accept it because I couldn't make it in the time allotted due to weather. I was 90 miles south of Denver, the load was in Denver and had to be picked up in less than three hours. Normally not a problem, but it was snowing hard, the roads were slick and traffic was moving at 30 miles per hour. No way I could get it done.

My company is forced dispatch, but we always have the option to turn something down if we can't get it done. As a rule I am always on time or ahead of time (if that is permissible with the load, some are firm delivery times).

I occasionally get loads that are 'hot' and require serious pushing to get done. It's because I always get them done that I get offered those. I had one a couple weeks ago and they gave me an extra 60 bucks for doing it. It did not require me to abuse DoT law, I still did it within legal limits, I just had to do time management and no screwing around on the road.

Other times I've delivered really difficult loads, meaning the roads to the delivery point were narrow, difficult, and would have been dangerous if you didn't watch above, around, in front and behind the truck at all times. They required very difficult backups, sometimes blind side, and around obstacles. For those I again was paid extra.

If your company cares, they will make it worth your while. You have to be one of the drivers who cares too. Customer service is a big deal also. Treat the shipper and receivers like gold, even if they are complete jerks. I've had them call my company and tell them they appreciated me. When that happens a few times, your reputation will be great....and a lot of truckers just don't have the capacity to be nice, so you will stand out.

Tracy