Trucker Myths
There are a lot of myths out there that many of us believe. Myths like going outside with wet hair will make you sick. Or using a laptop on your lap will cause infertility (ok, maybe that’s just my own paranoia). Every industry has its own myths that people believe too – including in trucking.
Myths that some of us in trucking believe have unfortunate consequences and achieve the exact opposite of what we’d like to happen. Some trucking myths will cost money when we act on unfounded beliefs which can lead to significant safety hazards.
So, let’s debunk three trucking myths that we think are a little too common. These are not new, but they seem to persist among people in the trucking industry.
Dispatchers Don’t Understand Truckers
Dispatchers and drivers are under pressure to get the job done safely and on time. Drivers and dispatchers are in very different situations, dealing with different challenges, and things work best when drivers and dispatchers are on the same page and cooperating as a team.
The truth is dispatchers understand trucking quite well. Dispatchers are juggling multiple loads, with multiple drivers, and they do their best to keep everyone rolling and to help solve problems. Both dispatchers and drivers are on the frontlines and in the trenches.
Most of our dispatch and operations team has driven OTR and many have held various positions in the trucking industry. This is one reason we have a below-average driver turnover rate – our team is made up of skilled individuals in every department – drivers, dispatch/operations, maintenance, and safety/driver services.
Winnipeg is a trucking hub and there are many very talented people in the Winnipeg trucking industry who know trucking and logistics well, and sometimes we are left with inconvenient choices. Trust me, dispatchers don’t like giving drivers bad news but sometimes it’s part of the job.
Check these articles out:
How to Get Along with Dispatch
The Dispatcher/Trucker Relationship
ELD’s Hurt Your Paycheck
ELD’s seem to be a sore spot with some drivers even two years after the ELD mandate south of the border.
Electronic logging helps pro drivers in many ways. First, there’s less time spent manually updating paper logs, inspections are quicker, and there’s less chance of being cited for minor nitpicky stuff like missing load information or a missing signature.
Second, ELD’s connect drivers and our dispatch/operations which helps dispatch plan loads by giving them the ability to see a driver’s available hours. ELD’s allow our safety department to ensure everyone is in compliance with HOS rules.
Third, ELD’s protect drivers. Dispatchers can’t lean on drivers to violate HOS compliance which helps protect drivers’ rest and downtime. While that wasn’t an issue here, you don’t need to look too hard around the industry to hear horror stories from drivers being pressured to things they didn’t want to do – unsafe things.
ELD ready – Great job by our team
Speed Makes You More Money
Increased speed burns more fuel. A lot more fuel. Generally speaking, getting to where you’re going slightly faster isn’t going to get you more loads.
Increase your speed by an average of 10mph per day on a 2000-mile trip will allow you to arrive about two hours earlier. Actually, a 10mph average increase is pretty hard to achieve when you factor in necessary stops, traffic, construction, etc. What ends up happening is you pick up or deliver the same morning but burned far more fuel to do so.
Do you know what will help you earn more miles and money? Proper trip planning, leaving on time, and good communication. These are the things that make your trip run smoothly, and smoothly make everyone involved more money.
Tips to save fuel – There’s gold in them tanks
How to Get Better Fuel Economy
How to Get More from Your Fuel Economy Part 2
Don’t Wing It. It’s Time to Start Trip Planning
Earn a Good Living with Len Dubois
We are able to ensure good miles and home time with regular Winnipeg-based clients, regular lanes, and long-term clients. Our experienced team of dispatchers works hard to ensure that your time off and resets are taken at home, not on the road. For drivers, this equals above-average pay and the ability to enjoy a life outside of the truck.
Ask John About the $1000 Sign-On Bonus for Company Drivers and $2000 Sign-On Bonus for Owner Operator’s
- Must have 2 years OTR experience
- Must be able to cross the U.S border
- 80% U.S miles
- Must have a positive attitude about safety & compliance
Let’s have a conversation and see if we’re a good fit for you! Call John, Safety Manager/Driver Recruiter 1-888-590-2760 Ext 309 today.
If you’d prefer, John can contact you. Fill out the form below
