Truckers Expect Fewer Delays - Act Like You Own the Place
Professional Truck Drivers have one of the most difficult occupations. Paid by the mile, drivers push to earn a living by keeping the wheels turning. Time spent away from home, deadlines set up by Dispatchers, and laws that regulate the driver add to the job stress. In addition, delays of any kind enhance stress of an already tension filled job. Waiting on others becomes an expectation, a way of life over the road. When drivers expect a Shipper or Receiver to hold them up, the irritation can escalate, adding to the pressure of being away from family and loved ones.
Communication skills can establish authority with Shippers and Receivers that, without coercion, will produce results. It seems that Receivers, above all, almost enjoy bullying drivers, into submitting to the warehouse faults. Scheduled appointments mean very little to the warehouse employees, paid by the hour, and they can be somewhat uncaring at times. What can the Trucker do, to raise his or her chances of getting in and out of warehouses in satisfactory time?
Go in, and act as if you own the freight and the truck. The Receiver perceiving that you have control over your own time becomes more amiable. When confidence is in the air, the person notices the authority. They are less likely to try to assert their authority, because you have shown self-respect. Some Receivers even try to act as if they are doing the Trucker a favor by telling them to wait and have a nap; “I will wake you when we are ready.”
As difficult as it may be to remain optimistic while approaching a warehouse, this is foremost in getting in and out. Try to picture in advance, that you approach the Receiver, and you get right in and back on the road. Although past events may cause you to think differently, try to hold a positive outlook. This is the first step to asserting your expert poise, which will carry you through. Most important too, is that you arrive on time, as scheduled by the warehouse and the Dispatcher.
Now go in, and act as if you own the place by asking questions and responding, without reacting. If you have imagined the event, favorably, your attitude will reflect this. Here are things you can do to help you set up the sanction that will get the Receiver’s attention.
- Arrive on time with complete knowledge of what you are delivering and what the appointed time is.
- Approach the Receiver with paperwork in hand, looking forward to positive results.
- State your name along with the company name.
- Tell the Receiver what you are delivering and what your appointed time is.
- If the Receiver insists you wait in line, calmly ask, “How long can I expect to be delayed?”
- If the Receiver insists on having authority, telling you how long, you will wait, say, “Very well then.”
This may seem simplistic. However, it does show the Receiver that you are respectable, have patience, and poise. A Receiver, reached in this manner will have consideration for you and most likely knock on your door before you can have a nap. Irritation can show a receiver that you are in no mood for a bully. Nevertheless, that cannot stop them from trying to show you who, is in control. If the Receiver believes that you respect their position, they will appreciate yours. In addition, when you approach a Receiver in an organized manner, they feel the need to show that they are organized and as efficient as you – you set the tone.
 My husband utilized this simple method and had his Dispatch astonished by his efficiency. His approach to Receivers sounded like this. "Hi, I'm Mark Hendricks with Montana Express. I have twelve pallets of Walla Walla onions scheduled to deliver at 1:30." Mark got so efficient at getting in and out that the Dispatch was unable to keep up. When he called to let them know he needed another load, they declared that he would need to call back. What did Mark, do on these occasions? He utilized the same technique with them. "How long can I expect to be delayed?”
Sandra Hendricks
Give & Get
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