Please see also the post: Winning Over Your Dispatcher: 10 Smart Ways to Build a Better Driver-Dispatcher Relationship (Without Gifts)
Intro:
The driver-dispatcher relationship can make or break your day—and your paycheck. While dispatchers aren’t perfect, drivers sometimes forget that how they act on the other end of the radio or phone matters. If you want better loads, better treatment, and less stress, it helps to avoid these 11 behaviors that drive dispatchers up the wall.
1. Constant Complaining Without Solutions
Nobody likes a whiner. If every call is negative, dispatchers tune out. If you have a problem, offer a fix—don’t just vent.
2. Radio Silence
Ignoring calls, texts, or messages delays freight, frustrates planners, and makes you look unreliable. If you’re busy or off-duty, just let them know.
3. Over-Explaining or Over-Talking
Time is tight. Long-winded stories about why you’re late don’t help. Keep it short, honest, and to the point.
4. Saying Yes—Then Not Following Through
If you accept a load, follow through. Pulling a last-minute “I can’t do it” creates chaos and trust issues.
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5. Running Your Own Schedule Without Coordination
Unannounced detours, extended breaks, or dropping a trailer without notice leaves dispatch scrambling to fix things they didn’t cause.
6. Being Chronically Late
Things happen, but when you’re late every time, it becomes a pattern. Shippers notice—and so do dispatchers when they stop giving you premium loads.
7. Lying About Location or Hours
Most fleets use GPS and ELDs. Don’t say you’re “10 minutes out” when you’re still 45 minutes away. You’ll lose credibility fast.
8. Throwing Other Drivers Under the Bus
Trying to look good by making someone else look bad? It backfires. Dispatchers work with everyone—you’ll earn more respect by focusing on your performance.
9. Demanding VIP Treatment
You’re a professional, not a prima donna. Saying “I don’t do certain loads” or demanding special treatment on every dispatch gets old quickly.
10. Bringing Personal Drama to the Job
Dispatchers aren’t your therapist. If every day comes with an excuse—family issues, truck gremlins, mystery illnesses—they stop taking it seriously.
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11. Forgetting It’s a Two-Way Street
The best drivers understand dispatch is juggling dozens of moving parts. Show respect, communicate clearly, and be part of the solution. It’ll pay off in better loads and more flexibility.
Final Word:
Want better miles, less stress, and more respect from your dispatcher? Drop the drama, ditch the diva act, and be the kind of driver that makes their job easier—not harder. You’ll be surprised how fast things start working in your favor.
Got dispatcher horror stories or tips on how to build a better relationship on the job? Share them in the comments or tag us on social @TruckStopReport!
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