{"id":9846,"date":"2025-08-30T07:00:56","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T11:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/?p=9846"},"modified":"2025-08-30T07:18:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T11:18:12","slug":"dont-be-a-diva-or-a-drama-magnet-11-things-drivers-do-that-irritate-dispatchers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/dont-be-a-diva-or-a-drama-magnet-11-things-drivers-do-that-irritate-dispatchers\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Be a Diva or a Drama Magnet: 11 Things Drivers Do That Irritate Dispatchers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Don't
Getting on your dispatcher’s nerves is a good way to get the lesser desirable load. Two loads from the same place to the same place but one is drop and hook and the other will have a two hour dock wait time, guess which one you will be assigned.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Please see also the post: Winning Over Your Dispatcher: 10 Smart Ways to Build a Better Driver-Dispatcher Relationship (Without Gifts)<\/a><\/p>\n

Intro:<\/strong>
The driver-dispatcher relationship can make or break your day\u2014and your paycheck. While dispatchers aren\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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1. Constant Complaining Without Solutions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Nobody likes a whiner. If every call is negative, dispatchers tune out. If you have a problem, offer a fix\u2014don\u2019t just vent.<\/p>\n

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2. Radio Silence<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ignoring calls, texts, or messages delays freight, frustrates planners, and makes you look unreliable. If you\u2019re busy or off-duty, just let them know.<\/p>\n

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3. Over-Explaining or Over-Talking<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Time is tight. Long-winded stories about why you’re late don\u2019t help. Keep it short, honest, and to the point.<\/p>\n

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4. Saying Yes\u2014Then Not Following Through<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you accept a load, follow through. Pulling a last-minute \u201cI can\u2019t do it\u201d creates chaos and trust issues.<\/p>

\"\"<\/div><\/div>\n
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5. Running Your Own Schedule Without Coordination<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Unannounced detours, extended breaks, or dropping a trailer without notice leaves dispatch scrambling to fix things they didn\u2019t cause.<\/p>\n

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6. Being Chronically Late<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Things happen, but when you\u2019re late every time<\/em>, it becomes a pattern. Shippers notice\u2014and so do dispatchers when they stop giving you premium loads.<\/p>\n

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7. Lying About Location or Hours<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most fleets use GPS and ELDs. Don\u2019t say you’re \u201c10 minutes out\u201d when you’re still 45 minutes away. You\u2019ll lose credibility fast.<\/p>\n

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8. Throwing Other Drivers Under the Bus<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trying to look good by making someone else look bad? It backfires. Dispatchers work with everyone\u2014you\u2019ll earn more respect by focusing on your<\/em> performance.<\/p>\n

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9. Demanding VIP Treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You\u2019re a professional, not a prima donna. Saying \u201cI don\u2019t do certain loads\u201d or demanding special treatment on every dispatch gets old quickly.<\/p>\n

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10. Bringing Personal Drama to the Job<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dispatchers aren\u2019t your therapist. If every day comes with an excuse\u2014family issues, truck gremlins, mystery illnesses\u2014they stop taking it seriously.<\/p>