If you've been in the trucking industry long enough, you've probably heard the phrase "forced dispatch," even if it wasn't directed at you. For good reason, drivers often have strong reactions to forced dispatch, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to protect yourself and maintain a good relationship with your dispatcher.
Forced dispatch means that a corporation orders a driver to take a load despite truck driver being unable to take a cargo or has good reasons not to take the load.
The Teamsters union campaigned hard to end forced dispatch in the early to mid-1900s. Forced dispatch was more typical in the early days of trucking. The Teamsters made significant success, and it became far less prevalent. Unfortunately, as the Teamsters' strength has dwindled, there has been an increase of corporations imposing dispatch once more, and it is making a comeback.
To better understand what is Forced Dispatch, we took the video from the channel: The Truck Driving Channel
We're getting ahead of ourselves here, but it's vital. Recall this section if you remember nothing else from this essay. Forced dispatch and driver coercion are both prohibited. Unfortunately, this does not exclude it from occurring. With forced dispatch, there might be a lot of pressure from dispatchers to take a load even when it’s not safe for you. As a professional driver, you must protect yourself.
Safety is your responsibility once you get behind the wheel. So, if you can't take a load safely, decline it. If the firm reacts negatively, file a report with the FMCSA. Forced dispatch is unlawful, and you must protect yourself. However, be cautious while lowering loads. Have valid reasons and always be kind and professional.
The most essential thing you can do as a driver is to keep yourself safe. So, when is it OK to deny a load? There are various perfectly valid reasons to deny a load.
Remember that once you accept the cargo, it is ultimately the driver's obligation to deliver the load safely. So, if you know ahead of time that you will be unable to transport the load securely, don't leave.
There may be instances when you do not want to take a load, but this is not a valid excuse in and of itself. If your dispatcher believes you turn down a lot of loads or that your reasons aren't valid, they may not prioritize making you happy with good loads. So, when you decline cargoes, be sure your justifications are valid.
With the demise of the Teamsters, there was a resurgence of forced dispatch. Fortunately, the FMCSA adopted a regulation a few years back that penalizes corporations who push dispatch on drivers in a dangerous manner. If a company violates this law, they might face a $16,000 punishment. If you have a complaint about coercion or forced dispatch, you can submit it in writing to your Division Office or online through the National Consumer Complaint Database. Prepare to share ELOGs as well as a clear statement explaining why you are denying the load. If the forced dispatch is found by FMCSA and finds the complaint to be genuine, it will take action against the firm.
(banner1)Some drivers claim that it isn't an issue in their workplace. Others despise it. Your reaction will most likely be influenced by your driving philosophy. If you are picky about your loads, you may believe dispatchers are pressuring you to take them. Drivers who are open-minded about their loads, on the other hand, may never encounter a negative dispatch circumstance provided the employer does not abuse forced dispatch. It ultimately boils down to whether the corporation is taking advantage of drivers by utilizing forced dispatch in a hazardous manner. Make certain that you choose a firm that is a suitable fit for you.
The FMCSA prohibited risky forced dispatch and driver coercion. As a driver, you must protect yourself. Make sound judgments about when you can and cannot safely transport a load. Send a complaint to the FMCSA to deal with any corporation that violates their rules.
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