[greg334]

Originally Posted by jaminjim

Greg those people are called brokers

Jim, I would say that if that is what you need to call them, that's alright with me. The point is that they have zero incentive to keep things rolling based on the fact that hourly wages don't guarantee performance and without any guarantees, many trucks may sit. I heard that used to be people in dispatching that owned trucks, if this is true it proves my point – the incentive is there to keep things rolling when your income is directly tied to it.

Leo,
I know what your saying but you can not convince me otherwise. I used to do the same job in a different industry and it was more intense and stressful that any dispatching job at Panther can ever be. The thing is there is always room for improvement and latitude for cheating in all systems, what you may be convinced can’t/won’t happen because of the amount of pressure, speed or even the confusion that takes place, may not be the case to some who have had to deal with it on the business end of things.

The thing is, I see two major things with Panther from the outside – one is that they can improve on how they dispatch the trucks and the other is getting some serious and reasonable people in there to find out what would be the best and most efficient way to handle the resources that is in their fleet. I don’t see either being solved but maybe it is because I am on the outside looking in and don’t see the actions of the ‘drivers council’.

I think panther is hearing you but they are not listening because they are not thinking in your terms. I may be totally wrong too, and get a phone call to tell me to shut up – who knows with black kitty cats?

[bearcat44]

When I was, for a short time with Panther I found 95% of the Dispatchers to be pleasant and helpful. One in particular who worked the late afternoon early evening shift would answer questions for me, and if I were really screwed up trying to find a consignee he would stay on the Cell phone and guide me turn by turn. He was always pleasant and a calming influence for me. ( I hate being lost)

[davekc]

These kinds of posts drag on and on and they are never quite accurate.

Panther dispatchers are not booking the loads that drivers see on their trucks. They are handled by another totally different department. And ......they are not on straight salary.

Where do people get this stuff?

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by davekc

These kinds of posts drag on and on and they are never quite accurate.

Panther dispatchers are not booking the loads that drivers see on their trucks. They are handled by another totally different department. And ......they are not on straight salary.

Where do people get this stuff?

They? Who is they? You've got two "they"s that both refer to the subject of the first sentence, namely, Panther dispatchers.

Dispatchers dispatch loads that someone else has booked. The loads are booked by Customer Service Reps (CSR's) who deal directly with the customers. I can only assume that "they are not on straight salary" refers to the CSR's.


Dispatchers mislead, misdirect, omit and lie enough as it is without putting them on commission.

[jcandme85]

Personally, I think we need to base our rates on what the country expects from us. ie; TA Road Squad charges $91.00 per hour, plus $1.30 per mile. The very least you can expect to pay per hour upon being put into a shop, is $75.00 per hour. Blown tire? How much? My own personal belief, is that, if a company wants to patronize the "short hoppers", then they need to buy their own trucks and do just that. Then they won't be so eager to discuss such a nominal rate with them anymore.......due to OUR rising costs. Favors don't return favors....they are rewarded with MORE of the same...irregardless of dispatch. I'm not out here to do shippers favors......I'm out here to profit my own business, and the companies should conduct themselves like they have contracters....not drivers. The practice of deducting the "discount" from the drivers' settlement should be ceased as well. I didn't make any DEALS with any shippers.

[Moot]

"I think our new slogan, "Seeing is Believing," really captures the spirit here at Panther. We are making changes to improve our operations and procedures and those changes will have a positive impact on our owner-operators and drivers and their bottom line."