Driver Manager Expectations

 

Overview: To manage the daily needs of the driver, while making sure they are aligned with the company’s goals at the same time.

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• Make sure all drivers are pre-planned. 

  • All drivers should have at least one load preplanned on them, if not two. 

  • Ensure the driver has the HOS to complete the loads

  • If there is urgency in the next load, alert the Planner immediately of the preplan

  • If there are any concerns about the preplan being on time, alert Customer Service, and the Planner immediately.

  • Review all RDO’s to make sure drivers receive appropriate home time

  • View the previous load history so we offer a variety of lanes.  ie a driver has only been on short routes for the last 3 days; we need to get him on a longer run to get him more miles.  

  • Listen to Driver concerns with an open mind. 

  • Be a positive leader and help solve the issue.

• Routinely check Outlook, D1 & DriverTech for Emails, Messages & Updates. 

  • Prioritize all information received

  • Follow up & resolve issues

  • Ensure any issues from previous day(s) are wrapped up (ie lumper receipts, missing BOL’s)

  • Constantly run through in-progress loads and enter check calls throughout the day. 

  • Update ETA & PTA’s so Planners have accurate information to do their preplan.

  • Verify and note temperature of reefers

  • Make sure all drivers are aware – and accept – their preplanned loads

  • Mark delivered loads “Ready to Bill”

  • Review Mileage Goals for the day/week/month each day with your Driver.  If they are falling short, reach out to the Planner to increase their miles.  Have the conversation with the driver about why they are falling short and be sure to alert the Dispatch Operations Manager as well.  Note these conversations in McLeod.

  • Send Pass Down email to After Hours

  • Send Pass Down Checklist to Dispatch Operations Manager

• Eliminate deadhead miles on Company tractors and limit as much as possible for Owner Operators.

• Maximize HOS (14 on duty, 11 driving)

• Hit daily revenue goals to be set by Dispatch Operations Manager

• Ensure all empty movements are created if necessary.  This is key to trailer repositioning and our data integrity.

• Maintain company tractor deadhead below 15%

• Meet Customer expectations, while having an internal goal of OTP & OTD at 99% or above

• Promote a culture of Safety before anything.  No load is so important that it must be run unsafe or illegal.  The driver’s most important stop they make every day is the one where they stop to end their shift safely. 

• Comply with all DOT & FMCSA regulations. 

• Tractor/Trailer Breakdown – Load Recovery

  • Confirm Customer Service & Planning is aware of the breakdown as soon as the driver is taken care of.

  • Make sure your driver is taken care of before you leave for the day.  If s/he is still waiting for roadside, make sure to hand off to After Hours to monitor.

• Integrity & Respect

  • Be honest in all interactions

  • Follow through on commitments

  • Enforce company policies & guidelines

  • Listen to opinions and concerns with an open mind

  • Take care of pay issues promptly; proactively avoid pay issues

  • Interact professionally and productively with drivers, peers & leaders.  Regardless of how a driver acts, we must always speak to our employees in a professional manner.

• Actively reach for and attain operational goals

  • 550 miles per day

  • 2750 miles per week

  • 11000 miles per month

  • MPG’s = or > 7.1%

  • Idle = or < 20%

• Be proactive to avoid driver turnover

  • Bring “major” driver issues to Dispatch Operations Manager immediately

  • Jointly address with driver to avoid escalation / termination

  • Develop a relationship with your drivers.  Understanding where they are coming from will go a long way in retention.

• Enforce driver utilization of workflow.  Route any driver that requires additional training through the terminal as necessary.

• Document progressive discipline as the issues is happening. 

  • Make the Dispatch Operations Manager aware as well.

  • Notate in McLeod