Fleet Manager

My understanding is that you start off at the bottom... doing nights especially.

Ive had my FM for a little over a year... He works 6-7 days a week... on average maybe once a month he will have both Sat and Sun off... Not unccomon to see him work 13 to 14 days without a day off.

Ironpony can back me up on this, we share the same FM... We get a pre-weekend message giving us the dispatch lineup for Sat and Sun... He either works one or both days.

I cant recall him taking a vacation... although he has taken part of this week off for the birth of his child.. He said he will be back on Sunday... so I think he is taking 5 days off.

I expect him in by 0700 central and gone by 1700... but its not uncommon to get a message from him much earlier than 0700 and much later than 1700.

Im not sure how the pay structure differs for a FM that runs a "company" board versus an "lease" board... but I assure you both are performance based... a driver's mistake hits the FM in paycheck... not only in on-time performance, but citations, and claims due to driver error.

I would guess he eats his lunch at his desk... I have seen him in line at the grill, so he does get away for a few minutes... but he takes the meal togo and heads back to the office.

I dont know if they actually get training over the road with the a trucker... as a look-see... I did have a FM trainee sit in on the Smith-System class (Defensive driving course)

From Prime's website " Position requires excellent communication skiils, general computer and keyboarding skills, strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills, and flexibility on hours, including a willingness to work nights for the first 9 to 15 months. A college degree and/or 2-5 years prior experience in transportation is preferred. "

Oh yeah, they are on call 24-7... I would imagine dispatch calling them at home to clarify and recieve instructions on a variety of important issues that may arise in their off time. All drivers are given their FM's cell phone number... Ive never had to call it, so I dont know how easily it is to get ahold of him after hours.

 

Called dispatch last week and my FM was there at 4:30am. I was a little shocked when he answered. I was even more shocked when I got a message from him at 6pm that same day.

I agree with everything U2 said. I think Prime has some great dispatchers, but they work very, very hard. From what I understand, they are compensated pretty well for their hard work, but it sounds like a stressful job that I wouldn't want to have.

 

Oh yeah... don't forget the part about a college degree, and 2-5 years experience in transportation.

I don't think a BA in Underwater Basketweaving does it...

My FM has never driven, but I think that's a given to be successful for the most part.

 

Will I never be able to use that danged degree?!? Underwater Basketweaving is a very important skill, ya know.