How do you guys actually get your load assignments?

I get loads across the qualcomm with all the pertinent pick up and delivery information with a site pick up/load number. My load planner knows I run 2 weeks at a time and knows how I drive. She is able to route me on runs that go 600 miles and knows ill get i there the next day. Most times I am preplanned with my next load within a few hours before delivery

 

My DM usually texts me with the next day's load assignment by 2pm the previous day (2pm Friday for a Monday assignment as I don't typically work weekends), followed by a QC pre assign message. I either accept the pre assign, or let him know via text reply if HOS will not allow me to make the delivery appointment time (typically a 6 or 7am appointment, 5 am in special cases). In that case, I get a different assignment that I can legally handle. Sometimes I get a load assignment that I know is really crappy. If that happens, I might call him and whine a bit, but only if last week's paycheck was light. By and large, my DM looks out for me, and if I get a crappy load assignment it is because his back is against the wall and he needs someone to come through for him. Usually I just handle what's sent to me, and it pays off in the end: Last year I grossed $83k driving a day cab, working an average of 5.5 days / week and sleeping in my own bed at home 19 out of every 20 working days.

 

A new message has arrived
A new message has arrived
A new message has arrived
A new message has arrived

lol

 

Gets annoying doesnt it

 

If your company uses load planners, they can really screw you as well.

 

Yes it did. Trying to decode all the Mumbo jumbo in those messages was a PITA also.

 

My DM is really not involved in the process. He does not plan or adjust my loads except when I might call him directly about a need. That doesn't happen very often.
It is the 'local' planners in my area and a computer program.

I am sent a preplan via Qualcom for a load with (usually) all the information I need about it.
When to pick and deliver, the paid miles, whether live or drop, driver load/unload or not, etc..
If I don't like the times, I can use a macro to adjust the times to suit my needs better. If my times are within the customers needs it will be sent back to me with the adjusted times, if not the pplan will be taken off me.

My current load is an example of (usually) all the information.
There has not been set an actual delivery appointment time yet.
I have a fixed pick up time, which I can do easily, but the delivery time is still uncertain.
The computer assumes it will be for 0001 on a certain date, which means it will probably be for some time on that day.
So I will pick up the load and set the delivery time for what I want it to be with the loaded call.
CSR can deal with it from there.
At some point I will get the actual delivery time.

But I won't put 0001 as my delivery time.
More like 0600 or something.
I don't intend to get left out in the cold at 0200 after a live unload, trying to find parking.

 

I guess.

We do use planners, but I have never felt abused by them.
Even when I turn loads down, another is right behind. And many times it is a better load.