What Is Forced Dispatch And Why Truckers Should Avoid It

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In This Article

What Is Forced Dispatch?
Is Forced Dispatch Illegal?
Should drivers avoid Forced Dispatch?
Jobs For Owner Operators Without Forced Dispatch

16 March, 2021 | Written by Mike Skliar

Forced dispatch is like a nightmare for every truck driver. Even if you have not encountered this in your career, you’ve definitely heard complaints from other drivers or read about it on the trucker forums. So what is it and is it possible to avoid it?

What Is Forced Dispatch?

It is a style of dispatching when you don’t want to take a load and have reasons for this, but you have to. Otherwise, you may lose your job at this company. The legitimate reasons to refuse are technical problems with your truck, your health problems, just severe fatigue because you have just returned from the route, or another issue that makes it unsafe to drive.

Why do trucking companies use these methods? Just because in this way they try to be efficient at what they are doing. And make money, of course. If several drivers refuse to deliver loads at once, this will cause problems with shippers.

Is Forced Dispatch Illegal?

Yes, it is illegal. The FMCSA has introduced a rule that prohibits forced dispatch of drivers without their consent. Otherwise, the trucking company will have to pay a fine of up to $16,000. If you encounter such a problem, you can file a written complaint against your employer through the National Consumer Complaints Database. But you will need to indicate the reasons why you refused to take the load, for example, share your ELOGS.

Should drivers avoid Forced Dispatch?

Just remember, that you always have a choice. And it is you who are responsible for the actions when behind the wheel. And your tiredness or problems with your truck can cause a serious accident. Therefore, it is important to be faithful to your principles and find a trucking company that is a good fit for you.

Jobs For Owner Operators Without Forced Dispatch

With Owner Operator Land you will decide when and how many times you want to be on the road. We take your wishes into account and appreciate family values. So we’ll create your working schedule together. Do you have your own truck and are you looking for a job? We are here to help you! Just fill-up the form on our website.

Editor Mike Skliar

As the truck driver recruiting agency's CEO, I deeply understand the unique challenges and demands truck drivers face.

Drawing from my extensive work experience, I bring knowledge in truck driver recruitment, logistics, and transportation management. I possess a comprehensive understanding of industry regulations, safety standards, and best practices, ensuring that the agency adheres to the highest standards of professionalism and compliance.

Now, looking back and remembering my path from the very beginning, it seems to me that this story is a lifetime. During all these years of development and growth of our agency, I took part in no less interesting projects in which my experience, knowledge and vision were needed. And I was also able to gain new skills, contacts and experience by participating in the development of these projects from various fields, such as cargo transportation, trucking companies, e-commerce, parcel delivery and much more! But the best is yet to come!

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