256: Keeping Trucks Rolling: A Day in the Life of Oakley Dispatchers

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Myers Buck & Jack Pinkerton, some of our dispatchers at Oakley Trucking. Myers and Jack share their journeys from shop work to dispatching, discussing the day-to-day challenges of managing drivers and loads, as well as the importance of communication, flexibility, and teamwork in the trucking industry. Listeners will gain insights into the human side of dispatching, the value of building strong relationships with drivers, and the critical role dispatchers play in ensuring both company and driver success. Key takeaways include the need for adaptability, clear communication, and understanding the unique challenges faced by both dispatchers and drivers. Don’t miss this inside look at how dispatchers keep trucks on the road.

 

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

• Meet Myers and Jack: Backgrounds and How They Joined Oakley (1:03)
• First Impressions and Shop Experience (2:55)
• Transition to Dispatch: Learning the Ropes (7:26)
• Challenges of Dispatching and Building Relationships (9:23)
• A Day in the Life of a Dispatcher (12:15)
• Ensuring Drivers’ Earnings and Settlement Checks (14:21)
• Regulatory Compliance and Administrative Duties (17:02)
• Building Personal Relationships with Drivers (21:04)
• Orientation and Understanding Driver Rules (24:22)
• Load Planning and Communication with Drivers (26:15)
• Customer Interaction and Cold Calling for Freight (29:17)
• Advice for Drivers: Flexibility and Communication (33:15)
• Company Culture and Camaraderie (34:53)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (36:41)

Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.