Why Clear Communication with Dispatchers Is Essential for Hotshot Drivers
Discover why effective English communication with your dispatcher is essential to prevent costly mistakes and ensure your hotshot loads move smoothly.
So, to be blunt… probably! Unless you have more time than I do to constantly line up one load after another — while keeping everything moving — good luck staying competitive without a dispatcher.
That said — finding a competent, professional dispatching service is getting tougher every day. It’s absolutely essential that your dispatcher can communicate clearly and accurately in English — both written and spoken. Otherwise, you’ll run into the same headaches I face regularly: misspelled shipper and consignee names, incorrect or unverified addresses, and brokers unwilling to commit to shipments — all due to communication breakdowns.
You might laugh… but it’s a serious issue. Dispatchers call every day looking for business — and too often, poor communication leads to delays, frustration, and lost loads. The impact isn’t just annoying — it costs time and money.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), is finally cracking down on this issue with commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers (see English language proficiency rule 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2)). But when it comes to dispatchers and brokers, the same standards aren’t being enforced. Until that changes, it’s up to us as professionals to set the bar for effective communication in this industry.
Of course, it’s also important to balance these communication expectations with applicable federal employment laws — including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin.