5 Tips for Getting Unloaded Faster
If there is one thing that can make drivers particularly crazy, it is long waits at the unloading or loading docs. We don’t like feeling out of control, and the feeling of powerlessness in these situations is very real. Over the years we have noticed that a few drivers always seem to get unloaded (or loaded) quickly, while other consistently have issues with it. So we gathered up a few tips that just might* decrease your load times.
*We can’t guarantee these tips, but these are all strategies that have worked for your fellow drivers.
Be Courteous
Nobody likes a grump, including dock workers and lumpers. Making a good first impression can be the difference between a 1 hour stop and a 4 hour stop. Before you even get out of your cab, put on your happy, polite game face. Don’t bring your daily baggage with you into conversations at the dock.
No matter what you just drove through to get there, they probably have their own stories to tell about their day. You cannot control their response, but you can control how you act.
Smile
A smile is a simple way to brighten someone else’s day. If you are smiling, even if you don’t feel it, you may notice that other people treat you differently. Sometimes a smile is all it takes to motivate that dock worker to move you forward in the list of unloads for the day.
Carry Swag
We have a few drivers that swear by carrying K & J swag, or water bottles and snacks and giving it out to lumpers and dock workers. This is NOT an everyday strategy, but if you are in a tight spot, giving them a free water bottle, candy bar, ball cap, or mug might be enough to sweeten the deal.
Ask Questions
As the saying goes, “Never assume, it only makes an ass out of u and me.” While it might look like all the dock workers decided to take an extended lunch break immediately after you pulled up, there could be more to the story and you will never know if simply make assumptions.
Ask (nicely) if there is a timeline or a plan. Ask if there is anything you can do to make things easier adn quicker.
Use Non-Accusatory Language
When you’ve been waiting for an hour and haven’t seen any progress, it is easy to come in hot when you talk to lumpers. You will likely have a lot more success if you avoid any statements that could be construed as accusatory. Generally, avoid using “you” statements, and try for other alternatives. Here are some examples of what you probably want to say, and what you should say instead.
BAD: "I’ve been here for two hours! You gotta get this unloaded so I can make my next drop!”
GOOD: “Hey! Hope you guys are doing well. Is there anything I can do to help?”
BAD: “You need to get me unloaded NOW or I’m going to open a can of whoop ass.”
GOOD: “I just wanted to check in and see how things are going and what the plan is moving forward.”
Working with shippers and receivers can be one of the hardest parts of driving truck. While it might not seem important, developing a plan of how to deal with difficult people can be one of the most helpful tools to lower your frustration and get you back on the road quickly.
We hope this list helps! Are there other things you would add to the list? Write them in the comments below!