Question:
what should be the drivers responsibilities as far as contacting people?
He says rarely does the dispatcher have all the information for him. Often she just tells him where to go and gives him the brokers phone number.
It is up to him to contact the consignee, get his own directions and contact the broker.
Just like many times she'll tell him he has plenty of time and then change it later to where he's late and then blame it on him.

Answer:
and who they are dealing with. Sometimes, when dealing with brokers, they will not give much info to the trucking company except what town the load picks up in and when and where and when it delivers and they (the brokers) want the driver to actually call in for the details, and if you are lucky the broker will have directions to the shipper and consignee.
In a perfect world the dispatcher should be responsible for making all needed contacts, get directions, notify the customer of problems, etc. Unfortunately some companies and or dispatchers view things as "We found you a load to ahul the rest is up to you."
If you are ever thinking that your dispatcher is shirking his/her responsiblities then by all means go to his/her boss and discuss it.
Only two things I know of are infinite. The universe and human stupidity, and I am not real sure about the universe.
Answer:
Your making me read two post to figure it out.
Yes in your case working for a company that hauls brokered loads, that is the way it is done.
You need to or he needs to realize that most brokered loads started some where else. Meaning that either a large company or a large broker had the load first but couldn't get a truck. So they put it out for all brokers to cover. Sometimes another broker grabs it who likewise does not have a truck to cover it. He just wants a part of the money so he will put it out to other brokers or call brokers he works with. Many brokered loads are double and triple brokered.
What that all means to you is you are getting a hand me down load that was probably late before you or your company ever got it. So you are screwed. It is a no win plan. Not to mention a poor way for a company to do business. You all loose.
I have the same types of problems and deal with a lot of the same crap on my loads. But, if I can't make it they know it right up front and the plans will be changed. The one thing I do not and would not ever deal with is an office employee, wife of or the owner themselves lying to me. My office does not do that and we usually work things out. If your drivers office is that way as you indicated they are you need to leave in a big hurry.
Absolutely no load is worth your life another persons life or ending your career over. If for some reason you think you can't quit because of finances, experience or what ever reason that is when you need to quit. Being abused by an employer and accepting it does no one any good. The odds are not in your favor when you accept things you know are wrong.
[This message was edited by Stuffiu on February 20, 2003 at 23:41.]

Answer:
Sorry about making you read all these posts.
Now this is all making sense. He's basicly screwed before even starting.
It would have been easier if they would have told him how this works instead of making him (a newbie) think he's a lousy driver.
This also explains why they have such a high turn over of drivers.
Well hear I go again, hours upon hours of apps.
Thanks for the help.