Copyright 2014 The Truckers Helper, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This document may not be copied or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of The Truckers Helper, LLC.
Load Types
LOAD TYPES: There are a number of variations that occur in handling loads. The program is already set up to handle the most common of these. We'll define those here and show you how to enter them and the rules that apply to each. See the individual topics in this section for definitions and for the detailed descriptions and input examples. Start with the definitions so you understand the terminology and exactly what situations each load type handles. The different load types will affect how the program is set up and will affect the Pro Numbers that you use as the Pro Number is used to indicate the type of load you are dealing with.
BE SURE TO READ THIS SECTION & TO WATCH THE ASSOCIATED TUTORS BEFORE YOU BEGIN ENTERING LOADS.
The following suggestions are provided based on 20+ years of helping people manage their fleets. Take them for what they're worth to you. They represent a lot of successes and a lot of failures -
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE
Correcting mistakes after the fact is in many cases time consuming and difficult. Truckers Helper Online is a REAL TIME PROGRAM which simply means it's designed to be used in real time. It's based on the idea that the ACTUAL DATES for Pickup & Deliveries are being entered as the load is being picked up and delivered, rather than as an end of the week program, where you're entering things based on what's already there. When used as designed it can be a real effective tool. When used the end of the week to catch up on your paperwork errors often occur when you deliver a cancelled load or create other similar errors. Then you continue on, entering following loads - you run payroll and pay for that cancelled load and then a month or two later when the invoice doesn't get paid realize the error and want to undo it all. Like life, it's difficult to undo mistakes later. Checks have been written and cashed (payroll), taxes have been reported and paid to the IRS (payroll) - you can undo that, but it's very difficult and time consuming. You can go back and cancel the load, but again it's a difficult and time consuming process. The secret to avoiding these issues? It's really simple be sure the load you're closing is the load that the truck delivered.
Trailer Tracking - it's not difficult, you simply have to insure that the trailer that you assigned in Pickup/Delivery is the same trailer that they put the load on. If you do that and always move the trailer through dispatch when you need to move an empty you can click a button or two and locate a trailer.
A MINUTE TO BE SURE TODAY SAVES YOU HOURS CORRECTING TOMORROW.
The paper you set aside to check later goes unchecked and bites you in the butt later.
The detail you don't have time for now - is the detail that'll insure you don't have time tomorrow.
Why are these comments here?? Because 20+ years of experience watching those who succeed and those who fail have brought home the secret to success. It's not rocket science. Develop methods that eliminate mistakes and you'll succeed. Wait till tomorrow to develop those methods and tomorrow will never come. Success is built on doing it right today - if you think you'll find success tomorrow you should go back to driving a company truck now and save yourself a lot of heartache.
