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Deep Dive Audio: Day to Day Operations: Inside
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Section 1-Day to Day Operations: Inside Your Tractor
Introduction to Driver Communication: BT Comms (1-17)
Within daily workflows, drivers rely on vital communications tools to enhance efficiency during various events. Our organization utilizes the Google Forms application to facilitate efficient communication between drivers and fleet managers (FMs). Different communication forms are tailored to specific situations, ensuring that drivers can provide all necessary information promptly and effectively. These communication forms are conveniently installed on the drivers' tablet devices, located in a designated Comms folder. Below is a list of the 17 different communications forms utilized by drivers during their daily operations.
To view a summary for each Comm, click on the respective dropdowns below. The dropdowns also contain links where each Comm can be viewed and submitted. As a requirement of this training and as a practice exercise, submit Comms 1-6. After your Comm submission, you can use use your browser's back button to navigate back to this page. You also have the option to complete this practice exercise later in another section of the Learning Center, Workflow Applications.
Communication 1: Pre-Dispatch
Communication 1: Pre-Dispatch
Comm 1-Dispatch is the first of two required communications for drivers to send on each load. This communication serves several key purposes. Primarily, Comm 1 allows drivers to confirm, based on their trip plan, whether they can make the pickup and delivery on time. If they cannot, options are available to communicate the reason for the delay and the estimated arrival time. Additionally, Comm 1 allows drivers to provide their Next Available Time (NAT) (the City, State, and Time the driver's truck will be available), enabling Fleet Managers to start searching for the driver's backhaul immediately. Comm 1-Dispatch must be sent 24 hrs prior to the delivery time of any load assigned. If a load is assigned to the driver within the 24 hr period before the delivery, the driver should submit the Comm 1-Dispatch as soon as they are able.
Communication 2: At Pick-Up
Communication 2: At Pick-Up
Comm 2, similar to Comm 1, is a required communication sent by drivers when completing the pickup of a load. Its purpose is to verify on-time delivery and confirm or update the driver's previously submitted NAT (Next Available Time). This duo update, Comm 1 and Comm 2, streamlines processes, reducing errors and saving time for both drivers and Fleet Managers.
Communication 3: Delayed
Communication 3: Delayed
Drivers must send a Comm 3 communication as soon as they realize they will be late for a pickup or delivery. This communication informs the company of the delay.
Communication 4: Early Notification for Detention
Communication 4: Early Notification for Detention
To receive detention pay, drivers must send a Comm 4 communication 30 minutes before the detention period begins. This notification is essential for processing the payment.
Communication 5: Lumper
Communication 5: Lumper
To request payment for a lumper service during delivery, drivers should send Comm 5 to their assigned FM. This communication must include the lumper company's name, Tax-ID, and the associated fee. The FM will then respond with either a money code or confirmation that the driver's company credit card has been unlocked for payment.
Communication 6: OS&D
Communication 6: OS&D
Comm 6 is a communication tool used by drivers to report discrepancies in deliveries, such as overages, shortages, or damages. The report should include the item number and quantity of the affected product. In cases of damaged freight refused by the customer, drivers must upload clear photos of the damage to the LoadOps TMS driver application along with the Comm 6 submission. The Comm allows drivers to confirm that photo documentation has been previously uploaded to the LoadOps TMS.
Communication 7: Maintenance (Tires )
Communication 7: Maintenance (Tires )
Flat Tire, Towing, or Other Roadside Assistance
After you send Comm 7, we check our databases for tire repair or other roadside help within 50 miles. We try to use Loves Truck Care first if there's one nearby. We'll use the company's Love Express (LEX) account for payment. If no Loves is available, we'll call at least 3 other service providers closest to you from the directory to get a price and how soon they can help. Once you know what's happening, your ETA will be updated by your FM in LoadOps TMS so that accurate visibility is in the system. If you need a winch out, lockout, jump start, or a tow, follow the same steps. If it's a tow for mechanical repairs, we'll find a repair shop first before we pick a tow company. Always upload at least 3 pictures of the part or area needing to be repaired or replaced in the LoadOps TMS before you send this Comm.
Communication 8: Maintenance (Mechanical)
Communication 8: Maintenance (Mechanical)
Mechanical Repairs
After you send a Comm 8, first, we'll figure out if the repair can be done: 1) on the side of the road, 2) at a truck stop bay (Loves, TA, Petro), or 3) if you need a tow to a dealer for a bigger job. If you need a tow, we'll find a shop first, then find a tow company. If it needs to go to a dealer, we'll find the closest one for your truck or engine. If it can be fixed on the roadside or at a truck stop, we'll check for repair shops within 50 miles. We try to use Loves Truck Care first if there's one nearby. We'll use the company's Love Express (LEX) account. If no Loves is around, we call at least 3 repair places closest to you from the list to get a price and how soon they can fix it. After you know what's going to happen, your FM will update your ETA in LoadOps TMS. Always upload three pictures of the part or area needing to be replaced in your LoadOps TMS before sending this Comm.
Communication 9: General Inquiry/Feedback
Communication 9: General Inquiry/Feedback
Use Comm 9 for a question, request, or feedback that does not fit another Comm. Explain the issue plainly and include the load or unit information when it is relevant.
Communication 10: Home Time Request
Communication 10: Home Time Request
Use Comm 10 to request home time early enough for the company to plan freight toward the requested location and date. Include the requested location, date, and any flexibility. The request is confirmed when the company has a workable plan.
Communication 11: Incident Report/Accident Report
Communication 11: Incident Report/Accident Report
After everyone is safe and the scene is secured, submit Comm 11 and notify the company. Take many clear photos of the vehicles, damage, roadway, signs, lane positions, cargo, documents, and surrounding area. Photos are the most important evidence you can preserve at the scene. Also collect the other parties' information, witness and authority information, and the report number when available.
Communication 12: DOT Safety Inspection
Communication 12: DOT Safety Inspection
Comply with the officer, remain On Duty during the inspection, and upload the complete inspection report to the correct LoadOps load. If the vehicle or driver is placed Out of Service, notify your Fleet Manager immediately and do not move until legally released. Submit Comm 12 so the company can track any violation, repair, citation, or follow-up deadline.
Communication 13: Compliance Document Update
Communication 13: Compliance Document Update
Use Comm 13 when a required driver, truck, trailer, registration, inspection, permit, license, medical card, or other compliance document is renewed or replaced. Make sure the image is readable and matched to the correct driver or equipment. Comm 13 is provided for convenience as compliance documentation is also be uploaded through the driver's LoadOps application.
Communication 14: Independent Contractor Operating Model and Equipment
Communication 14: Independent Contractor Operating Model and Equipment
Qualification | WeBook when applicable and BYOF
Qualification | WeBook when applicable and BYOF
Comm 14 is the second Independent Contractor application, so every IC will have sent this Comm previously as a condition for begininging the Independent Contractor relationship. This Comm records the contractor's operating model and qualifies the equipment that will operate under Bright Trucking. Therefore, it is also used when an active Independent Contractor requests a change to the operating model, contract setup, or qualified equipment. It is not a normal Company Driver load communication.
Communication 15: Customer Onboarding Request | BYOF only
Communication 15: Customer Onboarding Request | BYOF only
Use Comm 15 before booking with a new broker or customer. Submit the company and contact information, broker MC number when applicable, load opportunity, onboarding method or packet status, COI or payment requirements, and the decision you need. Wait for clearance before treating the broker or customer as approved.
Communication 16: BYOF Booked Load Notice | BYOF only
Communication 16: BYOF Booked Load Notice | BYOF only
Send Comm 16 after a BYOF load is booked. Include the broker or customer, rate confirmation, pickup and delivery requirements, commodity and weight, route and HOS feasibility, tracking method, and supporting documents. This opens Bright Trucking's carrier record for the load.
Communication 17: BYOF Load Delivered & Settlement Submission | BYOF only
Communication 17: BYOF Load Delivered & Settlement Submission | BYOF only
Send Comm 17 after delivery and when the final documents are ready. Include the signed POD, delivery facts, detention or lumper support, OS&D outcome, approved reimbursements or advances, and the documents needed for settlement review. This closes the BYOF load record.
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