In our industry’s previous life, the dispatcher played a very key role in the operation of one’s company. Although a large degree of their authority and actions may have been symbolic and attitudinally based, they nevertheless kept the train on the track and running on time.

Earlier this year I posted a 3-part piece on Appnology. It was a concept where the industry working together could create an all-encompassing app to eliminate some specific rivals. The gist was simple. We are their backbone and what the industry giveth, this industry can taketh away.

In any given service industry performance or endeavor, one is only as good as their last mistake. In any company crisis or disaster, a similar dynamic applies.

As previously discussed, cross training staff has numerous operational advantages. It breaks up monotony, offers schedule flexibility, and other little things. The chain of command, bureaucracy, or hierarchy of many companies are the same. Dispatch is understaffed, overworked, and in a constant battle of supply, demand, and personality conflicts.

The idea or concept started to take form with odd, unique operational practices and tricks I picked up over the years. One of my all-time favorites was FedEx and the flying spares.

One of the concepts that always fascinates me are when I learn simple solutions to complex problems. I often wonder, maybe wish, why can’t I reverse engineer the idea and perhaps get two solutions for the price of one problem? …

So as the story goes, upper management was given marching orders. He had to get rid of the girl. She had been with them for many years and knew the operation like the back of her hand. Although she was worth her weight in gold, she never hesitated reminding people…

The psyche or inner mind of the driver population always intrigues me. It isn’t that their impulsive or compulsive behavior is any different than your average human, but how it factors into a transportation provider. Case in point, a hit and run. Happens all the time. …

Last week’s posting of Farmville brought out some very interesting angst and feedback. Before I get into specifics let me explain some of the theories that brought us here.