Are you new to running freight for the Department of Defense (DOD) or simply looking for some tips to help you succeed?
Hauling military freight for the DOD is a whole different game — especially if you’re only accustomed to moving flatbed, reefer or dry van freight where the only mode of speed is go go go. Despite moving fewer loads on average than other drivers, team drivers moving freight for the military earn significantly more per load.
Still, in this down market, no trucking division is untouched. You may have to adapt some of your strategies on the road to continue to find success.
Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) is one of a handful of carriers with the clearance to haul exclusive TPS (transportation protective services) and AA&E (arms, ammunition and explosives) freight. We know just how satisfying a career hauling freight for the DOD can be.
While the pace may be slower and rates subject to fluctuations right now, there are several key tips to ensure your success as a DOD driver.
In this article, you’ll learn six tips for success.
1. Look at the Big Picture
The DOD market has slowed just like every other part of the market in this down economy. This kind of slowdown doesn’t often happen in the DOD market, but in the last few months, we’ve seen that rates have slowed in some lanes by as much as 20 to 30 percent.
This is primarily due to lower freight volumes impacting competition for loads. While AA&E is a small market, it’s still subject to market fluctuations like many other facets of the trucking industry.
As a DOD driver, this slowdown can be frustrating. Loads may not pay as much as you’d like, but they do still add up. You have to look at the big picture.
Instead of looking at how much you’ll be making off one individual load, look at your earnings over a two-week or one-month time period. One load might not pay the highest, but another load for the week will come along and average out your earnings.
Unfortunately, in this market, drivers have to be willing to take non-ideal loads to keep moving and earning.
2. Adjust Your Mindset
If you’re new to hauling DOD freight, it definitely requires you to shift your mindset and your operating pace. One of the biggest things drivers should be aware of when hauling AA&E freight is that it isn’t always possible to run 24/7 due to customer schedules. Many customer facilities only operate Monday through Thursday.
In the DOD world, you may only be hauling two loads per week. That means you might be waiting around for loads. Compared to what you might have been told when hauling other types of freight — haul as many loads per week as possible — this is a very different strategy.
You could see this as a benefit or a con. For some drivers, it requires a lot of patience and they don’t like sitting around waiting for loads. Other drivers enjoy the benefit of being able to run fewer miles, incurring lower operating costs and making way more money than they would hauling other types of freight.
3. Practice Good Customer Service
As a professional truck driver, you should practice good customer service no matter what kind of freight you’re hauling, but it’s especially important when you’re moving freight for the DOD. Due to the sensitive nature of the freight, customers are typically on a strict schedule. Load times are precise — not a ballpark range of when you should arrive. If you’re late, it pushes their entire operation back.
In addition to being punctual, make sure you’re customer-friendly and professional. Being rude and late can cause carriers to lose customers. You could even be banned from military bases.
4. Communicate
Due to the sensitivity of the freight you’re hauling, you need to be especially communicative with your driver manager and you need to send the correct DTTS (Defense Transportation Tracking System) messages in a timely fashion.
You’ll need to send separate messages about your movement — one to your company and one through DTTS. It’s crucial to communicate when you’re loaded, when you’re departing and when you’re stopping.
You can encounter issues if you don’t send the messages through the proper channels. For instance, if you didn’t send a DTTS message that you’re loaded and moving, but the tracking agency can see your truck moving on the radar, they may worry that your truck (loaded with sensitive freight) was stolen.
Similarly, if you’re having any issues with your truck, you need to contact your driver manager immediately. The freight you’re hauling can’t just sit on the side of the road. Instead, you may be routed to a nearby military base or your company will repower the load.
5. Trip Plan
Running out of Hours of Service (HOS) is never great, but it’s especially problematic if you can’t get your sensitive military freight to a safe stopping location because there’s no time left on your clock.
Be sure you carefully trip plan each day to find safe locations to stop for breaks and rest. Also, pay attention to how often you’re alternating drivers. Make sure neither driver gets too low on HOS. You need to be ready to drive when a load becomes available.
6. Be Financially Responsible
DOD drivers make significantly more money than most truck drivers on the road, but that doesn’t mean you should be careless with your money. Not only is the down market currently affecting DOD freight rates, but government shutdowns can have a major impact on your income.
If the government — who pays you — shuts down, you could be without a paycheck and have no freight to haul. It depends on the type of shutdown. In one type of shutdown, the DOD is still funded and operational; in the other type of shutdown, they’re closed. Your company may be able to work around this and obtain other freight for you to haul.
Make sure you’re always funneling money aside into some type of savings or retirement account that you can access in times of need.
Work with the Best Military Freight Companies
Success as a team DOD driver requires a unique approach and mindset in today's challenging market. With six key strategies, you can continue to find success as you haul freight for the military.
First and foremost, it's essential to adopt a big-picture perspective. Recognize that individual loads may not always yield the highest payouts, but over a span of two weeks or a month, your earnings can accumulate. Flexibility is crucial, and sometimes, taking less ideal loads becomes necessary to keep your wheels moving and income flowing.
Moreover, shifting your mindset is vital, particularly if you are new to hauling DOD freight. Understand that DOD operations often adhere to strict schedules, with customer facilities operating on specific days. You may find yourself waiting for loads, which can be a test of patience. However, this can also result in reduced operating costs and increased earnings, making it a unique opportunity worth embracing.
Another crucial aspect of success is practicing excellent customer service. Timeliness is paramount, as delays can disrupt military operations. Maintain professionalism and politeness to preserve valuable customer relationships and avoid the risk of being barred from military bases.
Effective communication is also paramount, given the sensitivity of the freight you're transporting. Keep your driver manager informed and send the required DTTS messages promptly to avoid unnecessary concerns and complications. Address any issues with your truck promptly to ensure the safety and security of the cargo.
Trip planning is another essential factor to consider. Carefully manage your HOS to prevent running out of driving time. Alternate drivers strategically to ensure neither reaches critically low hours.
Lastly, exercise financial responsibility. While DOD drivers generally earn more, it's important to be mindful of financial stability. Save money for rainy days, especially considering the potential impact of government shutdowns on your income.
In the ever-evolving world of DOD freight hauling, adapting to market dynamics, maintaining professionalism and managing your resources wisely will pave the way for a successful and rewarding career in this specialized field.
If you’re ready to make the switch to a company that puts its drivers first, check out the DOD company and lease options ATS has to offer. You can also check out the best trucking companies that haul military freight.