Many truck drivers have stories of terrible experiences with lumpers. In fact, so many have coalesced on the internet that it’s become common for drivers to believe hiring lumpers is a scam. But many lumping services simply aren’t. The key is to know how to vet who you’re working with. These are some of our favorite questions to do it.
What is Your Loading Strategy?
The number one complaint that truck drivers have about lumpers is that they are capable of loading the product more quickly and accurately themselves. But when you’re hiring a lumping team, you’re the boss, which means you’re welcome to adjust their strategy if you think there’s a better way to complete the job. We’ll do our best to acquiesce and negotiate if we think a compromise could be the best option. But as it stands, AFS lumping teams come in groups of three with well-oiled communication and planning, and our ability to move freight quickly is what keeps us in business.
How Will Payment Work, and What Costs Can I Expect?
At AFS, our business is founded upon values of honesty and fairness. Because of this, we prioritize transparency in explaining our costs, and make note of what may change depending on the work. Before we get to work with a written agreement, we allow you to make a final inspection before payment is run. But not all lumping services provide this automatically. Don’t be afraid to ask. It’s your right to know and feel fully comfortable with the terms before starting services.
What Are Your Safety Standards?
Knowing what a lumper will do to maintain safety on the dock is one of the easiest indicators of whether they’re running a legitimate operation if you’re ever concerned. An upstanding dock support team will be well versed in OSHA SOP and prepared to give you a rundown of how they will keep the product, themselves and you safe in the process. Rather than asking this one outright, we would suggest one or two hypothetical questions of actions they would take should something go wrong. It’s a quick shortcut to ensure your equipment will be respected.
When Will I Be Able to Get Back to Driving?
Transparency in timeline is the same thing as transparency in pricing. Lumpers know that drivers make their money on the road—not waiting around. But you’re also deserving of rest during this time, which means knowing how long you have to take a bio break or grab a bite to eat. This is especially important if you’re hiring them for rework services like for a dumped load or re-kitting. While occasionally some time factors can be outside a lumper’s control, most are predictable. This time is your time, and it’s your right to safeguard it.
What Can I Do to Ensure a Smooth Service?
Every lumping team is a little different as is every job. Unless you’re working with a group you’re already familiar with, it’s always a good idea to get a lay of what they could need from you in the near term as well as at the end of the job. You’re more likely to be satisfied and back on the road quickly if you’re prepared. Every lumping team wants their driver to know they’re in good hands, and offering this small amount of support can do a lot to foster good will both ways.
We get it. At the beginning of a job, all you want is to get going. And when you arrive at your destination, you’re tired and ready to get back home. Drivers are dealing with lumpers during times that they’re not their best selves, and sometimes that makes vetting teams hard. But knowing the right questions to ask can help simplify the process. If you’re ever looking for a lumping team in Indianapolis built on integrity, reach out to our team.