AMTA awards 2007 Dispatcher of the Year at annual convention

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BANFF, Alta. — A good dispatcher is one of the most valuable and versatile employees in the company, according the Alberta Motor Transport Association, which had its annual convention this weekend, including the presentation of the 2007 Dispatcher of the Year.

“They are operations people, administrators, managers, and salespeople,” said Dan Green, an account manager for Shaw Tracking, who made the award presentation.

“They are the first line of representation of your company to your customers, and of your company to your drivers. Their position is truly the cornerstone of any company and they must be able to balance profitability along with fairness and good judgment.”

Green also said that a good dispatcher will promote employee loyalty, and consequently lower driver turnover. On top of that, a good dispatcher will improve fuel mileage, by ensuring the load is delivered efficiently, and ultimately ensure economic and customer service success, he added.

“A great dispatcher cares about the safety and well-being of your drivers,” said Green, before announcing that the AMTA had selected Debbie Begg for the award, a dispatcher with H&R Transport.

“One of the drivers had this to say about Debbie: ‘She is very conscious of the elements that create the working environment: client care, safety, drivers well-being, courtesy, teamwork, and problem-solving; (which) are just some of these elements. Speaking as a driver, she has never put my health or safety at risk.'”

As well as dispatch, Begg is responsible for first contact with new drivers; orientation for new drivers, not only learning to navigate throughout North America, but also the administrative maze that a new driver must address. On top of these duties, H&R Transport has praised Begg’s assistance with new foreign staff, who must adjust to a new way of life, not only with work, but also with home life.

“Debbie has always taken the extra time to ensure these new folks are looked after,” said Green. “H&R’s overall success truly reflects the outcome of her continuous efforts.”

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