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Driver Check-In Feature

Where to find leg communications, how to add and manage ETA/PTA

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Written by Peter
Updated over a week ago

Overview

The Driver Check-In feature allows dispatchers and managers to record driver status updates, modify estimated arrival times (ETA), and track driver communications throughout the execution of a leg.


Accessing Driver Check-In

There are two ways to initiate a driver check-in:

Method 1: From the Dispatch Board Communications Tab

  1. Navigate to Planning β†’ Dispatch and click on driver

  2. Select the Communication tab from the left sidebar

  3. Click the "Driver check-in" button (blue button with a plus icon) in the top-right corner

Method 2: From the ETA/PTA Column

  1. On the dispatch board, locate the driver

  2. Click directly on the ETA/PTA column for that driver

  3. This will open the driver check-in modal


Driver check-in screen

The driver check-in modal provides several options for recording driver status:

Situation Labels

Select a label that best describes the current status of the driver. Available options include:

  • New information - means general updates from the driver

  • Arriving sooner - means that the driver will arrive earlier than expected

  • Leaving soon - means that the driver is preparing to depart

  • Driver resting - driver is taking a break to rest

  • Driver oversleep - means that the driver has exceeded rest period

  • Detention - driver is detained at a facility

  • Time off - driver is on scheduled time off

  • Technical issue - vehicle or equipment problems

  • Traffic issue - delays due to traffic conditions

  • Traffic accident - involvement in or affected by an accident

  • Off route - driver has deviated from planned route

Comment Field

An optional comment field is provided to add additional context or details about the situation. This can include:

  • Specific details about the issue

  • Driver's estimated delay

  • Actions being taken

  • Customer communication notes

Change ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)

The Change ETA toggle allows you to update the estimated time of arrival for the current stop.

Important: ETA can only be modified after the driver has started the leg. If the leg hasn't been started yet, this option will not be available.

When enabled:

  • Enter the new ETA date and time

  • Time is displayed in stop location timezone

  • The system will validate the new ETA against appointment times

Change PTA (Projected Time of Availability)

The Change PTA toggle allows you to update when the driver will be available for the next assignment.

  • Enter the projected availability date and time

  • Time is displayed in CST (Central Standard Time)

  • Useful for planning subsequent loads

Going To Section

Displays the driver's destination information:

  • Stop type (Pickup, Delivery, etc.)

  • Location name

  • Can be expanded by clicking "Show more" for additional details

Saving the Check-In

Once all necessary information has been entered, click the "Save check-in" button to record the update.


Communications Tab

The Communications tab maintains a chronological feed of all driver check-ins and updates for the current driver.

Communication Feed Features

Each communication entry displays:

  • Icon indicator - Differentiates between check-ins, system updates, and other communication types

  • ETA/PTA changes - Highlighted in blue with clock icon showing the new time

  • Situation label - The status label selected during check-in (displayed as a pill/badge)

  • Order and leg reference - Links to the specific order and leg (e.g., "Order #1300 | Leg #1")

  • Timestamp - Date and time when the update was recorded

  • Edit functionality - Pencil icon on the right allows editing previous check-ins

Editing Previous Check-Ins

To edit a previous driver check-in:

  1. Locate the check-in entry in the Communications tab

  2. Click the pencil icon on the right side of the entry

  3. The driver check-in modal will open with the previous information pre-filled

  4. Make necessary changes

  5. Click "Save check-in" to update

Communication Types Displayed

The feed shows various types of updates:

  • Driver check-ins with ETA/PTA changes

  • Manager actions (e.g., "Manager accepted order")

  • System-generated updates

  • Other communication events

Loading More Updates

If there are many communications, click "Load more updates" at the bottom of the feed to view older entries.

Important: Communications also can be found in the Order page β†’ Communication tab.


ETA Appointment Time Alerts

The system actively monitors ETA against scheduled appointment times and provides visual alerts when issues are detected.

Red Appointment Warning

When a driver's ETA is later than the scheduled appointment time, the system displays:

  • Red appointment time - The appointment time appears in red text with a warning triangle icon (⚠️)

  • Warning tooltip - Hovering over the appointment shows: "ETA is later than appointment time. Immediate action required."

  • Visual emphasis - The alert is clearly visible in the ETA/PTA column on the dispatch board


ETA/PTA in Available Units Screen

The Available Units screen provides a comprehensive view of all available drivers and their current ETA/PTA information, making it easy to identify drivers for load assignment and monitor potential scheduling conflicts.

Screen Features

ETA/PTA Display and Alerts

ETA and PTA times are displayed with location timezone indicators for clarity. The system uses color coding to highlight issues:

  • Red appointment time - When ETA is later than the scheduled appointment (APT), the appointment displays in red with a warning icon

  • Normal display - When no conflicts exist, times display in standard formatting

Using the Available Units Screen

This screen is particularly useful for:

  • Load planning - Quickly identify which drivers will be available and when

  • Driver selection - Find drivers based on location, availability, and destination

  • Proactive management - Address potential delays before they become critical issues

Quick tip: Click directly on a driver's ETA/PTA to open the driver check-in modal and update their status or estimated times.


Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Traffic Delay

  1. Driver calls in about traffic delay

  2. Open driver check-in

  3. Select "Traffic issue" label

  4. Enable "Change ETA" and add 2-hour delay

  5. Add comment: "Heavy traffic on I-35, estimated 2-hour delay"

  6. Save check-in

  7. Contact customer if appointment is now at risk

Scenario 2: Early Arrival

  1. Driver reports arriving sooner than expected

  2. Open driver check-in

  3. Select "Arriving sooner" label

  4. Update ETA to earlier time

  5. Add comment: "Light traffic, driver ahead of schedule"

  6. Save check-in

Scenario 3: Detention at Facility

  1. Driver reports detention at shipper

  2. Open driver check-in

  3. Select "Detention" label

  4. Enable "Change ETA" and update next stop time

  5. Enable "Change PTA" if detention affects availability

  6. Add comment: "Detained at shipper - 3-hour wait for loading dock"

  7. Save check-in

  8. Document detention time for billing purposes

Scenario 4: Equipment Issue

  1. Driver reports mechanical problem

  2. Open driver check-in

  3. Select "Technical issue" label

  4. Update ETA based on estimated repair time

  5. Add detailed comment about the issue and resolution plan

  6. Save check-in

  7. Consider backup truck if repair will be lengthy

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