Alice Turner works diligently every day to dispatch loads for Medallion Transport Holding’s and NHH Services network of owner-operators. Get to know more about Alice and what she enjoys most about her role with the company.
Tell us more about your 30 years’ experience in the trucking industry.
My journey in the trucking industry started in May of 1991. I started out in the mail room and then was promoted to billing. I was then promoted to accounts receivable and also did all corrections on rates on loads that had to be re-billed.
I left that company and went to another trucking company working as the administrative assistant to the CFO and learned a great deal about truck loans, deductions and receivables and payables. Another facet to this company was working with safety issues. It was while at this company that I asked if I could learn and start dispatching trucks. I was given that opportunity and it has been an amazing experience each and every day.
What do you love most about the transportation & logistics industry?
I love dispatching trucks!
At the end of the day, I feel satisfaction when I am able to load my trucks, which I know is helping each driver’s family. The drivers run their trucks as a business, and they are sitting in their office around the clock.
The drivers and the dispatcher develop a trust relationship and drivers know that I am doing my best to keep them loaded.
What lead you to NHH/MTH? How and when did you start working for the company?
I started with NHH in 2016 after working for a couple trucking companies. A co-worker led me to the company and to one of the VPs, Jesse. I had dispatched an NHH owner-operator before and I liked the overall program.
What does a typical day dispatching/running the Louisville office look like?
It is my responsibility to be looking ahead and to work hard to have a load waiting for our trucks so they may continue on without having to sit.
Every day is different and that is why it is so enjoyable to work for NHH. I am busy on the phones, communicating with drivers, processing paperwork and so forth. I stay as busy as I can so my drivers can stay busy, too.
What do you love most about your role in dispatch for NHH?
A good dispatcher has to love their job. It’s not an easy one, it’s a labor of love and it’s exciting to me. Every day is different, you never know what you’re going to deal with. And one of the most exciting things is every now and then you get the opportunity to move something really special.
NHH believes that we stand out from other companies because we strive to give our trucks service and we know that they need to keep rolling so we can continue to grow ourselves.
At NHH, you’re a part of a team, and the company always supports new ideas. I couldn’t ask to work for a better boss or better people who truly care about you.
What has been one of the coolest projects/loads you’ve worked on at NHH?
We move different types of freight, which is always cool, but one time in my dispatch, one of my trucks moved the Batmobile.
What do you find most challenging in your role as a dispatcher?
What I love most is also the biggest challenge; you never know what you’re going to deal with from day-to-day. It’s always different, and you just have to be open minded and positive. Sometimes there are issues and it’s not an easy job, but you work through it.
What have you learned from working for NHH over the years?
I’ve learned so much! What’s most important is having a positive attitude and giving drivers the message that we’re here to help.
What is your proudest moment working at NHH?
One of the proudest moments with NHH was when I received the message that I was going to be interviewed for the employee spotlight.
What advice would you give to anyone just entering the trucking & logistics industry?
At this time, the trucking industry is in the same situation that most businesses are today due to the negative atmosphere of the virus. However, if you want to become a part of the industry, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and be open for change regardless of the circumstances. You must keep in mind that the trucks depend on you and you must provide a good service and develop a line of trust. Trust is the key.
Where is your hometown? What kind of hobbies & interests do you have outside of work?
I grew up in Shelbyville, Kentucky which is 30 miles from Louisville, Kentucky. I have resided in Louisville for the last 30 years and I love spending my spare time with my fantastic grandchildren.