Support Moves in Planner

Support moves in the Planner are essential for scheduling and dispatching driver activities that do not involve moving a container. These moves ensure accurate tracking of chassis-related events and provide complete visibility into a driver’s day.

What Are Support Moves in the Planner?

Support moves represent operational steps like Bobtailing or repositioning a chassis. These tasks are often required to start a driver’s route or transition between container jobs. Support moves do not carry a container but are vital for accurate route planning, driver tracking, and operational auditing.

How to Add a Support Move in Planner

1. Open the Planner View
   Navigate to the Planner tab in the Dispatcher module of the system where driver schedules are built and modified.

2. Click the Purple Plus Button
   In the row for the desired driver, locate and click the purple "+" button. This initiates the creation of a manual support move.

3. Choose a Support Move Type
   The system will present several support move types:

   • Bobtail: Assigns a move with no chassis or container

   • Bobtail to Hook Chassis: Combines a bobtail and chassis pickup event

   • Hook Chassis: Assigns a chassis pickup

   • Drop Chassis: Assigns a chassis drop-off

   • Terminate Chassis: Ends a chassis assignment officially

4. Enter Support Move Details A prompt will appear with fields to complete:

   • Assignment Date/Time

   • Branch (if applicable)

   • Starting Location

   • Destination Location

5. Save the Move
   Click the Create Support Move button. The new move will appear in the planner grid with a S prefix, distinguishing it from container moves.

6. Send to Driver
   Support moves can be dispatched to the mobile app like any other move.

This method ensures that non-container driver activity is properly routed, tracked, and accounted for in planning tools.

Example of a Support Move in Planner

Let’s walk through a use case where a dispatcher needs to create a simple Bobtail support move to start a driver’s shift.

Scenario: A driver begins their day at APM Terminal and must Bobtail to PNCT (Port Newark Container Terminal) to prepare for a future assignment. No container or chassis is involved at this stage.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough:

1. Access the Planner View
   In the Planner interface, locate the driver’s row for the day.

2. Click the Purple "+" Button
   On the timeline, click the purple "+" icon to initiate a support move.  

3. Select the Support Move Type
   Choose "Bobtail" from the support move options.

4. Enter Move Details
   A modal will appear titled "Create Support Move". Fill out the required fields:

   • Assign Date: Choose the current or appropriate date

   • Branch: Select the operational branch (if applicable)

   • Starting Location: APM Terminal, Sterling, VA

   • Destination Location: PNCT Newark, NJ  

5. Create the Move
   Click "Create Support Move" to finalize the task. The move will now appear in the timeline with a $ prefix.

6. Visual Confirmation
   The move is visible in the planner grid. It shows the route from APM to PNCT, labeled as Bobtail, and carries a unique load number starting with S.  

7. Dispatch to Driver
   This support move can be sent to the mobile app using the same dispatch controls as container moves. The driver will see it listed as the first task of the day.

8. Track and Audit
   Clicking the load number in the planner will open the full routing view. From there, timing, updates, and activity can be tracked just like any other move.