Overview

This module explains how to set, customize, and manage driver availability in OpsDriver, including the use of custom absence types, date ranges, and individual day events. This ensures your dispatch and scheduling processes reflect real-world driver availability.

1. Set Up Absence Types

Purpose:

Create company-specific categories for marking driver unavailability (e.g., PTO, sick leave, suspension).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Go to Company Setup > General Settings > Absence Types.

2. Click Add to create a new type (e.g., “Suspended”).

3. Select a color code (e.g., light red).

4. Click Save.

These absence types will be used throughout the scheduling interface for visual clarity and filtering.

2. Access Driver Availability Settings

Navigation:

• Go to Operations > Driver Availability.

This calendar view shows all existing events for driver unavailability by day, type, and driver.

3. Adding a Single-Day Absence Event

Instructions:

1. Select a driver.

2. Choose an absence type (e.g., PTO, Rest Day).

3. (Optional) Add a comment and an approved by field.

4. Enter the date.

5. Click Create.

This adds an entry for that driver on the selected date.

4. Adding a Multi-Day Absence Event

Use Case:

Useful for extended leave (e.g., week-long PTO or a suspension).

Steps:

1. Select a driver.

2. Choose an absence type (e.g., Suspension).

3. Select the start and end dates.

4. Click Create.

The system will automatically create individual entries for each day in the selected range.

5. Creating Absences on Non-Consecutive Days

Scenario Example:

Driver needs time off on the 5th, 25th, and 27th due to recovery after a tour.

Instructions:

1. Select the driver.

2. Choose the absence type.

3. Select multiple individual dates.

4. Click Create.

This avoids the need to create each event manually.

6. Filtering and Viewing Availability

• Use filters to:

  • Show or hide certain absence types

  • Search by driver

• Helps you assess coverage gaps on any given day.

These filters make it easier to plan around high-absence days or manage upcoming demand.

7. System-Wide Integration of Absence Data

Driver absences will:

• Appear in utilization reports

• Prevent dispatch from assigning a driver on unavailable days

• Help ops teams plan proactively

Best Practices

• Use consistent color coding to quickly distinguish absence types.

• Schedule rest days around multi-day trips to avoid overworking drivers.

• Periodically review the calendar to maintain an accurate availability forecast.