Comments By The Breeze

I'm headed to orientation now. Is there anybody here running this account or maybe you did in the past. If so how did you like it? How are the customers? How heavy are the loads? What can I expect from JB Hunt managing this account? Is there anything I need to going in that is not completely obvious?

Thanks, Dan

I'm a dummy and misplaced my medical card. I have my long form physical and a photo copy of my medical card. Am I able to use the photo copy or will the long form suffice? I couldn't find much information on this and figured I'd just ask the experts.

Thanks, Dan

I'm leasing with Swift, the company I started with a little over a year ago. It's a 51 week lease/purchase on an older truck. As far as I know and how the contract reads, I can have someone else take it over, but I don't see that happening with an older truck. At the end of the lease, I could walk away. But anything in between I'm at the mercy of fulfilling my contract. I'd like to stay working for Swift, they're a good company and I have a good working relationship with my piers here. I don't know if this is something I should talk with my DM about and see if I have any options beyond what the contract states, or if I should just keep my mouth shut and rough it to the end and go back to a company position.

Breeze, Do you know and understand the early termination conditions in the lease contract? That's where I would start, and then weigh the cost/benefit of getting out early vs. continuing until the end of the lease term. Not sure if it's possible, but hopefully you can go back to company driver status with your company.

Good luck.

I'm five months into a lease. I wanted to run my own truck and thought I could handle it. But I guess I'm not cut out for it. I haven't posted here in a while because I'm pretty embarrassed about the whole situation. I like the company I'm with and would like to stay, my lease is up in October.

I'm wondering if I should stick it out and fulfill the contract or turn the truck in and try and make a new start. By the way I'm not trying to make scene here, I just want some sound advice on what I should at this point. Nobody forced me into this, in fact when I asked my DM about leasing he asked if I was sure about doing it. I still have the same DM and we have a great relationship and he keeps me moving and I have great miles. But for me, the numbers don't compensate for the amount of stress of making ends meet and just covering my truck payment and fuel for each week. I'm doing ok, but everything you guys have said here about leasing is true. It works for some people if they are willing to put in the work and deal with stress. But I don't think that's for me, I can handle going seeing the lease through to its end, but I hate always feeling like I'm in financial damage control mode.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Dan

I mean, how stupid can some people be?

Sadly, that person thought they were helping.

I wouldn't sweat it, I've been driving for nearly a year and I would have done the same thing if I thought I was seeing reverse lights. But, following distance is important especially in stop n go and there's no need to get in the same impatient hurry as everyone else. Just remember you're being paid not to let those feelings get the best of you, that's something I often think about when I'm stuck in traffic and am frustrated. That being said, try to avoid frequent hard braking incidents. I think most companies look at them on a case by case basis, and I'm sure they have data on what's considered a normal amount/frequency for a safe driver. Hope this helps

Dan

I would also try Craigslist and see if you can find a job with a small company who's willing too look beyond that. The important part is that you took action to correct your mistake and you also have a good driving record so I don't think all is lost.

Also, if you still have friends or connections in the industry I would ask around, they may know of a place where you could get your foot in the door.

Good Luck,

Dan

I figured it would be fun to see what trucks you guys are driving and how they're holding up. I'll start out, I drive for Swift and have a 2013 Cascadia, it's actually a rebadged Central Refrigerated truck. Right now I'm sitting at a shop and they're chasing down electrical gremlins with a turn signal that works intermittently. Sometimes I regret giving up my 2016 Freightliner automatic that I had for 6 months with zero problems, but then again I like my 13sp and my truck has a fridge in it so I can't really complain.

But anyway, have at guys and gals.

Dan

Also keep in mind I had been driving a car for 25/years in the congestion of Philly/NJ/NY area and was used to crazy drivers heavy traffic snow and ice. That is a lot different from a 22 year old with one year of car driving from the rural south who never even seen snow let alone drove in it. I would imagine it would be much harder for that person to relax.

I agree with you Rainy, and I happen to be a 23 year old from the south. I struggled when I got into real traffic and was very tense, but managed to push through it. Driving a truck on the highway is primarily about judgement and not necessarily about skill, I do believe that drivers who start in their 30's or 40's fair better in the judgment department.

That being said, I think what we have here with CRST is an argument based on principal. The company is essentially exploiting the student for profit. Yes you will learn the most about truck driving on your own without instruction, but while you're a student you need the guidance of someone who's experienced. I recieved my training from Swift and got my license from a third party school, so I never received company training with my learners permit.

In Swift training, they required the trainer to be on duty for your first 50 hours behind the wheel. I think that should be the bare minimum. Yes my trainer was sometimes more distracting than helpful but there were plenty of times where his input was valuable. I think that if a company expects one to carry all the responsibility and liability of operating a commercial vehicle independently (trainer off duty in sleeper birth), then that person should be fully licensed.

Successful people also understand that sacrifice comes before reward. Not everything in life is easy, nor will it be handed to you.