Comments By Gladiator 76

I would pay for the parking myself. Ten bucks isn't gonna break you. I wouldn't rock the boat over it.

It has been my experience that it's easier to find a job when you have a job. You may have to take a class A job with a smaller and/or a lower paying company for a year or so. Craig's list usually has a lot of jobs posted.

I don't know enough about cleaning up your DAC to help you, but I bet your gonna get some solid advice on this forum soon. Good luck!

Excellent report Anchorman! It seems to validate what the experienced TT drivers and Brett repeatedly have to say: Don't lease and drive.

I agree with those who say it's all about embracing the lifestyle. I knew living in the truck wasn't for me, so I had to find my "place" in the industry or get out. I make my $19.00 an hour driving LTL and am very happy with it. I also make time and a half after 8 hours, so I'll gladly work a 10-12 hour shift when many other drivers won't.

I take pride in my work and do everything I can to help my employer make $$$, because it keeps me making money. This is part of the formula I keep hearing Old School, Daniel, Brett,and many other successful drivers saying. Keep good communication and relationships with dispatch, work your ass off, be flexible and you'll succeed. I meet both OTR and LTL drivers on a daily basis at many of my customers. It doesn't take long to figure out who has their act together. I encourage all drivers to walk away from from the situation when other drivers start constantly complaining.....you don't want to get sucked down into a cesspool of negativity!

There are always backing challenges. It just takes patience. On very rare occasions I've had to wait until a space I can handle opens up. GOAL!!!!

Welcome to my world! My only OTR experience has been 28 days of training. Ironically, one of the reasons I never got comfortable driving OTR was because I couldn't back the truck into the ocean. Now it seems like that's all I do. It's not unusual to bump the dock 10-15 times a day or more. I do have to get my hands dirty occassionally, but it helps me stay in shape. I enjoy the challenge of local work.

Eckoh,

It sounds like you and Swift are suffering from irreconcilable differences, so it's probably best you move on. Are you going to owe them anything or is your contract up?

I'm not in your shoes, but if I were I'd try talking to someone in safety and/or my driver manager about my situation. It doesn't seem like they'd want to lose a driver because the wind tore the door off an old rusty trailer. Good luck.

Can you explain what Swifts "driver ranking" is?

I enjoy this web site because it's generally very positive and helps people avoid the mistakes others have made. The responses on this thread have reminded me just how tough the OTR lifestyle is. I admit it is not for me and apparently isn't for Kazi either. I hope other people considering a career driving OTR will realize that '****s' gonna happen at home while your gone. If your gonna go OTR you better have a plan for this prior to your departure. This web site has the resources to help you be prepared, but you need to use it before you jump into this industry. Good luck with whatever you do Kazi.