Comments By T-Rex

Finally got another one. Picking up a multistop load out of the Target dc in west Jefferson Ohio and heading up to western Michigan (portage, Kalamazoo and grand rapids). Doesn't pick up until almost midnight tonight so I'm sitting regardless. Like I said, trying not to stress over it. One thing im quickly learning out here is not to stress over things that are beyond my control. Just makes life harder on me and doesn't accomplish anything. Trying to learn to roll with the punches. I know that's something that is said a lot on here by the seasoned vets.

Anyone know what the weather is looking like up in western Michigan? Hoping they haven't been slammed too hard by lake effect snow.

Also, this is my first multistop run so if there's any useful info out there I'm all ears. This will be a useful learning experience as I've considered getting into a dedicated route like this (walmart, target etc).

Yeah I'm sure there will be something else. Trying not to stress over it. 5 hours into my 14 now and it seems Memphis is dragging their feet. Already called a couple times. All they told me was to head back to the truck stop and wait. So I went to the Petro down the street in Perrysburg and drowned my sorrows in a New York strip lol. Looks like a lost day but what can ya do?

Congrats!

Literally... at 10 minute bathroom break before I left the truckstop cost me two loads lol. I arrived at the home depot dc out here in Luckey, Oh a moment before another Swift truck that they gave my load to out to PA. And because of that I'll miss out on the next run up to N.Y. So now I'm sitting here waiting on the planner to get me something else. An unfortunate yet kinda hilarious start to the day.

Good to hear Randy! Best of luck out there.

There's an article on here somewhere about that. It's kind of a gray area. While it may be legal in your home state, you have to take into consideration if the state's or cities you're driving through have laws against it or recognize your state's permit. And most if not all companies have policies against it as well as many shippers and receivers. I have my permit and certainly wish I could carry without concern but to this point I haven't risked it. I carry a knife just in case though.

Swift will hire you. Like others said, as long as you're honest and disclose it an offense that old should be ok. I hate to admit it but I got one when I was a dumb kid and told Swift during the hiring process and it was a non issue. Mine was 12 years ago.

Thanks for the example, Old School. I haven't yet used a split sleeper and I wasn't even 100% certain how to. Crystal clear now. As far as the logging at shippers I will be much more mindful of that and I feel like that is going to alleviate a lot of my problems.

Hmmm... Well if I can save some of that on duty time at shippers/receivers then that's a massive chunk of clock. I'm going to have to do a little digging and see what's up.

I try to work my clock within the parameters of the law and don't waste time while on duty

That's all good, but when you mention "parameters of the law" I wonder how you perceive what those are. Could you elaborate, or maybe give us an example of how you handle your clock while at a shipper/receiver.

I agree with G-Town. It sounds like you're doing okay, but I'm still curious about how you're logging time at shippers/receivers.

Remember, you're just getting started at this. There's a lot to learn before you're "running with the big dogs."

Perhaps I could use a refresher on when I'm supposed to be on duty at shippers and receivers. It's my understanding that you're supposed to be on duty during live loads/unloads and pretty much anything else done at a shipper/receiver unless they tell you it's going to be a while and you're free to do as you please until they're done. My mentor had me logging off duty for anything that wasn't driving, pre-trip or fueling and I know that isn't legal.

All of that being said I'm open to constructive criticism and any and all advice you can send my way. I'm fully aware that there is much to be learned in this career and it would be naive of me to expect to "run with the big dogs" right from the start.

Thanks