Posted: 4 years, 9 months ago
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Lol, this made me chuckle. Been there, done it.
I had to sell some things, a lot of things, and max out credit cards.
BUT, I have managed to stay afloat the first year. Caught up on some debt. I've maintained my credit. Financed a new vehicle. And invested in home improvement projects. And taken care of misc things.
Btw, the whole first year out here (and now), I maybe bought 3 meals. The rest of what I eat, is what I take with me from home. That and water.
You have to come up with a plan that works for you.
Posted: 4 years, 9 months ago
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Advice please - started solo and second time this is happening.
I think Rainy probably gave, uh, :) the best, *replies*, here.
My mind wondered a few times reading it all. lol
Don't get in a rut, thinking you have to be a *super trucker*. Just be honest with others, and be honest with yourself.
Personally, I don't handle the split shifts very well. Back in my younger years, I broke every sleep/work law there was probably but, now days, I just preplan a lot. Once you get experience, and learn the in and outs of things, you'll get a whole lot better and efficient at your job. I like day shift personally, but I do sometimes have to run it into the night hours a bit. Just don't think that you have to push yourself. Yes, learn to be productive but, like I mentioned, this will come with experience. I mean, don't push yourself in a bad way. A lot of people are built differently. They can run strange hours but, I still question their health. I'd like to have a sit down with their doctors because, we all know that it is suggested to get anywhere from 7 to 8 hours straight sleep. So, if you're doing something else different, how?
I love Rainy's input because she works how I work. I like staying one step ahead of the game.
Be honest with your DM's. Let them know what's up, and let them know your trying to figure out a work method that works best for you. If you get out here and get all frazzled, you're of no help to anyone. In the meantime, I'd suggest getting the rest that you need. Any dummy knows that if you don't do the miles, noones happy, not even yourself. So, figure out what works and do that.
Posted: 4 years, 9 months ago
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It truly amazes me how companies scream, 'safety, safety, safety' but, we have to do silly crap like this.
Sooo, that being said, Good Job!
I'd imagine most times they're just given an address and dont have the time to look each one up. Not every delivery can be to large distribution centers, it's up to us as professional drivers to do what it takes to get it done.
Companies are aware of the circumstances out here. They've heard it a million times from drivers over the years.
That's why I said, Good Job! because yes, we do definitely have to all exercise proffesionalism out here.
Be safe...
Posted: 4 years, 9 months ago
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It truly amazes me how companies scream, 'safety, safety, safety' but, we have to do silly crap like this.
Sooo, that being said, Good Job!
Posted: 4 years, 9 months ago
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Packing for swift duffle or suitcase ?
One of my students brought 5 large duffles, a sleeping bag and pillow. Their stuff literally covered the when top bunk. They had the nerve to complain about the lack of space I'd provided for them. I gave them a cabinet space and room in both my refrigerator and the onboard refrigerator (that's right, I have two, lol), and I also let them store drinks in my personal ice cooler.
Ok, that was just an example of what not to do, or bring. 5 large duffles, waayyy to much stuff. I mean, come on, the whole top bunk. And they weighed a ton each.
Any student of mine will never go without water. I will not provide for them but, I will make sure that they at least survive the trip.
I'd prepare to sleep with your stuff. I just measured, never have b4. The top bunk is approx. 2 1/2 feet by 6 1/2 feet. And, unless you are a very large person, or very tall, you can put stuff at the foot of, and sides of the bed space.
One of my students would take their stuff down and put it in the passengers seat while they slept. This was fine. They were a rather large person.
Hey, we don't live in a perfect world. Even though I do believe that trainers should provide a little space, they will not always do so. And, I personally only provide so much space. One reason is because, I have no idea how long you will be on my truck. 2 days, 2 weeks, who knows, I've had both. If I provide all of this extra space for you, then it takes away from space I could have used for myself. I'd have to purchase more stuff out on the road.
So, prepare for the worst case scenario and only bring what you can fit into that 2 1/2 feet by 6 1/2 feet space, including yourself.
Regards....
Posted: 4 years, 9 months ago
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Yep, yep, yep and that too.
I'm sure whoever watches my Driver Cam footage is having a chuckle.
If I had my way about it, 99.9 % of the drivers on the road today would lose their licenses. Seriously..... Well, ok, 99%....
I've been trying to calm myself over the past few months, and figure that they are just simply under educated drivers, and knuckleheads to boot. But, fact is, they can really suck at driving sometimes. And, sometimes they can simply be complete Assh****.
I hate towns that don't accommodate for truck drivers, AT ALL. They build and structure things in just a way that makes it impossible to stop anywhere. You're welcome, btw, for all the crap we bring to you. I understand that some drivers abuse the privilege but, still. You can drive for awhile b4 finding a place to stop sometimes. I don't like it....
People in charge that let the power go to their heads. I'll point no fingers.
If there are paper towels in the restrooms, and hand soap, I'll grab them and scrub the seat down b4 using it.
I don't believe this has been mentioned but, the as*hats that pull to far forward in rest areas making it impossible to get out. Well, without climbing a curb.
These new trucks that govern our lives and figure that they know best for what is the correct comfort zone for truck drivers.
Super Truckers, you've met a few. Full of themselves.
Traffic that slows down to 15 mph, when the accident is on the opposite side of the hwy, across a concrete barrier to boot.
Whew maybe someone else will fill in some more blanks.
Oh, me, for getting so irritated. 😁
Posted: 4 years, 9 months ago
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Game: What Excites You Now That You Drive?
Probably the first thing that comes to mind is making a fresh pot, or a couple of cups, of coffee after each day.
I love a long deserted hwy, with plenty of places to pull off and stop. I was just on one today, US 90 and US 285 coming up out of Del Rio, Tx headed to I-10 W (Fort Stockton). Pretty smooth, and flat, and straight, for the most part. I really tend to hate the winding, hilly East.
I love finding a place to park in the evening. And, depending upon where you are, you can be more grateful in some areas throughout the US. If it's late that is. I love finding a place that is secluded, and quiet. I really tend to shy away from truck stops, even though they can be inviting at times. Hey, a place to park, is a place to park. And we all said, amen.... lol
I don't share others enthusiasm where it concerns backing. Even though I can tend to back quite well, when I'm not having a bad day, I tend to seek the less opposing spots to park in. You guys/gals enjoy, lol....
I love watching Movies, and TV shows in the evening while eating a meal. And, the new Smart TV I just bought helps with that experience, lol. My last, or first, truck with Swift didn't have a mount or place for a TV. So, that's really cool. And, I love being able to run the sound through the trucks stereo system. Both trucks have nice sound.
Mmmm, free laundry at Swift terminals. And showers to I guess.
Oh, lol, yeh, green lights on the EZ Pass is always cool. Who else hates Texas weigh stations. Follow Road Signs. Meh..... :) Even though, they are open few and far between. Except for border patrol areas. Hey, who loves those, lol. I always feel like I just went through a microwave, with all of the things pointing at you.
I do miss doing stuff at home. I love getting projects done when I go home for home time. I love eating a real meal, and cooking one, and turning my phone off, or the ringer all the way down. And, I enjoy also driving my personal vehicle. I love ordering an 18 inch Bruno's Combo Pizza, for those who live in the Tyler, Tx area.
Okie dokie.... I guess that about sums it up. I love the desert. Don't know why, like in NM. Weird.... Love trees to but, the open country appeals to me.
And, I love a long walk in the evening.
Ok, that's enough, Next.
Posted: 4 years, 10 months ago
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New Swift Driver Wanting to Switch
I personally like the Counter button. Someone has already mentioned it. Of course, I'm probably a little more picky than some people. I'll counter until I get one that I feel comfortable with. I've rejected a few too. I usually never hear anything about it. You have to remember that the times you're originally given are computer generated, and they usually do not include enough *actual* time to pick up and deliver. So, yeh, you really need to use your own good judgment.
A good preplan will save you a lot of heartache in the long run.
I'll get out a pen and pad and sit there and right down everything if I have to. This will include time to fuel, scale, take a 30 minute break, traffic (California can sometimes mean adding an extra 2 hours), and so forth and so on. Anything you need, write it down, figure it up, and then counter a load with your own times. Forget the computer generated times.
Getting in a hurry, or thinking that you *have to* will only get you into trouble.
Be a good and safe driver. Keep a strong head on your shoulders
And remember, no one knows everything. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for help.
Greg, is it true that the practical miles that most companies use to estimate trips and pay is about 10% less than actual miles? If so, do you add about 10% to the mileage of a run when planning?
No, it's not 10%. You can't go by percentages. It's zip code to zip code. And yes, it can get off sometimes. And, sometimes you have to call your DL and ask, 'what's up boss, with this mileage'. For example, one load I had only showed 30 miles for Empty Miles, and in actuality it was 150 miles. So, yes, I wanted to get payed for a few more miles than 30. lol
So, yes, unless you are familiar with where you are or where you are going, you need to double check mileage from point A to point B. When you pull up directions on the Qualcomms Navigation system it will give you correct mileage to your destination. Just check and make sure it matches your dispatch information. It shouldn't be off by much. Usually you can figure it being off by ohhhh 5 to 20 miles. I usually start questioning it at around 50, ha ha or when there is a serious noticeable difference.
Sorry for the late response. Busy busy busy busy here lately.
When I was at the Academy one of the instructors said something that is very true. "We're not training you to just be Truck drivers but, Managers." You have to be on top of things yourself, and not rely on anyone else. Get help from others, yes, but, you need to be able to manage your own time out here.
Posted: 4 years, 10 months ago
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New Swift Driver Wanting to Switch
I personally like the Counter button. Someone has already mentioned it. Of course, I'm probably a little more picky than some people. I'll counter until I get one that I feel comfortable with. I've rejected a few too. I usually never hear anything about it. You have to remember that the times you're originally given are computer generated, and they usually do not include enough *actual* time to pick up and deliver. So, yeh, you really need to use your own good judgment.
A good preplan will save you a lot of heartache in the long run.
I'll get out a pen and pad and sit there and right down everything if I have to. This will include time to fuel, scale, take a 30 minute break, traffic (California can sometimes mean adding an extra 2 hours), and so forth and so on. Anything you need, write it down, figure it up, and then counter a load with your own times. Forget the computer generated times.
Getting in a hurry, or thinking that you *have to* will only get you into trouble.
Be a good and safe driver. Keep a strong head on your shoulders
And remember, no one knows everything. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for help.
Posted: 4 years, 9 months ago
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Choosing a right CDL school
Perhaps some others can fill you in on some other companies or ways to go about doing this. As for me, I chose OTR, and I highly encourage anyone to do it, if not only but, for a short while. It's great experience.
BUT, if you're completely not into it. Swift Transportation doesn't only train OTR, or you're not away from home for 3 weeks. I have a friend who trained on a Dedicated Walmart, with Swift and he was home pretty regularly because his trainer was as well. I have an ex student of mine who decided OTR wasn't for him and he moved to local deliveries. I believe he's home every night. You'd have to live close to a terminal though to do local.
It's probably going to take a whole lot of research of each company because, I don't know about everyone else here but, I'm not fully knowledgeable of all of the different positions that Swift or any other companies offer.
There are so many different avenues you can take with your CDL. You may have to spend that first year doing something you don't want to do thoug
Anyway, bottom line, you don't have to train OTR.