Comments By Southern Dad

Since applying on this site, yesterday, my phone has been ringing. I took the questions to ask recruiters information, then looked up the answers on the web. I used that to confirm with the recruiter. I’m at Concentra to get a DOT physical, as I type this. It’s looking like a two hour wait. Of the companies expressing and interest, two really interest me. Those are TMC and Swift. Two opposite ends of the spectrum, for sure. My highest priority is home time. Money is about third on the list.

I know there are drivers here from both companies. I’ve read the threads here, especially the diaries. Word of mouth is the best reference. This is moving faster than I intended. I’ll be taking the CDL A Permit as soon as I have this card.

I still say bad words going through Atlanta in a four wheeler.

I was through Atlanta couples days ago and only said one or maybe two ugly words.

When I first started thinking about trucking, a person, who is an owner/operator, with your company, that really loves trucking told me how lucrative it was to be an owner/operator. I am just not enthused about buying a job. That means owner/operator is out for me. I've subscribed to your YouTube channel. I've always wanted to do a podcast and a YouTube channel. Lord knows, I watch way too much YouTube.

I have to say that the real compensation information shared by Kearsey, caused me to look at one more trucking company. Thank you for being so willing to show real data. It helps explain per diem, in real numbers. It also gives an idea of what kind of miles you are running each week. This forum is really about sharing and educating people who are thinking about getting into the industry. It should be mandatory reading before getting the keys.

Just stay away from leasing. Ill do a video soon on that too... but honestly it isnt eorth it. and i did one video adding up my overhead costs to be $28,000 if i were to go local... and that didnt inckude the furniture in the apartment i would need to buy since i live on my truck. So to habe the same cash flow i would NEED to make $100,000. for now, i love life ;)

I have to say that the real compensation information shared by Kearsey, caused me to look at one more trucking company. Thank you for being so willing to show real data. It helps explain per diem, in real numbers. It also gives an idea of what kind of miles you are running each week. This forum is really about sharing and educating people who are thinking about getting into the industry. It should be mandatory reading before getting the keys.

Of all the threads that I've read thus far on the forum, this one, with its lively discussion, realizations, and documentation examples, has probably taught me the most. Over my lifetime, I have received per diem throughout both my military and management careers. You would think that I would have looked into it and understood it better. During my military career, I really cared about one line on the LES form and that was Net Pay.

Currently, all of my business related travel, I have the option of per diem or submitting receipts for reimbursement. Truthfully, I take the per diem on most trips, just because it is easier. As I read the two pages of threads going back 6+ years, the debate and conversation was very insightful. The recent changes from the Jobs & Tax Act seem to have made this a no brainer for me.

The question that I had asked the recruiter was how home time worked, that was when he said that I accumulate 1 day every 6 for home time that is usually taken as 2 days at home after 12 days on the road. Because of the comments here, I will ask him to explain it further to make sure that he means two real days at home not just 34 hours.

One of the best things about interaction on this forum and reading old (some very old) threads is that I learn questions that I need to ask.

PackRat had a point:

I'd be asking if it is actually 48 hours, two days, or a 34 hour reset at home? All three are different.

First assume the time off is "two days" unless it is. 34 hours (one day plus 10 hours) is a standard break in your Hours Of Service - a legal term.

I drove a regional area for Swift. This did include real weekends off. In my case, I often finished my week's work & was home sometime Friday afternoon (a few times I got home Thursday!). But Monday morning I needed to be on the road by 4am to make my schedule. Still, a whole weekend.

Keep in mind there's no "Five o'clock somewhere" in trucking. No whistle is going to blow and you pull over for the night. To finish out this concept, though the trucking industry is 24/7, you will get your off time while you're on the road.

So clarify that "two days".

I'm sorry that anyone took me as criticizing them. I was discussing the topic that was brought up in the original post after reading the linked story. I am not trying to fix your issues. I was just discussing the issue in the original post.

SD, no disrespect intended, and no Jan I'm not offended (are you!? It seems only time you post is to criticize us. Why are u even here?) But until you actually get out there and do this job please dont try fixing our "issues" that aren't issues. It's always the outsiders or rookies that are struggling with backing that think these are a good idea. Thankfully in 2 years I've been driving I haven't hit anything, Including backing incidents. I had a couple close calls early on by focusing too much on a mirror because It was tight on that side and thankfully looked at other mirrors to realize I was about to hit something. If we have a camera for every angle of the truck you'd never move that truck because theres a million things going on at each side of the vehicle that's ever changing. Picture this. You're backing off the street into a narrow alley. You're only focused on the what's directly behind you and the corner of each side of the back. Cars inch closer the longer you take as their frustration grows and they're going to squeeze in as soon as they have room regardless if they have adequate room. You're so focused on not hitting what's behind you that your drive tires have now hit a car due to the angle you're at. Technology is not the answer. There have been numerous times by getting out and looking seeing that although my back end may hit the dock as I hoped I will end up having my tractor or front of trailer hit another object.

SD, in no way am I criticizing you but focus on getting your CDL and once you've been out here you'll have plenty of time to fix all the world's issues, however you'll be better informed. I spent about 4 years on this forum before taking the leap and thought I knew almost everything. Boy was i wrong. If after being out here 6 months to a year when your backing is decent and you feel the same way then I'll gladly discuss it. Until then just focus on getting your CDL. I wouldn't come into your corporate office and start telling you how things should be done without experiencing it. There is a HUGE difference between a tractor trailer that bends in the middle and your Prius or CR-V.

I've read every page of the thread, following along. At each click, I was ready to see what came next. This thread gave me some insight to how testing goes and the phases of training.

Excellent question for me to ask. I'm adding it to my list.

That's about normal for hometime: one day off for each week out.

I'd be asking if it is actually 48 hours, two days, or a 34 hour reset at home? All three are different.

Where is the monitor for this? Is it distracting to you? For example causing you to have to look at an extra place like the dashboard.

I love technology. My house is loaded with smart home technology. Even my chicken house is smart. Trailers have added skirts and tails to get better mpg. Monitors for 4 wheelers to see ahead is an excellent idea. Another great idea is a camera that transmits to the driver, like RVs have.

One of the trucks I drive has this. When you turn on the right turn signal a camera on that side turns on and displays an image down the right side of the truck and into the next lane.