Originally Posted by Mudflap70

You might be a legitimate driver with Averitt, but, you do seem like a recruiter in disquise... You spread it on too thick... I've talked to many drivers over the last few months and none of their stories match up with yours, especially Truckload drivers

Mike is a real driver. I know him personally. He's a glass half full type of guy who came into a situation that is a helluva lot better than the one he left behind.

I'm not one to defend everything that Averitt does other than to say there are things that are inconsistent across the board. In almost six years here I have heard your story enough to know that it's true. There is a problem somewhere, whether it be underperforming fleet managers or an oversaturation of drivers in certain areas. But again, I know guys getting consistent 2500-3000 mile weeks at my service center. When I was TL the first time, I had an honest average of 2400 over a two year period.

I don't pretend to have a solution, but if I were in your situation, I would probably consider leaving also. But I'm not, so I'm not rocking the boat. I'm doing ok. I've done better, but I've been doing this crap forever so I've seen a whole lot worse over the years. I'm close enough to the end that I plan on riding it out and wish you luck in whatever you decide.

Originally Posted by Mudflap70

Well, I've been with Averitt for going on 4 months now and my experiences don't even compare to yours Big Mike... If all drivers had your experiences Averitt wouldn't have the driver turnover ratio they have... They usually have 20 -50 people at orientation each week... There was ~ 45 when I went... I'll probably be leaving them soon... Too much sitting and waiting for loads (6-24 hours) and not getting detention pay when you're on time... I've only had "1" good week and 2 (maybe 3) ok weeks... Seems like driver's are just truck #'s at Averitt ... Most of the Averitt drivers I've meet are complaining because they're only getting 12-1500 and maybe on a good week 1900-2100 miles... You might be a legitimate driver with Averitt, but, you do seem like a recruiter in disquise... You spread it on too thick... I've talked to many drivers over the last few months and none of their stories match up with yours, especially Truckload drivers... Dedicated drivers are a different story...

LOL. Mudflap, I wish I had a buck for everyone on this board who has read my experience and accused me of being an undercover recruiter. Nothing could be further from the truth. I think Mustang nailed it. I am a very positive person. It takes a lot to piss me off and get me down. I guess after you survive stage 3 cancer anything else that comes along just isn't that big a deal anymore.

The longest wait I have had for a load was 20 plus hours. I am usually dispatched before I get to my next consignee. My average has been around 2,000 miles a week. That is rough math in my head. I have had as low as 1400 and as much as 3200.

I have compared notes with other drivers and I do believe it has a bunch to do with your fleet manager. Mine is very proactive, but I have also proven to be very flexible and willing to help deliver loads that he is having a tough time getting his other drivers to take without a lot of complaining. Some drivers with the same work ethic have told me their fleet manager does the bare minimum to help them out. That's why I would fight going to anyone elses board. I do like my fleet manager a bunch.

I have said a number of times my only other comparison to Averitt was Swift. It sucked so royally there that ALL the things Averitt has offered me has been nirvana. I hope your situation improves and the miles become more plentiful. I can promise you if I have an experience with Averitt that totally blows I will talk about it here. In almost 7 months solo it just hasn't happened yet.

Since I am sitting here waiting on a dispatch at the Houston SVC I whipped out my calculator and did the math. I am averaging 2207 miles a week.

Originally Posted by engine32ladder

I agree it has absolutely nothing to do with one's ability to safely operate a truck. It has everything to do with the image of the profession though. I have listened to drivers cry and whine for years about not getting any respect. Just saying there IS a way to get respect. Clean up the image of the industry and the respect will come. It starts with the drivers.

The no visible tattoos, no long hair, no beards, must wear a uniform is a deal breaker with so many and I do understand that is a personal preference. It doesn't bother me one bit and I have experienced the difference in how I am treated as an Averitt driver as compared to the guys who walk in with sweat pants, a tshirt and crocks. The customer does take notice.

Update: Last week I ended up with 2500 miles. This week I have been on the vampire shift. Started with an LTL load from Knoxville to Winchester, VA. Last night I did some small runs from Winchester to Lynchburg to Raleigh. Then finished off a load from Fayetteville to Lumberton NC. Now I am dispatched on a load from Sumter, SC to Ooltewah, TN.

One of the loads assigned yesterday didn't make sense when you did the math. No way to deliver it and not go about 5 hours over my 14. I sent a love letter on the qualcomm to my fleet manager and he had me relay it to Raleigh. That whole process took about 30 minutes to get it fixed. Sometimes the planners don't factor in that you have only so many hours you can operate but my FM is really good about either fixing the issue or getting me a different dispatch.