Newbie Miles

once you're solo, you can expect 1800-2000 miles/wk till they see you improve. they start you slow at first to get aquainted being by yourself and to see how you handle it by yourself. dont get discourage, your runs will start getting better as long as you show you can handle it.

 

I went to Swifts academy in San Antonio TX in early 2011. Did orientation at Lancaster. 240 hours with a mentor and off solo I went based out of the Houston terminal. My first two loads were a few hundred or so miles around TX then I was given a run to Los Angeles from Laredo and another back to Laredo. Then Laredo to PA. It took off from there.

once you demonstrate you can safely get the job done consistently miles roll in. It also helps to have a good DM to build a relationship with. One hand washes the other. It also helps to be proactive going after loads..for instance if at a terminal check at the window for a local load they need help with. Almost every time I've done that I was stacked with a good high mile load after the local before I got back to my truck...while others were sitting around griping about low miles and stuff they didn't want to do.

Add endorsements to your CDL to get more opportunities too. I have hazmat and tanks. I have 3 years of 100% on time, no accidents, good CSA and RA scores, no tickets and good DOT inspections. I now run fairly consistent 2800-3100 miles a week. Lots of JIT and high value loads with hazmats and tank loads as well.

Swift is not a bed of roses by any stretch and I have many frustrating days but you'll find you get back what you put into it.

 

As it is with any job you do.

And, as it should be!

 

ANOTHER SUGGESTION FOR ADDITIONAL MILES:
Volunteer for loads that most drivers turn down or refuse, regardless of type of freight, distance it is going, or location.

EXAMPLE(S):
1) If most drivers are refusing certain location as New York City, the New Jersey Turnpike, the hills of Tennessee or the mountains of Appalachia or Colorado, then VOLUNTEER to take those loads.
2) If most drivers are refusing loads as rotten eggs, decaying beef, or fertilizers that stinks to high heaven, then VOLUNTEER to take those loads.

 

You'll likely start out getting ~500 mile loads that have 3 days to get there. Deliver in 24 hours, then bug your DM for your next load. Repeat until your DM gets tired of you calling every day, so they give you longer runs.

As others have said, you need to prove yourself. If you have a 3 day 500 mile run, don't spend two of those days sitting in the truck stop griping that "Swift ain't giving me no miles".

Also, consistently being at the 90 at the beginning of the delivery window really helps...

 

90 is what they call the final stop. sometimes you are given a deliver time with a few hours up to a day to deliver. example deliver between 0700-1200. you want to be there at 0700 if possible or as close.

 

Good info here. Never would have thought to try volunteering for random local loads. Every little bit helps. Thanks for the advice.

@dptrucker I see your in Adelanto. I just moved from Hesperia last year to Colorado. Do you get loads from California to Colorado frequently? My dad is a trainer out of Fontana and also does weekend work in Victorville.