How Do You Maximize Shower Points

I can't believe this actually requires brainstorming.

If this is the level of intelligence we can expect from new drivers, it explains the nanny state legislation that's being rammed down our throats.

 

I agree that it is not exactly rocket science, but a personal attack on the rookie was uncalled for. He was just asking for advice on how to use the specific system that he is subject to to his advantage. And seeing as many of the responses were from those who do not know the system and have never been subject to the system it does seem easy and silly.

There is a reason it was posted in the swift forum and that was so he could get swift specific advise on how to overcome a situation. I'm sure he could have figured it out through trial and error but since he is seeking advice and using the valuable resource of other experienced swift drivers I would conclude that he showed a strong measure of intelligence to expedite a solution to the problem.

 

I agree that in most cases this doesnt require brainstorming, but when it comes to swift and their micro managing ways to get fuel, it actually does. Centrals way was to give you a stop, tell you to put 50 gal, or fill and that was it. when you got to the stop that said only put in 50 gal, it would still let you put 55 or more in. But unfortunately we work for swift now. The master of Micro Managing.

The last thing I would recommend is to skip your fuel stop, (only do this if you know there is one a couple hundred miles down the road, this is where one of those mini truck stop books come in handy) then when you get below 1/2 tank. Just call your dispatcher and tell him you need new fuel routing. I see this happening all the time in the terminal. Its no big deal, if your dm complains about it, tell him/her its time for a new dm, because its literally just a couple clicks of the keyboard.

 

A lot of good tips and advice here. Incorporate what the drivers are saying into a plan for fueling at least 1000 gal/mo at Love's and you will always have showers. 1000 gal in a calendar month at Love's gives you a shower/day, every day for the following month. You will also have unlimited refills on coffee and fountain drinks. This can be done quite easily, but it takes trip planning which is also a novel idea in today's world.

 

To avoid this from happening, always select both tractor and reefer fuel. Then, when the pump automatically stops at 48 or 49 gallons, pull up and top off the reefer. That will make the transaction eclipse 50 gallons and you'll have a shower credit for that purchase.

 

The new driver works for Swift one of the biggest industry supporters of nanny state legislation and major political contributors which is probably the ONLY reason they haven't been shut down given that they are criminals. Yes, at mega carriers who are constantly on the lookout for new ways to screw their employees to save a tenth of a penny you have to pre-plan your fuel stops. Hell, I work for a good company and I have to plan mine (but I get a list of 12 or so to choose from on an 800 mile trip so to me, no big deal- this driver probably gets 2 choices in a 800 mile stretch because well... Swift sucks and this is just one of a thousand reasons why).

You want to justify scum bag politicians and lawyers being scum bags... maybe you didn't catch the part where the driver had to call to get 50 gal. of fuel authorized so he could get his shower... that's called d0uch3b4ggery and Swift takes it to a new level at 49 gallons which I believe they do on purpose because lets face it... that's just the type of company Swift is.

To your point Mr. Super Trucker- Yes, the quality of new drivers sucks (I sucked when I was brand new)... but maybe that's because the schools don't train properly and companies try to run them into the ground so they can get their corporate welfare check for baiting the next sucker. If you don't like the "nanny state" go after the companies that create it and demand they take personal accountability for what they put out on the road, not after drivers just looking to make a living...

Want safer roads? The nanny state is a BIG reason the experienced guys are leaving... because companies like Swift are paying big money to the government to selectively target and run the independents and smaller companies (who actually know what they're doing) out... its about profit and extortion. Dumb comment is dumb.

 

Lol. A choice on where to fuel?. Like swift trusts it's drivers enough to make a choice. No. We get told where to fuel. No choice. Just fuel here. Put 50 gallons in. Then 600 miles down the road fuel here and fill it up. And I agree. Now days drivers aren't drivers. You really don't have to trip plan sadly. I listen to these driver leaders aka babysitters. And there is literally drivers on which they have to tell them. Drive until 5pm. Take your 10 hour break. Get up and drive until 10am then take your half hour break so you don't take it too early and have to take another one.

Pretty sad that you have to spell it out like that. But that's the kind of people these megas, not just swift, are hiring. I guess it's cheaper to have one person (driver leader) plan for 30 drivers then pay the rate to hire a half decent driver.

But unfortunately that's the way it is now days. and it doesn't show any signs of stopping. So if you don't like it. Don't work for a mega. And if you still don't like it. Get out of the industry because they're everywhere. What can you do?

 

Swift probably plans the fuel stops with fuel costs and taxes and other things in mind.
Yes. they are trying to save a dime.

That has never stopped me from not fueling where they tell me to.
And I have never heard a word about it.

If I don't want to fuel at a terminal I will get out of town and make a call for fuel at wherever I want. It has never been a problem.
Sometimes I get sent down the road a few miles, sometimes the new fuel stop is where I am at. No biggie either way.

I have a fuel stop on my current load, but I don't really need it so I'll probably skip it if I don't need to pee.

It really is not rocket science, unless one insists on a shower every single day.
And if that is the case, I would probably be losing too much time for fueling and showering every day to make it really worthwhile.
I don't need to shower every single day, because I am just sitting and driving for most of it.

 

I, on the other hand DO need a shower every day. I take the majority of my showers early in the morning. The ONLY reason I do not shower is if I'm forced to stop overnight a a rest area (rare) or have to spend the night at a customer (just as rare). If forced to skip my morning shower I almost always find time to take a shower before noon.