Question about family matter

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by captjimmy, Jan 20, 2018.

  1. brsims

    brsims Road Train Member

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    Company policy and your dispatcher are two different animals.

    This industry abounds with dispatchers who don't give a red rat's behind about you or your family. All they want is that truck moving.

    Be prepared for an uphill battle against your dispatcher if you get a bad one. In my career, I've seen drivers miss births, anniversaries, funerals, and custody hearing dates all due to their dispatchers not caring a fig about the driver. Even if it meant the dispatcher violated company policy. I have NEVER seen a dispatcher punished for such actions. I HAVE seen drivers punished for pushing back against the dispatcher, though.
     
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  3. captjimmy

    captjimmy Light Load Member

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    Thanks man
     
  4. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    OTR trucking does not blend well with new fathers. You might as well understand now you are going to miss things as the years go by. I think Prime will work with you on this. However at this point if you walk away for more then a few days Prime might make life a bit difficult for you. Im with you, but I suggest you broach this subject carefully.
     
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  5. captjimmy

    captjimmy Light Load Member

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    I’ve been an offshore fisherman for the last 7 years. I’ve missed a lot of birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. I totally understand that the birth of my child isn’t comparable to the previously stated events. I will just have to talk with Prime and see what we can arrange.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2018
  6. tnpete

    tnpete Medium Load Member

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    Sounds to me, you may have to work a 6 weeks or so. Then plan on being home close to the birth. They can't keep you from taking time off. So put in the extra time on the road. Then take your days off. If they don't like that.
    Johnny Paycheck I think it is comes to mind.
     
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  7. captjimmy

    captjimmy Light Load Member

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    @tnpete I totally agree with you on that. I’ll work hard for those 6 weeks then hopefully they can work with me.
     
  8. John-Casen

    John-Casen Bobtail Member

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    Ever thank he's doing it to Better the life his wife and child can have..... DOUCH!!!!
     
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  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    The problem is that the company does not feel the same way.

    the Freight needs to be moved, their customers come first and for some reason many potential and new drivers act like this is a driver's market where they can call the shots and make demands.

    While it is great that they may work with him and he may get his 6 weeks in, there is no guarantee that he will have a job or get one later on if he quits. Sometimes companies are the problem, sometimes it is the drivers.

    Either way, I question the motives and the idea that this always leads to a better life for a family.
     
  10. captjimmy

    captjimmy Light Load Member

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    I agree. I’m not trying to call shots or demand anything. I also don’t know if this is a good choice for me or my family. I don’t think anyone does initially and I would say it also depends on the person/people’s attitudes, goals, desires and relationship.
     
  11. RedRover

    RedRover Road Train Member

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    Most local companies require experience. The ones that don’t will pay less than even a Prime or Swift. Probably be better doing a few months and finding a dedicated account for one of them that gets you home more and gets you the experience. Then after 6-12 you can move to a good paying local job if you want. Swift and Prime have home daily/home weekly accounts you can be on.
     
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