Is 2-3 days off for every 3-4 weeks out the standard for OTR Megas?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by biddlydiddly, Sep 21, 2021.

  1. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    My first DM at Swift told me her view on the matter.
    If you work any part of a day, it is not a day off.
    So if I get home on Monday after delivering a load I will take Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday off, and then return Friday morning.

    I have held to that schedule ever since.
    I normally go back on duty at 1000 on my day back.

    And it is 1 day per week out, but I've heard some terminals don't like to give you that many days off if you have been out for 4-6 weeks and want 4-6 days off.
    Some will make you turn in your truck if you want more than 2 or 3 days, even though it was earned. Then you have to wait for an available truck when you come back.
    I have never had that problem.
     
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  3. asphaltreptile311

    asphaltreptile311 Road Train Member

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    Bingo iv had to explain to a dispatcher in one of my first gigs that if I work that day it doesn't count as a day off. How about you come in Saturday morning stay till noon and we will say you got Sunday and Saturday off? Also I won't be leaving my house at 3 am the day I head out
     
  4. asphaltreptile311

    asphaltreptile311 Road Train Member

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    You'll get some good produce experience with them if you decide to branch out as a owner op with a reefer.
     
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  5. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I agree with the early PTA when I come back.
    Too much to do in the morning getting all my stuff back in the truck, not to mention I don't want to wake up that early on my last morning home.

    I'm usually out 4-5 weeks and take 3 days off, so they can allow me to come back later in the morning.
    Well, that's how I see it.
    As I said, it hasn't been a problem for me doing things that way. I have had some awesome DM's.
     
  6. Mototom

    Mototom Road Train Member

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    Drive around your home city and look for local companies. Call em and talk to them.
    I'm home two days or more every week.
    If I work part of the day it doesn't count as a day off, unless I'm trying to stay busy.

    Things take some adjusting when you're new to a company in my case it only got smoother.
    Communication is key.

    The small (but decent) companies are worth trying out.
    But don't be afraid to reach out to the ones chinatown listed, he knows his stuff I've hollered at him more then my fair share and he's always been 100
     
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  7. unloader

    unloader Road Train Member

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    At one time, this was very unpopular opinion on here. Idk if it still is but here it goes.

    IF you don't want to sleep in a truck every night, find a job where there is no bed in the back.

    A lot of guys will say, "I took a local gig and only got 9 hours at home!"

    Well my reply to them (as it has always been) is that you picked the wrong local to work for.

    Eight year into my driving career. I have spent 8 months of those eight years OTR.

    This career is what you make of it. If you are hungry, the option is there to be home every night with weekends off.

    If you aren't? Enjoy your time on the road.

    unloader
     
  8. Redtwin

    Redtwin Road Train Member

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    Hasn't been my experience. Day you get home doesn't count as one of your days off as technically you were still working that day.

    Where I work now, my day off starts on the day I scheduled it. Quite a few times I have actually gotten home 2 or 3 days before scheduled due to how the load home worked out. Never heard a word about coming back out early when that happens.
     
  9. Redtwin

    Redtwin Road Train Member

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    I'm satisfied with what I make for the amount of work I actually have to do. Not saying I would refuse a raise, but I have no complaints about my pay.
     
  10. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

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    I dont know about all of that. I've made 73k so far this year and I've slept in my own bed every night

    I mean 2 or 3 weeks gone. I guess one has to forget about kids or a sex life with the wife
     
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2021
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  11. Frank Speak

    Frank Speak Road Train Member

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    I feel compelled to give it to you straight so here is a piece of info I feel you should consider. If you don’t stay out for 8-12 weeks, the OTR drivers will mean mouth you behind your back. They’ll say they won’t, but they will.

    Now me (I’m local), I don’t roll that way. I’m inclusive, inviting and always want to listen to your side of things. So, just know I’m always here for you and you’re welcome to come visit anytime. And, bless you for being a Kentuckian!
     
    Speed_Drums Thanks this.
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