getting local gig

Adam, it might be awhile and it might be as soon as you ask; it depends on what is available. As soon as you upgrade to solo tell your new DM you want to go local dedicated and as soon as they stop rolling on the floor laughing... Seriously, there is one who posts here who shouldn't be driving who got a plum dedicated immediately, quit and is getting hired back and others who have been trying too long to get local. Be prepared for the greatest adventure, OTR, and be patient and politely persistant.

If you want to move to Florida or, I believe, Arkansas (Alabama?) Swift is actively recruiting drivers for dedicated work but you must live close by or be willing to relocate. Good luck.
Frank

 

Ask now, I know new drivers who never hit the big road and are doing local gigs for werner, dump truck, etc. Ever heard right place right time?

 

Very true! One of the guys I went to school with decided OTR was not his gig after a few weeks with the mentor and got a local job driving a day cab delivering to c-stores. He loves it, makes good money, lots of exercise and is home every day. He walked in as his predecessor was screaming something that translated politely to, "Take this job and shove it!", and walked out an hour later hired.
Frank

 

I went to a dedicated run that had me home most nights after about 6 months. 3 months later I was offered a local job at $15/hr nights. It really depends on what the company needs at what time, and how good a relationship you have with your DM. Having a good reputation (on time, don't turn down loads, etc) helps a lot. Let your DM know what your goals are and that you are willing to work toward them. The open communication helps a lot.

The good thing about the mega companys is the have a wide variety of jobs, IE: intermodal, heavy haul, flat bed, doubles fleets, dedicated store fleets, etc.

Good luck!

 

Right time and right place.

 

That's all it comes down to. In all reality as far as PHX is concerned when they go home @ 5 they could give a (my favorite four letter word). If your willing to run and you get setup in the right place at the right time with the right people you can have and awesome career at swift. Other wise your an OTR stuck 3 days in bakersfield of a cotton load outa Coolidge AZ argueing with your Dm/Payroll/Dm/Payroll/DM that is useless/Explaining to payroll about your 3 day weekend and how you are due whats owed to you by swifts own policy.