The start of my first year with Swift.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Sheriff1/6, Jan 1, 2013.

  1. UncleMeano

    UncleMeano Bobtail Member

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    Jan 29, 2013
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    What are the consequences for doing that?
     
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  3. Mrh2008

    Mrh2008 Road Train Member

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    Nothing. We are urged to accept only the loads that we can safely and legally deliver on time.
     
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  4. DocWatson

    DocWatson Road Train Member

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    Hi Sheriff

    Was going to send you another PM but your inbox is full. It won't let me. I'll let you know about that situation.
     
  5. Sheriff1/6

    Sheriff1/6 Medium Load Member

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    So I went out to the truck to respond to the offered preplan that I talked about in the above post. When started up the Qualcomm I only had one msg on it and it had nothing to do with a preplan. I waited several minutes as I know it sometimes takes a bit to catch up. Since I hadn't been in the truck I figured they had taken the offer away and perhaps it wouldn't show up then. A few hours later I went back out to start getting ready for my PTA tomorrow morning. I had a msg they taken the offer away. It's not big deal since I didn't want the load in the first place. I just found it strange it didn't load on the qualcomm when I first checked. Oh well, now I don't have to worry about it.
     
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  6. Sheriff1/6

    Sheriff1/6 Medium Load Member

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    Oct 16, 2012
    Boise, ID
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    Last night, right after I went to bed, my cell went off and I was sent a preplan. The strange thing is the load doesn't pick up until tomorrow and doesn't deliver until Monday. The trip is only 250 miles. It looks like I'll have some down time. So here is my question, do I get layover pay since my PTA was set for this morning at 0600 and my load doesn't pick up until Sunday at 0900? I doubt it, but since my check for this week will most likely only be for the 250 miles I'm looking for anything I can get.

    I've heard of of starving artists, but never starving truck drivers. I see a book deal in this concept.
     
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  7. Mrh2008

    Mrh2008 Road Train Member

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    May 25, 2012
    Mesa, AZ
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    You are supposed to get $50 for every 24 hours you are available without a load. It is not automatic like detention is, you have to ask for it.
     
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  8. Sheriff1/6

    Sheriff1/6 Medium Load Member

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    Boise, ID
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    Does this kick in if they have given me a load, but the pick up was set for over 24 hours after my PTA? The two other times where I did qualify for layover pay I didn't get paid for it. The first time my DM put me in for it, but I haven't been paid yet. The next time it happened I had set my PTA for 1000 hours, after 24 hours I asked my DM for layover pay and he said my PTA was set for 0500. He researched it and didn't know who had changed it from 1000, he also changed it back. He never put me in for it. It seems it's hard to actually get paid for it.
     
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  9. Mrh2008

    Mrh2008 Road Train Member

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    May 25, 2012
    Mesa, AZ
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    I would assume that you'd qualify for layover because you are available but do not have a load to move at the moment but im not sure. I have never asked for layover and have never waited over 24 hours for a load, this is just what I hear talking with other SWIFTIES.

    Also, keep in mind that SWIFT is not a forced dispatch company, I keep seeing that you are getting bad loads. Don't be afraid to say no. I guarantee that the load you accepted was not the only one available in your area. I was in Los Angeles a couple days ago and was offered a 350 mile load with almost 30 hours before delivery, I responded via mac9 and declined the load... Reason "too much time on load". They removed the preplan from me and sent another about 30 min later, 2700 miles to WV with about 8 extra hours on it. I jumped all over that one! If the load isn't good for you, don't take it, you're out here to work, not babysit freight or an empty trailer at a truckstop with no compensation for 3 days of your time!

    SWIFT wants to see 80% acceptance of loads, I've declined probably 20 or so loads over the last year and I am still well above 80%
     
  10. Roby

    Roby Bobtail Member

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    Dec 26, 2010
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    To be qualified for layover it has to be 24hrs after ur PTA and if you're in another city, not while you're at home unfortunately
     
  11. Mrh2008

    Mrh2008 Road Train Member

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    Mesa, AZ
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    Just got my last preplan of the pay period, 286 miles. Brings this's weeks total to 3,222 miles on 3 loads. Just over $1k gross for the week.

    Hang in there Sheriff, it'll get better after you prove yourself to the suites!
     
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