Husband almost done with Mentor, question about more experience....

The point is, by saving that 3 hours it may mean an extra few hundred dollars on his next paycheck. By using the 3 hours as "on duty, not driving" he may miss a good long run because he doesn't have the hours available.

 

Hi beachin,as a trk driver myself I have sat in traffic many times due to an accident.When I see folks getting out talking to one another is when I have taken tiny out.So I would take her for a little walk and talk to the other motorist.Your husband is still in training so by all means do what his trainer says but once he gets his own trk he'll learn little tricks to work to his advantage.

 

I think that what you're saying is that, as a trainee, your husband gets paid by the hour? Is that correct? I think I've read that Swift trainees get paid for all the hours that they log as on-duty or as driving. If that is the case, then yes, your husband did the smart thing to stay on-duty while sitting in traffic.

When he gets out there on his own, and starts getting mileage pay, then the smart and correct thing to do would be to go off-duty while sitting in traffic. He would then be conserving the hours on his 11 hr clock and on his 70 hour clock to be used for driving time, which is money making time. As a solo driver, he will not be getting paid anything while sitting in traffic. I can guarantee you that every single driver that gets mileage pay ALWAYS logs off-duty while sitting in traffic. It is a gray area, as far as DOT is concerned, and the smart driver learns to maximize his available driving time which in turn maximizes his pay check.

 

Just because this is the "Swift" forum page doesn't mean that only Swift drivers see your post and only Swift drivers can respond. If you want solid advice from experienced drivers, which is exactly what you've been getting here, I suggest you lose the hostile attitude.

 

When training, unless it is something dangerous or blatantly illegal, it is better to go along and get along. Lose the battle, but when the war.

 

His trainer should be explaining to him why go off duty when sitting in traffic for hrs so he can better understand it.Right now it really doesn't matter as a trainee he's not making much but once he starts getting paid by the mile believe me you'll wanna save as many hrs as possible if you're not using them.I won't go into detail because other members are doing that.But I know that has nothing to do with your previous question.But like I said tell him to start making plans about teaming.Far as only for a month or two that may not be possible.Swift may have a billboard in their drivers lounge with ads from drivers looking for a co driver but they may want one longer then a couple months.If he feels uncomfortable going solo he can ask for extended training.

 

Patty and China... always so helpful