How is the freight?

Discussion in 'Swift' started by blazblu82, Aug 14, 2013.

  1. blazblu82

    blazblu82 Light Load Member

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    Jun 4, 2013
    Wichita, KS
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    I may find myself coming back to Swift in a couple months and wondering how the freight is. I've read a couple posts indicating some drivers are getting shafted on miles. Some saying they are getting about $400 a week. Surely, freight has to be better than that. I know it depends where the driver is, but I was doing better than that back in 2009 during the worst part of our recession and I was running the Western part of the states for a good portion of that year. If freight really is that bad, I may reconsider driving a truck again.
     
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  3. Wolfyinc

    Wolfyinc Road Train Member

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    Apr 21, 2013
    Salem, or
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    right now freight is bad in some areas they keep telling me, also a huge shortage of MT's lately which the 2 doesnt add up, spent over 4 hours one night searching several areas for a MT for my load the next morning. I know location makes the biggest difference, CA seems to be a little slow, WA and OR is slow at times, east coast is good if you want to hang out over there. Some weeks I make $500 gross and some $700. I learnt to ALWAYS try to get an MT after making a drop lately since its so hard to find one, before depending on how late in the night I would just bobtail out for easier parking.
     
  4. blazblu82

    blazblu82 Light Load Member

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    Jun 4, 2013
    Wichita, KS
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    That's not what I wanted to hear. Some weeks, you are barely seeing 1600 miles and other weeks barely 2200 if running @ 0.32 per mile. Wow! When I left the company, I was running a shuttle service from Kingman, KS to Dalhart, TX and back. Averaged 2500 to 2700 miles per week. Would still be doing it if I had been able to pass the physical. Stupid clinic Swift sent me to relied solely on pee tests and wouldn't look at my blood sugars showing I was within the allowed range. I wasn't allowed to go to another Dr. either. Now, I'm waiting for my exemption. All this time and money spent to get it and it may be for nothing. I certainly love the career, but really don't like what it has become.

    Thanks for the input.
     
  5. Wolfyinc

    Wolfyinc Road Train Member

    2,888
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    Apr 21, 2013
    Salem, or
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    you could always try another company, I have talked with some Knight drivers who said they are getting great miles

    it seems we are losing customers, walmart I think was the biggest loss, everytime I go to a DC its CRE trucks everywhere and im usually the only Swift
    My DL even made sure I could get my last loads delivered on time since he said they are worried and it was a "hot load" he called it so im assuming there are some angry customers right now, I think the largest issue are the dumb planners that are screwing up a LOT lately, giving loads with no time, giving loads that were supposed to be delivered the day before etc....They need to get organized and fix their crap.
     
  6. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

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    Feb 16, 2007
    Stonewall, LA.
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    East coast is cool for a company driver because you get paid by the mile regardless of what the load pays. Other trucks will make up that company loss. Sucks for an O/O because alot of east coast loads don't pay for #### and its hell getting back out of the new england area.
     
  7. blazblu82

    blazblu82 Light Load Member

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    Jun 4, 2013
    Wichita, KS
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    I've ridden that trap before. My home terminal would be Edwardsville, KS. They shoot me to PA then loop down south then back up to PA for a couple before finally sending me to TX then back up to Wichita for home time. I really enjoy the Central and Western regions more than the Eastern. Uncertain why freight is so sparse the further West we go.
     
  8. MysticHZ

    MysticHZ Road Train Member

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    Freight is steady ... If you know what you're doing, how to manage your hours and work the process - 2500 miles week is cake and you should be able to get close 3000 a week regularly.
     
  9. blazblu82

    blazblu82 Light Load Member

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    Jun 4, 2013
    Wichita, KS
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    That sounds more reasonable. However, I love driving the Western region. I'll prolly come back to Swift to get my confidence back and re-learn to drive then move on to a company better situated for the Western region of the states.
     
  10. whitey

    whitey Bobtail Member

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    Aug 19, 2008
    blue ball pa
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    I hear ya!!!!!
     
  11. MysticHZ

    MysticHZ Road Train Member

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    May 28, 2010
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    So, have you been to any Walmart DCs other than Cheyenne and Fallon ... Which are 2 of the only 4 DCs - the other 2 being Casa Grande and Sterling - that CRE has the delivery contract ... As opposed to at least 12 DCs, that I know of, that Swift has the delivery contract.
     
    inkeper Thanks this.
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