how many of driver are payed for deadhead miles?

You make many good points.

I would like to point out that the loaded miles have been getting much closer to the actual miles for several months.
When I first started it wasn't too unusual to be shorted 200 miles on a 1,000 mile run (1,200 actual).
If I complained about it I might get back half of that.
But more and more the difference now is less than 5%. And I can live with that.

As Lepton mentioned the fuel route isn't written in stone. I bypass fuel stops when I don't need (or want) to fuel there, or if I have to go out of my way to do so. I'll just get to where I want to fuel and call a DM to get opened up.
And if I don't like the route I'll call my DM and tell him which route I prefer. He normally authorizes it without question. If it is ECT on a weekend I'll just go the way I want without calling, because they never OK a change.
Then I call when I need fuel to get a new fuel route, and I am no longer out of route.

We do have options in much of what we do, from the loads we accept to the route we take.

 

^^^ True.

The problem is lots of rookies don't realize the freedoms. Fuel routes aren't created by some sadistic DM or planner, they are generated by a computer program. When you ask to "reoptimize" your fuel route the DM simply clicks on the program and whatever comes out is the route.

Likewise regarding the overall turn by turn directions. I use a Rand McNally 720 now, and override its route selection many times a day.

Don't be controlled by an algorithm. Start making smart route choices. Your DM will thank you.

 

That seems to be the fault of stupid or lazy mentors, much like poor trip planning skills and the proper use of Mac 9.

I had a couple small issues with my mentor back in the day, but he was smart and attentive. He actually taught me how to plan for my trips and needs, and how the Swift system works.
That doesn't seem to be the case in general however.

I got lucky.
But it should not be a random case of getting lucky.

Swift really needs to train the trainers much better in the areas that really matter.

 

I agree. Mentor orientation doesn't cover quite a few things I thought would be essential to helping new drivers succeed. Fortunately the Swift subforum does a good job of helping with issues like strategy for trip planning.

 

Only for those that are here.