I feel like I’m being jerked with getting layover…

After this and the turnpike parking incident, I would do my best to avoid needing anything from weekend dispatch.

 

It has been my general observation that...especially as a beginning (first-year) driver -- you will very likely get "jerked around" numerous times.

It's just part of the game.

-- L

 

This, is spot on. It happened to me. Well into my second year. I always tell new drivers, yes, you gotta be a little bit Humble because you’re new. But eventually you’re not new anymore. And part of truck driving is learning to stand up for yourself when you need to. Dispatchers and the like will absolutely take advantage of you if you don’t. They will continue to do it until you stick up for yourself. It’s just part of the business. You need to be ethical and civil about how you handle it, but you do not want to be known as the push over because they will burn you up and burn you out and pay you less if you let them.

Each time, there’s an issue like this with pay or you’re not getting your fair shake, just let them know that you know. That’s generally all it takes.

 

Ands let's not forget - a lot of the times new drivers get "jerked around" they generally contributed to the situation, if not caused it outright.

 

I did my first year at Swift, and the best advice I give anyone there is that you’re just a number if you never speak up. Sounds like you got that handled.
I know there’s some people saying you might be part of the issue, but having ran OTR there myself, your issues sound about right. Weekend ECT is aloof 90% of the time.

Anyway, once you hit your year, bail outta there! It’s the best thing you can do for yourself. There’s SO much more money and better scheduled and treatment out there.

 

My experience is they just have to put a time down. 11:59PM sounds like "whenever" to me. I'd go fins the trailer, then plan when I want to leave. If I'm close to a layover, I'd wait the 24 hrs, then hook up and go. If it's too far off, I'd hook up immediately and go... get there sooner, and maybe I can get something else sooner.