Taking home time

To the OP...

I usually put in for the date I want to get home time, or 1-2 days earlier.
Swift has been pretty good over the years with getting me there within 1 or 2 days of the date I request. Sometimes I have to turn down a few loads with 'home time request' as the reason, but it usually works out.

I have never had to request an emergency home time. But from what I understand they will try to get you there ASAP.

How long you can take before turning in your truck depends on many things.
Your company policy, or that of the terminal you are based out of to name two.
There is at least one terminal in Swift that won't allow more than 2 days before you have to clean out the truck.
I won't mention the name, but a flaming bird comes to mind.
And any flagship should at least adhere to the promises they make without penalizing the driver, in my opinion.

It seems easier in my case because I never take a home time near my home terminal.
My terminal is Otay Mesa, CA. But my home times are split between CO and MN.

I have taken more than 3 days a few times and it has never been a problem. But I don't do it very often.
A few times, like 3, in 5 years.
Plus, I have a cool DM that will work with me.

If I had a truck I really, really didn't like however - that might prompt a week long home time just to get rid of it.

 

I do try to make my time count.
But every home time means at least one very low pay check.

They are split between where I live, with my sister, and where my girls live.
Every other month or so I get to sleep in my own bed and cook in a real kitchen, and every other month I get to see my kids - and hopefully show them a good time with some fun stuff.

In between those times I am a happy camper in my truck, doing what I like - driving, being alone, watching a few shows...

I am by nature a hermit, I think. For the most part.
I am very happy with this life.

 

That one really struck home. I'd forgotten what a sacrifice solo OTR was.

7 out/1 off, accumulated, 3 week minimum. How a young man with a wife and kids . .

And they wonder why folks aren't running toward the industry for a career choice.

 

Good point.
But with Swift it is 6 out for 1 home, with a 12 day minimum between.

Still, since we are paid by the mile it is a sacrifice to pay when we are home.
Just getting there and out can be difficult because of how the freight might be running.
If the husband is the only one working there may not be enough to pay for the rent or food if he is home too often.

A young man with a wife and kids should NEVER do this.
Why do you think I didn't do it until I was 55? It's because I had a bit of common sense!
Losing even a couple years in those early family years can destroy everything.
The kids won't really know you, you won't see any of the important moments, the wife may find comfort elsewhere...

 

Another extremely important point to ponder is this:
Even at 55 and having kids that are fully grown, OTR would not be suitable if you have aging parents, aging parent-in-laws, or aging aunts or uncles to care for.
Many people in their 40's, 50's, and 60's are currently in this situation.

God bless every American and their families! God bless the U.S.A.!