Thinking of starting my trucking career at Swift (Richmond, VA)

I'd say that is your first mistake. Every trucking company you deal with is going to be "in it for the money" and nothing else. You should adopt the same mindset.

Even if you are a company driver, your CDL is a business--treat it that way. Every decision you make should be guided by one principle: Does (insert issue) make you money or not? Then proceed accordingly. Otherwise, you are going to be chewed up and spit out broke by whatever company you work for.

This industry is about cash. Nothing more--nothing less.

 

If you are not in it for the money then by definition you are not interested in becoming a Professional. This is a profession and we are paid for being professionals. It is not just a job. You are going to be in charge of a vehicle that has a minimum of $1,000,000 insurance. You should be paid for that.

Walmart paid Tracy Morgan somewhere close to $75,000,000. A driver who did not get enough sleep caused that.

We welcome you to driving but this is not an adventure. This is a serious job for PROFESSIONAL people.

 

Not reading all of that.

After extensive research ya still have your heart set on Swift, may God be with you...

 

You are allowed up to 15% out of route miles, so you are able to make small detours for Walmart or a good place to take a 10, or find a place to wait for your next load offer after making a delivery (if you don't already have a load "stacked" on you).

Initially if you want to make major route changes, get approval from your driver manager. An example is last year when I-80 closed west of Laramie due to a late winter storm and multi truck accident. I had a load picking up in Denver, headed to Reno. I advised my driver manager I was heading west on I-70 then work my way up to I-80 at Salt Lake City.

Maximize miles by running hard and taking a 34 when you can. However, many days may only use 5 to 9 hours, so practically speaking you can run for weeks without needing a 34. If you have miles to run and hours to use today, then run them. If you can untether yourself from having to stay at truck stops for your 10 you can extend your miles. Shower or shop on your 30 minute break. If you get a load offer with too little time, call your driver manager and ask what the "windows" are for pickup and delivery. The times on load offers are generated by a computer program and don't reflect reality. If you get a load with a live unload on the delivery with an appointment, call the customer and ask if you can deliver early. Often they will work you in the schedule or WANT the shipment early. Try to take a 10 at a customer if possible. That way you can wake up and start your 14 hour clock as they are unloading you, instead of starting your clock an hour away at a truck stop. You are selling your 70. Make it count.

 

Regarding the weight issue, it's a craps shoot. If you get a lenient doctor he should pass you. Likewise, you can get one of those that will direct you to a sleep study.

 

Fair Enough. My school was around 70 miles away, but they were nice enough to take what gas would have cost me out of tuition. Maybe try to bargain with them, or just truly understand what you're singing up for with Swift...

They're the final boss when it comes to bad companies.

 

Quantity =\= quality, my friend.

For example, Walmart is the biggest retailer in the US, but has one of the worst reputations when it comes to customer service/shopping experience. Think of Walmart as Swift when it comes to driving jobs.