Weekend / Time at home too Short

[T * Storm]

Well, I'll be leaving for week 2 in the next few hours. Today is Monday and I have class starting at 2:30 pm at the driving range. One thing I didn't expect is the stress that happens just before I leave. I get a little cranky to cover up the fact that I'll miss my family, but now that I recognize that, I can do something about it. I know I'm new and it will probably increase a little bit once I get out on the road. So tell me, am I the only one that got a little blind sided about the stress that hits just before you get out on the road away from loved ones?

If anyone else goes through the same thing, please give me some (intelligent) suggestions on how I can better handle this. Thanks. 8)

[shyykatt]

Thats totally normal; it will take you some time to adjust, but you eventually will. I myself do not drive truck, but I know how my husband 'gets' the day before he leaves. He's out for 4 to 5 weeks at a time, and only home for 4 days; the first day or two is always fun, but THEN, since we both know 'whats to come', we (yes, me too- and I try not to so I don't stress him out!)get quite edgey. Its been just a year for us now, and we are finally begining to get used to this whole lifestyle change- and you will too. Just remember to 'breathe' (that may sound a bit silly, but its true!)

[nrvsreck]

Has he ever considered flatbed? It's a little bit more work than opening and closing a set of doors, but hometime tends to be far better, since most customers are closed weekends so it doesn't make much sense to stay out unless he wants to run hard over the weekend for a Monday delivery.

[shyykatt]

Guess I've never really asked him about that. I think he is still 'paying back tuition' to Swift right now (one year left), and then I have no idea what hes gonna' do- but he definatly would like to be home a LITTLE more often! There's a million-n'-one trucking companies out there, so skys' the limit I guess. :wink:

[fireman932003]

I take it from your last post he drives for swift?? If so other then the home time how does he like them?? They called me and offered me a Great Lakes Regional run that is supposed to get me home weekly and is 100% drop and hook so they say.

[rebajosh]

I take it from your last post he drives for swift?? If so other then the home time how does he like them?? They called me and offered me a Great Lakes Regional run that is supposed to get me home weekly and is 100% drop and hook so they say.

Never believe a recruiter................from ANY company. Get that in writing.

[shyykatt]

He does like them- but of course there are those 'bad days' (mostly w/the planners); and they seem to have a tendency to give him shorter runs w/hurts us financially, but its my understanding that you have to 'put your time in' to get the really good loads-( hes only been driving for one year.)He simply loves to drive those big trucks; and he did get lucky b/c they gave him a fairly decent freightliner right away (instead of the new volvos they've been givin' out-), so hes happy w/the truck he has too.

[nrvsreck]

Seriously, if he doesn't mind getting a bit dirty at times, he and you might alot happier with TMC or something similar. Not sure exactly what the hometime policy is for central MN, but it'd probably be each weekend for the most part, barring breakdowns. And with easy running, $45,000 gross per year is what he could expect. With hard running, $50,000 is attainable during his first year, especially since he already has a year of OTR experience. If you want him home more often and more money, you might give them a call.



Holy Moses, I'm starting to sound like Fred! :shock:

[shyykatt]

I'll keep that in mind/mention it to him; he usually has me search info on other companies for him 'just in case'- like Magnum and Transport America; a few others (which I cannot recall at the moment!). He is definatly not worried about working hard, etc.

[LOAD IT]

Well, I'll be leaving for week 2 in the next few hours. Today is Monday and I have class starting at 2:30 pm at the driving range. One thing I didn't expect is the stress that happens just before I leave. I get a little cranky to cover up the fact that I'll miss my family, but now that I recognize that, I can do something about it. I know I'm new and it will probably increase a little bit once I get out on the road. So tell me, am I the only one that got a little blind sided about the stress that hits just before you get out on the road away from loved ones?

If anyone else goes through the same thing, please give me some (intelligent) suggestions on how I can better handle this. Thanks. 8)

Take some pictures with you and tape them to your dash, over your bunk, on your note book etc etc, when you see these pictures of family, pets, girlfriend, your car or whatever you are working for, it should inspire you to work hard, be safe and get home in 1 piece. Hang in there.

[USXRecruiter4080]

Its normal. Its a HUGE change being away from those you love when you're so used to being around them, but at the same time it's part of the job. Best thing you can TRY and do is endure the time, and when you get some OTR under your belt go local. It will pay itself off.

Keep your chin up.