Hello all. I have returned from the depths of exhaustion! Since my last post i have not run under 3000 miles a week. I actually hit 4100 and am on track to do the same this week. i feel like :moose: With all that said i am so happy that things are going well for me in this time of uncertainty, but i am also concerned for my fellow drivers out there barely making it.
I have a couple freinds, who also work for swift, out here and they are having a touh time with freight. like around 2000 miles a week and thats it.
I wanted to give everyone a recap or and final overall view of my first 6 months after school. (can you believe it's been that long already?)
I heard all the advice before i started, and tried to listen to as much as i could, but only now do i realize how valuable it all was. So my first big pointer to anyone looking to get into this industry, listen to the vets when they give you advise. Here's my advise, from a rookie standpoint:
1. Choose carefully, look at all of your options, TALK to people (with opposing views) on good/bad points of schools and companies.
--I am happy here, but i can see why some people wouldnt be. I'n my cae i think i did the right thing for me, may be different for you---
2. School is to get you ready for a test, Mentorship/Training on the road is where you need to make sure you have someone who knows what the hell they are doing, or YOU will pay the price.
3. BE WILLING TO WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, HURRY UP, and then..... WAIT
---Patience is a big issue for me, still learning it. but doing better than i was.
4. When you get on your own, dont get cocky, i think i could get drivers who've been driving for 30 years to agree, you learn something new everyday, and the more attention you pay to things around you, they faster you'll learn.
5. Courtesy, in my experience, is not only appreciated, but respected.
6. dispatcher/ driver manager - Find your ideal fit. everyone is different. I was ready to call it quits :roll: untill i changed driver managers, i am happy now. i get what i need to keep me moving and the support i need when there are issues. it makes a huge difference when you're in a situation and it takes someone 5 minutes to correct a mistake rather than 3 hours.
7. Learn how to manage your time, and keep that left door shut. You're doing this to make money right? sitting in a truck stop while you have hours to run wont make you any money. (unless its one of those casino stops.... lol.)
8. Dont be afraid :nervous: to ask questions, most times you'll get a stupid rookie response or 2 (hundred) but 99% of the time someone will realise that at least you asked instead of just screwed up by guessing.
OH and for a final point in this message (there could be 1009 good ones)
9. Protect your CDL, its a lot easier to get one than to protect one. Anyone can get one and be out here running for a while, But can you drive smart enough to keep out of trouble, and keep you CDL/JOB. 4 people i graduated with have been fired for accidents, or excessive violations. in 6 months. i know this for a fact!
Anyway. thanks to all for reading this post, i know it's a long read if your just starting to read it now. But i really i hope it helps people thinking about going to swift.
As far as what i'm doing..... i'm thinking about the lease program, but if i do it wont be till january. The other thing i'm thinking of is the mentor program... it hard to convince myself though that i have enough experience to teach someone else.
Hope everyone out there is doing well, i am about to enjoy an ENTIRE DAY of racing tomorrow. Monaco, Indy 500, Coke 600.... what an AWESOME day! laterz
~Leadfoot~
