New Swift Driver Wanting To Switch

Well I haven't been home in what's going on my 8th week, haven't been able to grab my things...maybe that's adding to the frustration.

Ray, it DOES indeed get easier as you learn the job over the next year. When I first went solo, I'd be so exhausted at the end of every shift.. too tired to eat, too tired to shower.. I'd just go to bed, then wake up and take care of personal needs then do it again.

Your time management will get better too. One day you'll realize that it isn't nearly as tough anymore and you have more time on your breaks to take care of yourself. I used that 3 hour cushion on my HOS to "hide" my rookie inefficiency till I got better at managing everything .

Hang in there! You can do this.

Ray, it DOES indeed get easier as you learn the job over the next year. When I first went solo, I'd be so exhausted at the end of every shift.. too tired to eat, too tired to shower.. I'd just go to bed, then wake up and take care of personal needs then do it again.

Your time management will get better too. One day you'll realize that it isn't nearly as tough anymore and you have more time on your breaks to take care of yourself. I used that 3 hour cushion on my HOS to "hide" my rookie inefficiency till I got better at managing everything .

Hang in there! You can do this.

Yeah I'm experiencing this...working til the last minute almost, then having to use off duty driving to get to a rest stop after my delivery

My first dispatch I had to do two uturns...learning not to trust Qualcomm...was so embarrassed when it happened I almost cried

Glad it was a Sunday and not busy

Thought I'd have to call on road to pull me out of a gravel yard...thought thr skirt was gonna rip off when I was backing out to do an "three-point" uturn in an elevated gravel pit then thought I was screwed when the road was closed due to flooding in Illinois and I had to back up to do a uturn

I've read stories of how other's first day were so I don't feel as bad. Backing is somewhat getting easier but I had to have someone fix my back twice at a load drop off...a bit embarrassing, got chased out before I could send my empty call and it just had me so flustered

Almost gave up once because it took over 2 hours to get my weights legal. I'm glad a veteran driver stopped to help else I'd have been screwed

It will get better with experience. When you feel your getting flustered stop and just take a deep breath. If you try and just push through it you will get more flustered, then your judgement will get bad. These companies are used to late loads. It happens. Just keep your dispatcher informed and be safe.

My best advice to you has already been said. Air out your grievances with your DM. That is your link to getting your problems fixed. Getting mad and leaving isn't going to fix your problem.

As far as the late deliveries go, a simple QC freeform message, or a macro 22, should inform them that you will be late and it should prevent you from getting a service failure. Again, a talk with your DM may help the situation. Swift is not a bad company. They get bad press from other drivers, but since I've been here I've been extremely happy with them. I had one issue, but it was partially my fault.

Hang in there, it will get better.

Just keep your dispatcher informed and be safe.

This is the biggest thing you need to remember. Loads can be rescheduled, do not jeopardize safety to get a load there "on time", you just need to keep dispatcher informed. With the troubles you've had most of us have experienced similar. You haven't hit anything so you're doing great. It will just take time to get fully in the groove of things. When you start to get nervous is when most accidents happen. There will be times you're forced to block traffic to back in. If you hold traffic up and are struggling to get in don't be embarrassed, just keep focus on the task at hand. It would be more embarrassing hitting something than causing traffic to wait 5 minutes or however long it takes. You're doing great Ray, hang in there and please don't be afraid to ask us for advice. We've all been there before and know what it's like.

When you get schedules like that all you have to do is send a macro 22 with your eta. For reason you would put "insufficient transit time". They know you aren't going to make that on time.

Don't worry about the blitz. Do your inspections and get anything repaired that needs it. As long as you are doing your inspections you should be fine.

Also request some home time and go get your gear.

Good luck

Sorry for the late response, the company gave me very tight deadlines for my first 2 loads and I was late both times., couldn't help not being late. They gave me an 8 hours window to drive 583 miles...the first load I was late because the tractor I was given was leaning one way, and the frame was twisted. Been sitting at least a third of the time at the moment...

Maybe it is like you've said, I'm still adjusting. They put me in a 2016 Freightliner and my anxiety is skyrocketing because of the safety blitz.

My recruiter gave me wrong information so I was kinda roped into the dedicated account my mentor was on which is Otr one way and dedicated the other way. I really do want to stick it out at least 6 months...please tell me it gets better lol

Ray, You've got this. Just take a deep breath. Thanks for clarifying the situation. You have gotten some good advice here. Let me add this. It will save your ass with Swift.

They gave me an 8 hours window to drive 583 miles...the first

When you get a pre plan like the one above, go to Macro 9. That is your "Accept next load" macro. There are 3 choices. Yes, No, and.........here is the IMPORTANT one........COUNTER. That load was impossible to deliver on time. This is where the Counter feature comes into play. Select "C" (Counter), and scroll down and enter the time that you CAN pick up and deliver the load. Never use the no option. That can be held against you for refusing a load. Hang in there.

So you had to have someone actually back up the truck for you twice at 2 stops? Just asking....

The second question is how do you get your weights legal? Is there something that needs adjusted?

Thank you so much everyone for the support!! I feel myself a bit calmer and more collected with each dispatch, even though I'm just about to wrap up my third!!

When I got stuck, I did try to force through a resolution at first, but stopping for a few moments and figuring out a resolution was what saved my butt!! I told my DM I was going to be late but didn't send the macro. Even though I tell him, I should still send the macro right? Learning still!!

Today, I found out the hard way that my fuel sensor is bad on the 2016 Freightliner I drive while going southbound on Wyoming 267? Right in the middle of construction lol...showed I had over a quarter tank of fuel and the truck died...construction vehicle had to push me up and off the road lol

I ordered a Ran McNally but sent it to the house. I hear using Google Maps to see where ur going for delivering or loading helps which I'll have to do tomorrow. Has anyone used Sygic truck gps before? Was just curious if you had any feedback on the app.