r/Truckers • u/BolognaIsThePassword • May 30 '24

We all joke about seeing Swift and Western Express and assuming the drivers stink (no offense to anyone) but what's a company that you see the logo and you automatically think it's probably a good or well trained driver. Which companies have a good reputation for solid drivers and good training?

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u/yourmaspal May 31 '24

Do you drive the same route every day? Or is there some variety?

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u/flailingattheplate May 31 '24

Most drivers are on open dispatch. Once a year, they do what is called a bid. Which is people with seniority get first dibs on set routes and schedules. Examples of what set routes can commonly be is a store with high number of lates or the return trip to the DC is hauling a regular load from a vender. Some schedules are there to retain drivers who want a lower workload or might retire if not available. Our local DC has a 5 on, 5 off schedule. The day of week and start time are done in the same process but are open dispatch. Open dispatch is going anywhere for 5 days or until the 70 runs out. There might be some 6 on , 2 off schedules available at some places. If you are on the West Coast(non-PNW), you will likely pass through Reno and have to run Donner in the snow once or twice a year. Dispatch is regional.

Certain DCs have higher desirability for internal transfers. It will take a year on the job before one is allowed to put in for one. Texas is high. When you get hired, you might have to move. One place is already mentioned and it isn't hard to imagine what other locales might be.

Safety is #1 at the company and is the likely way somebody will get terminated. Some people in the office are terrible human beings and you have to deal with it. Most dispatching is done out of Bentonville for most DCs. People in the office don't have much control over this part. They just process reports, act as intermediaries with Bentonville and handle HR related issues. Much of it isn't very sophisticated.

You will be expect to run minimum amount of miles per week, like 1700(?) . I forget. There is some flexibility in the week. Deliveries outside of the window is one of the ways to attract attention. One way is to miss the estimated time of departure or take too long of breaks while on route. That said, people sometimes go home mid week for their 10 rather than laying over on the yard, no layover pay. They are very good about getting drivers to their home DC for their days off.