Well, a big change in underway. On Monday I let my "employer" know that I was done as a lease operator. I explained the financial reasons for getting out of my current situation. They in turn showed me all kinds of bonus programs, incentives, and reasons to stay on with Swift as a company driver. They didn't take my message as final, but rather gave me a few days to think about it. Today's "final decision" day!

What they fail to see is that my rate of pay with my new employer isn't based on some "if this, then that" program, but rather a straight up rate per mile that is above the Swift offering with all the bonus programs added in. The problem with their incentives is that so many factors have to be "just perfect" in order to gain any financial bonus. One little detail gone wrong can and will derail the "BIG BUCKS" that Swift toutes. If I were a younger man I might be enticed by the "chance" to earn bonus bucks, but I'd rather count on a sure thing.

Oh, I have been hired by Averitt Express to run a regional truck based out of Milwaukee. As I understand it I'll drive 2300 -2500 miles a week, be home every weekend, and have benefits after 90 days. After the first year I'll have a paid vacation (what's that like?).  They run primarily southeast (FL, GA, LA, MS, etc) with NO NYC, Canada,  or Rockie Mountains. I may still get to see Texas and New Mexico as they have a terninals in El Paso and Alb.

I'm excited by the adventure of starting with Averitt and eagerly await my travel plans for the orientation in Cookeville, TN.

More later on..

M