Well as far as being gone all week. It can happen. Topeka has the biggest territory out of all the traffic centers. But depending on where you are in the USA can depend on when and what you do. Some centers are home everyday to every few days.
I push Frito because. Benefits, pension, also 401K match. Great equipment and a great pro driver attitude. Start at top pay. 7 days vacation after 6 months. 2 weeks after a year. Yes you have 3 weeks after a year. Completely by the book with logs and safety.
Reasons to hate this place. You work a lot. A LOT. Holidays etc you work. You also are expected to be professional and there is a lot expected of you. You have to be willing to go above and beyond everyday it seems. No one holds your hand. You have a job to do and get it done. It's up to you if you want to make big money. The harder you work today will be how much harder you work tomorrow. (Keep piling it on). As an extra board driver you never know what days you work and what time you go to work. Extra board sucks everywhere anyways.
This is IMO the best job anywhere. Pay is outstanding and if you get the job done you hear nothing from managers. Everyone is fair and honest for the most part.
Also it's a very physical job. You will loose weight :) not a bad deal I guess.
This job is not for everyone. But it is a place that hires you with the expectation of you retiring from them.
Now this is my experience and opinion from the Topeka traffic center. From what I've seen and met from corporate and other traffic centers it should be the same everywhere.