How to go about finding a small fleet to work for.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by MsThumpr, Aug 9, 2013.

  1. MsThumpr

    MsThumpr Bobtail Member

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    Aug 9, 2013
    Clarksdale Mississippi
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    Hello, I often read threads posted on this forum and I knew where to come with my situation. I am currently an OTR for Swift. I went to driving school at CR England in Utah in February. I now have 6 months of OTR experience and I love what I do. I am a careful driver, new to the trade but wise enough to know my boundaries. I was trained by an owner op for England, and then a company driver for swift. Both were wonderful teachers and I learned a good bit about both sides. However, just 3 nights ago as I was turning into the pilot off Nitro exit on 64E in West Virginia, (nightmare of all truck stops) a dump truck decided to be impatient and try to come around me to beat me into the parking lot. He struck the side of my trailer causing only light scratches to my equipment but knocking his entire bumper and right headlight off. As soon as I seen him attempting his go around I immediately stopped to avoid even more damage than what I already knew was about to occur. However, swift deemed it as a preventable accident on my part. I have not lost my job yet but I have a feeling I am going to. My driver manager told me I don't need to worry about my job because I have had a clean record up until now. He also assured me after I appeal the incident it will be deemed as an Unpreventable. My question is, with this now on my record, will I be able to get another driving job soon if I do lose my job with swift? And will I be able to find a small fleet to run for, because I am tired of the big company and all the terrifying rules. I know there are rules everywhere but swift has changed so much in the last couple years. If you breathe wrong you get in trouble. Now, I haven't been in trouble at all with swift but I do know all the rules and do my upmost best to not break them or even come close. I am told by many other drivers that I am a good driver and shouldn't worry for my job. But I am a female and I do worry.
     
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  3. deskdriver

    deskdriver Light Load Member

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    Aug 6, 2013
    Michigan
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    Was either vehicle towed from the sceen and was there a police report showing fault?
     
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  4. fishnman1953

    fishnman1953 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 9, 2013
    Phoenix, Az
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    I think you may be worrying a little too much.. Wait and see what the outcome is. It's not likely that Swift will terminate you for this, especially since it is not a DOT Reportable Accident. Most large companies will allow you several (minor ) preventable accidents , as long as you don't have other safety issues like major moving violations.. As far as finding a small company, you may want to start watching the Craigslist Transport link. Many small companies advertise there. But BE CAREFUL, some of them have a permanent ad there, even though they only have a few trucks..
     
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  5. Phil S

    Phil S Light Load Member

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    Aug 2, 2013
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    The nice thing about small fleets is that they tend to judge people as individuals rather than as just a number on a spreadsheet. The smaller the fleet, the less likely it will be to pay attention to your DAC report or listen to some weasel in Swift's "Safety" department badmouth you. Ultimately, you'll have to sell yourself as a potentially good driver for the company and the best way to do that is in person (assuming you weigh less than 450 lb. and aren't wearing clothes that are three sizes too small).

    Do some research, talk to people and you'll probably find what you need in short order. Companies need people who will contribute to the bottom line and you've got as good a chance of being hired as most anyone else if you convince them of your ability to do that. Hang in there.:biggrin_25525:
     
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  6. MsThumpr

    MsThumpr Bobtail Member

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    Aug 9, 2013
    Clarksdale Mississippi
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    Neither vehicle was towed from the scene, and the only reports are just a statement of what happened from each of us drivers.
     
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  7. luvtotruck

    luvtotruck Road Train Member

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    Jul 30, 2013
    Phoenix Arizona
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    With that said, you have nothing to be concerned with, If I was you I would not worry about SWIFTy Firing you, If they do, then you can go find a smaller fleet that probably not look at a DAC reort or you as a number but your abilities, I think the DAC system needs to be reworked or gotten rid of just like the "Fair Credit Act" Neither one of these is FAIR! Good Luck, keep us informed.
     
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  8. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

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    Feb 16, 2007
    Stonewall, LA.
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    I found my last small fleet gig (6 trucks) locally here in town on Craigslist. This guy was cool but the investor was a tight ### scumbag pos that knew nothing about trucking to say the least but you have to watch who you work for with smaller fleets like that because some bring a whole new meaning to lower than dirt when it comes to crooks. I use the trucks as my starting point. If they are poorly maintained, I walk away. If the owner seems fast to hire without much decision, RUN! That means he can't keep drivers and is hard up to get a body in the seat fast because that truck is loosing money sitting. I've seen it a dozen times at interviews. Also watch the owners body language/use of words for tale tale signs of being hard up. One interview after filling out my app and waiting to get called to the back, I finally got called back and on the way in I took a good look around, opened the door, looked at the guy and told him I'm sorry, this place isn't for me and walked out. The whole setup in the office and equipment used raised all kinds of red flags not to mention a driver that pulled in came in and was getting his arse chewed because of log book violations. Thanks but no thanks.
    On an extra note, most small fleets don't mess with DAC because its an extra expense on them and its mostly B.S. anyway. They just want a good clean MVR.
     
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  9. TruckDuo

    TruckDuo Road Train Member

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    Chicago, IL
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    I would also recommend Craigslist. Just like the previous advice.... do your research before you agree to work there. A lot of places will hire you with just six months experience. Even if their ad says one to two year.
     
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  10. brsims

    brsims Road Train Member

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    Meadville, PA
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    A question....how could this be preventable if you were stopped when the dump truck hit you? From what I read, the only individual who was in a position to prevent the collision would be the dump truck driver.

    Unless truckers are now supposed to be freakin' Jedi capable of controlling the actions of other people, there is no conceivable way for you to have prevented this accident. Thus, NON-preventable......
     
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