Swift Edwardsville Ks

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by mch44423, Jan 8, 2014.

  1. mch44423

    mch44423 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 31, 2013
    topeka, ks
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    Well, I'm going to go to swift orientation in Edwardsville Ks on the 20th. I was offered a regional route and I know swift is one of the companies that may not be the first choice of some, I've got to get my feet wet somewhere. I cant wait to get started. Any advice on what to pack would be appreciated. 3 days then hit the road with my trainer. I dont want to crowd him. I'm considerate of others and clean, in other words, mamma trained me well lol. I take pride in my work and adapt quickly. I see a lot of sound advice from you folks on here and hope you have some to offer this new guy. Thanks, Mark
     
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  3. Brandson

    Brandson Medium Load Member

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    480
    Dec 14, 2013
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    Got something bad on your record? You have plenty of time to go with another company, you already know that Swift is a bad choice it seems. Saying you're ready for a bad year to get experience doesn't mean much till you're out on the road miserable making crap money for it. Aim for 30 CPM at least, not that sliding pay scale garbage. It's easy to cancel that orientation, they won't even notice if you don't get your bus ticket. You could be hired by someone better within a week.
     
  4. crxdc

    crxdc Road Train Member

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    Jun 24, 2013
    Las vegas NV
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    Bring about 10 changes of clothes and shower stuff soap etc. Also bring a towel and sleeping bag. A pillow and try to fit it all in a soft duffel bag. If you look at the stickys you will see a page with that . Info.
     
  5. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    11,159
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Travel light.................because sometimes you will be getting off the truck and waiting for another. Remember, you start from your house, travel to orientation, check into the motel, check out of the motel, get on a truck, (there could be a day gap between the motel and truck) possibly switch trucks when training. So, imagine lugging your luggage each time from a-b. Another pita is they have you check out of the motel after orientation because you will probably get a truck that day, but you might not, which means back to the motel at 5pm, with your luggage. A weks worth of clothing, a sleeping bag/pillow.
     
  6. Brandson

    Brandson Medium Load Member

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    Dec 14, 2013
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    Definitely try to pack light if you need to take a greyhound. My company didn't have trainers pick us up at terminals, we bussed out to where they were, and had to bus back to a terminal after training, then bus to your tractor if it's not at a terminal (recovery).
     
    mch44423 Thanks this.
  7. Wooly Rhino

    Wooly Rhino Road Train Member

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    Jul 6, 2008
    Liberty, Missouri
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    Bring plenty of CASH. There is a casino about 9 miles away with a poker room. Let me know when you get there and I will relieve you of it.

    I give Swift drivers a hard time. No company is good or bad. They are just what you make of them. Your first year is hard. It is no matter where you go. A 53 foot trailer is so very long. It takes a bit to get use to. Turning right is very tricky. You have to pull through the intersection until your trailer is half way past your lane. That seems like forever. Swift is as good a place to start as anywhere. Edwardsville is located on I435 south about 4 miles from I-70. Nothing to do there. There is plenty to do around the speedway about 9 miles to the north. There is a great bar if you like your women less then fully clothed.....at least I hear there is.

    Remember, 30 cpm maybe good to start but 50 cents is what you should be making within 5 years.
     
  8. mch44423

    mch44423 Bobtail Member

    4
    1
    Dec 31, 2013
    topeka, ks
    0
    Awsome info Wooly, thanks for the tips! You guys are an awsome bunch. I have been arourd trucks, worked on them several years for cat dealer, just never drove for a living. I've always wanted to do it for a long time. Peace brother!
     
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