Swift - Input Requested from Current / Recent Past Drivers

Fair enough comment. No problem.


Respectfully,
IT

As I allow the post to continue. Thus far personal attacks are all that seems to be most common. It takes patience for weeks or months at times. I'm extremely patient. And welcome any constructive comments. No hard feelings.

 

This evening in my purple replacement truck. I was putting things away and found that my jump post on my battery box wasn't working. I removed the siding of the truck to find someone had unscrewed the connecting post and pulled the sleeve over the wor in such a way that it would appear connected. Because I've had so many mechanical issues. I believe I worked only 4 days of the first few weeks of January due to repeated break downs. All documented.

I have taken screen shots of my communications tonight. I'll be posting photos now in support of my experiences. I am sharing. However am still more interested in other drivers input. Bare with me as I try and attach pics on communications.

Respectfully,
IT

 

This is another long post. Sometimes these are necessary to explain it as best possible. If long posts irritate you. Please expect these from time to time. I do not apologize for such in this case.

Couldn't figure out how to attach more pics to last post. I'll have to summarize. Not allowing me to send more pics right now.

New truck had all clamps or Velcro or magnets removed from all four privacy curtains. Windshield and bunk. Not able to close either privacy curtain. Had to finagle it for the night. Previous driver did not report this and I do not know any driver that's going g to sleep with all privacy curtains open. Allowing people outside to see you sleep. Therefore there is reasonable likelihood that all were removed after last driver turned it in.

A battery terminal post was disconnected and hidden. Required pliers to remove. Was not broken. But put on to appear was connected. I spent some time pulling removable side off of the truck and troubleshot it. Not finding this would have caused me some more hours down time. And unless it's 24 hours down for issue you are merely inconvenienced and not paid.

I found the the driver sun visor(s) bent in such a way I couldn't close the dash privacy curtains in the first place.

My passenger door functions for power window and door lock were both not fuctional. Located a fuse was partially removed or oddly installed. Barely making contact. Mechanic found fuse issue and merely plugged fuse back in is what he explained to me. This resolved my power window and power lock issue on passenger side.

The response from evening dispatch / scheduling I received was kind and welcoming. Which is odd from multitude of similar past issues. But I was pleased to feel someone was listening finally. Maybe a heart on the other end. I photo all communications by habit from experience.

Basically, the reply was that 'everyone' was having to CYA now. That made me realize a shock to the system is occurring. Why couldn't this have been done when requested numerous times? I really not understanding the tragic path we have taken at Swifts direction. Or indirection. Just unfortunate for them and other drivers.

And I do hope that employee not be scolded or fired. They did a good job communicating with me tonight. Considering what was endured yet again. Such an employee should not be subject of ridicule or write up for a situation they do not likely want to participate in the first place. See I have a heart too.

Swift has some fine employees. And as this progresses. You probably will question my sanity. For the mere fact I still find the time and understanding even for Swift or office employees. For me to post positive points. When it's appropriate. If I learn of such actions taken against that employee. It too will be added as another witnessed unfortunate occurance. I post what is right. To the best of my abilities. Often at my own discredit. But no person or company is perfect. But working together you can try. You may even come close. Right now I'm not even standing on the same ball field as Swift.

Always remember we all should work together drivers and the office. It's no secret this is a faultering relationship within Swift. That is no secret to most drivers. There is no need for any of this at any time. And as this thread grows. It will get warmer in this. I appreciate even sarcastic posts if it offers constructive reasoning. And not destructive.

As I finished typing those positive comments. I am parked away from 99% of anything in the terminal yard. Even in a corner fenced in at a dead end and a blocked off neighboring lot. During typimg it is approximately 11:46p and not much activity at all in the entire terminal. But a single truck came into my corner and kind of parked in front of me. Uncertain the reason. But such have not been uncommon for me. I peeked out of my make shift privacy curtain and the truck promptly pulled away. It is just another curious moment that I'll mention and as I post more of those. Together, perhaps, we can connect those dots.

However, let's not rule out that it may be just a curious person. Wondering who this idiot is (me).

My text reply from dispatch regarding these new issues are time consuming to drivers and can be costly to Swift for down time. No reason for these type issues or antics.

I have many similar situations documented. This year I have struggled to get responses from weekend dispatching. So much so that I lost three days trying to communicate back and forth over one weekend and decided the frustration of repeating myself two, three or four times was unhealthy stress and waited to resolve issues with a willing team on Monday.

I can show those communication (or lack there of) pics in the actual article, itself. There are literally hundreds of pics showing these type communication and mechanical failures. As well as ridiculous conversations or ignoring a driver entirely. I am but one if these unlucky recipients. So don't feel badly for me. Feel badly for the many drivers who are dealing with this daily also. Hating life but afraid of intolerance and the possible additional ramifications or problems made for discussing such things. Drivers fear Swift seems to be a common thread as I speak with many.

Daily if possible. Down time at terminals allows me that luxury. And most drivers are wanting to talk off the record. This is why few driver support posts chime in on these very rare forum post request for honest input. However, I feel it's safe to say I have a silent and growing base of drivers that are paying close attention to this forum and others. I do not give names. And I'm working my article so as to legally satisfy protecting my documenting drivers experiences with some form of protective cloak for them.

Im again disappointed that all privacy functions have been disabled on my truck. I will continue documenting. It's sad and unfortunate that such antics continue. If it was one two or three times. I could deal.

Bare with me as I figure out how to post some pics from time to time. I'll snap pic of my purple truck. It's nice looking. I like it to be honest. Just not sure if it was done more as antagonistic assignment. But I'll make lemonade out of lemons if necessary. Disappointed again tonight. But it's so common I have learned to let it go. As I allow this original post to simmer and be discussed for the next several weeks and months. Allowing my fellow other drivers, not office employees, their voice. I feel that is fair.

In return, I'm taking the black eyes. Thanks for approximately 500 views within only 24 hours. I am not proud to have had to go this route. However at some point things need to be made right. Period. The pen can defeat the mighty sword.

But honestly, it's not easy. I may appear alone. Time will present that truth. Please continue to be patient with me as I start putting it all together and how I will approach official delivery of it. At this time I'll say only that I have options. I can assure you. Thank you for stating tuned in. As we see real experiences good and bad begin to arrive here.


Respectfully,
IT

 

To : PackRat TDI

Thank you my friend. I was not aware Texas stopped their orientation classes. Please know that I have heard MANY similar examples. That it is not just you. Or only the Texas training facility.

cPAP and high blood pressure or sugars are common strikes. And yet again, I'll stand up for Swift regarding this. That the laws are so strict on commercial carriers and their drivers. The company's fear mishap collisions for things such as fainting at the wheel or dizziness at the wheel or lack of sleep due to sleep problems.

As was clarified in a previous cPAP post. The cPAP is the solution for certain sleep issues. But many can not afford not just the cPAP machine. But the required overnight sleep studies. My understanding is that many of these type medical problems can be expensive. And insurance carriers sometimes do not provide much financial assistance with such required purchases. Or no insurance at all. Considering it is required in the pre-job process. It's fair to assume some or even many may not have any insurance at all. As they try and be hired for trucking.

Am sorry you were medically weeded out. I believe there are very fine driver candidates out there being denied their chance for these medical issues. Far more so than some current academy students or drivers. As we all might agree. Don't give up. Make it an absolute 'will accomplish' goal and make it happen. Jump through whatever hoops are necessary. Because I've experienced some fantastic travels as a truck driver. Not to lead on that it's all gloom and doom from Swift.

Get paid to travel the United States. I hope to see you out there. With Swift. Or other carrier. If you see my truck. Come up and introduce yourself. Photo of truck pending.

Best wishes my friend,
IT

 

Thank you for both comments. And tuning in.

Best of luck to you both.


IT

 

My phone has experienced enough difficulties for last few days at terminal. I had to go inside and use my alternate phone. All the carrier could say was that there have been odd behaviors on my data side. And extensive transfers. He's going to call me back hopefully with a printed report.

Not certain what any of that means yet. But I am certainly curious. I've been asked (3rd time) in only a few months of it being new. Asking me to bring it in to check for function or bug problems. The report this time should solve it. I take measures to professionals. As stated in previous posts. Speculation isn't per miscible at this stage.



Thank tou you for continuing to follow along,

IT

 

Today I was hoping to finally be left to my own. Unfortunately that isn't the case. My phone is an issue for me. Over the last few months I've had some interesting situations. And those were amplified to a very unfair privacy issue. To where I, after months of situations, I was more less forced into having to take my experiences to the public. To ascertain if other Swift drivers have experienced anythings of similar.

I will make the comment that some seem to want most viewers to dismiss me as odd or a loner or crazy. I'll accept those comments. However to trump those comments. Consider Swift is a major trucking company. With hundreds of millions of annual dollars. If those people do not think for a moment every option at their disposal to monitor these type posts. To protect themselves. Then perhaps I'm not crazy and alone anymore. I do not have the luxury of having lawmaker friends from invited events. I don't have hundreds of millions of dollars. Nor an excess of employees that can be assigned 'tasks'.

I am merely stating that because it feels as though each and every one of those points have and continue to be used. Remember, it's not just me. I have taken thousands of photos. Being forced to protect myself with my own cameras Many turned out well. Certainly wished I had captured some things I had not. Other pics were unacceptable. But I ended up with many nice ones. I'm not posting many of these things. To allow a public defense to be created. Instead it's routine to continue forum posts of such an employee to be odd, loner, crazy and of the such. Another tactic is to bury negative feedback by paying a company to help keep your name clean. I'm pretty certain this thread will make that list. And may become more difficult to find. Or burying a specific thread in a room by commenting on other threads. Just so that were all in the same game together here. Or at least on the same playing field.

I allow their posts to hopefully show the extents and obvious attempts being made. Some posts have become more cleavorly masked. By trying to fit in. But look for those jabs at me. And is it suffice to at least agree Swift is aware this particular thread exists? Why haven't I been called in even now for them to fix this correctly.

What could be foreseen. Is of my being pulled over by police from 'complaints' or safer DOT inspections or similar. To date my several law enforcement visitors have been very nice and informative. I appreciate the law enforcement officers. They have a job to do also. But it's nice when it's a legitimate stop and they are kind. I just want to do my job here. I want no part of any of this. No longer my choice after last week. Absolutely unacceptable. They know what I'm talking about.

i would comment on those taking money in exchange for befriending me. Yes this has been done to me a few time documented. Or to follow me. I'd take precautions on your violating my privacy rights. And do the right thing and not be talked into a further growing pit for all of us. Money tends to taint truth. Keep reading here. And if you want to change sides. I'll show you the right road. Those initiating confused by this. Please disregard. Those handfuls understand clearly.

Further, I'll offer $1,000 for every single article that connects Swift to any of this. Do the right thing. I do not like this situation. But it needs to be made right. And inside you know that. Ok I'll step back down off the soap box.

I am happy to say I've had more drivers speak with me at the terminal today than typically in two days. I swear to you I listened to complaints brought up by many others. I found myself literally asking each of them for any good feedback. After strange looks sometimes. We found a few fair or good points from Swift. How unfortunate. I am needing to poke and prod for positive driver experiences.

I am thankful for those that come up to me and want to talk. Other conversations were just about weather and travel. Yes I and they are aware of the video cameras at all Swift terminal yards. So as to protect those drivers.

Over the last several months I've become accustomed to being followed. It was not uncommon for me to be followed for up to five states at a time by a personal or work vehicle(s). Because this sounds paranoid. I managed to take hundreds of such photos. Today I experienced what is best described as a show of force. Common vehicles in those photos were literally lining the nearest truck stop where I mentioned I was going. I got out and took many photos of various angles. Certain NOT to get any person in them. Even though I probably could have. Or should have. To me that's just a low life. Like the paparazzi. The vehicles and license plates would suffice.

Most at stayed out of view. A few questioned why I was taking the photos. I happen to like trucks. And most walked off accepting that. Except there is always one that helps make themselves stand out. By aggressively confronting me. He said I had no right taking photos. I advised him I wasn't interested in any photos of him. But merely his plain white ( no advertising) truck. Seemed strange he was aggressively unhappy with my photos. I offered to show him the photos showing he was not in them. I asked if he could allow me to take photo of front and to step out of the photo. He chose to stand directly in front of his plain white cargo vehicle. I told him I was going to photo. He crossed his arms and said, "Go ahead". And so I did him that honor. He followed me around his truck and when I got to the rear he immediately closed the rear door. Further stating, If you take a picture of my license plate. I'll sue you."

To which I replied that was his choice. And did myself the honor of photographing the rear of his vehicle. Further explaining That I had not violated any laws. And tried to not have him in the photos. He was very upset and obviously trying to intimidate me. I told him I do not intimidate easily. To which he actually made a wise decision and called security on me. The poor security driver was confronted by this man. I assume he explained his hired job was and that I am crazy. I waited until man was done with security and told him multiple times to not photo man in photos. I asked man to photo his plain white cargo vehicle without him in the photos. In front of the poor security officer.

To which he replied he didn't want to be in any photos. I offered to retake the photos of his plain white vehicle he said no. The security officer looked at me and smiled. In departing I offered the officer this forum for my 'whole' crazy showcase. Welcome aboard, sir.

I noticed a handful of this 'show of force' vehicles were plated out of Ohio. Including the above gentlemans vehicle. Because I'm stationed out of Columbus, Oh. It's reasonable to question some of the vehicles. I will retain all such photos. No need to share yet. Allow me to further state the license plates were entirely removed from some vehicles. More on my experiences on the road of that as well. I give credit when it's due. But I don't have to make it continually easy on you either. Nice move. But I caught you this time.

Just sharing my experiences. And I'm certain to receive comments on my photographing vehicles. That you wouldn't like it either. Well it's fair to say I do not like being photographed or video recorded against my privacy rights. Whoever that might be. So when put in this entirely odd situation. You have to go additional steps you usually wouldn't or wouldn't want to go. I find myself in a serious situation that requires tact, diligence and belief in you quest for the betterment of your and others' situation.

As as ive stated before. This is very disappointing. Most quit long before months of enduring occurs. Or fired for not documenting everything the way it actually happens. Not the way described or portrayed by some front office persons. Just a sad situation I never wanted a part of. Continue to follow along until I am finally terminated. Of course I expect it. However I have documented extensively on my original points and others endured. As long as it's legitimate and the way described. You'll see I will own up to it. But if not. I'll state my case and the general public can continue this quest. With me continuing to foster proper and legal corrections along.


Respectfully,
IT

 

Newest update. Since last post. Just had a less than happy looking individual pull up next to me and sit there. Let me paint this picture. I'm parked curbside see pic. He decided to pull up directly across from me on this huge long road. Stare at me with undeniable unhappy look. Spit out window while staring at me. I decided to exit truck and kindly ask local directions to Walmart. He slowly drove away staring at me the entire time. I managed to snap the photo. He sped up quicker when he saw camera.

So, let me put this out there. Someone is upping the ante'. If I happen to be in an accident or altercation or jumped or attacked. Let's remember the ante' has been raised just now. So be it. Perhaps it has to do with my comment that I don't intimidate easily. Well that took all of two hours for a 'call' to be made. I'll post the big empty street pic. I'll protect what I have in pic of visitor.

Nothing new for me. Antics continue. Just that the threat level has been raised is all.

As expected and continues. I can not upload pics still. Times out with full bars. Also trying to get to this site now results in 404 connection errors.

Ive been asked to stop into my wireless carriers store. Hopefully good news there at least.

IT

I have been waiting collectively about six hours today simply for an empty trailer to pick up my load. Patiently waiting. But this has me thinking my pickup and delivery times will suffer. Putting me towards termination status for missing set times on loads. I know I can send in a Macro 22 but too many time changes on pickups or deliveries still puts you on that same road out the door. I'm trying to play by the rules. I'll let them know my life is difficult because of their actions or inactions. But I'm pretty sure that is known. Six hours for an empty is fair to say very uncommon and perhaps my personally post misadventures have slowed my abilities to do my job. Truly sad. Let's not forget I'll run out of HOS drive time six hours short if they give me it now. And this is all merely an inconvenience and unpaid to the driver. Truly sad for all such drivers that simply want to do their job and be left alone. What can I do? Just keep documenting. Any publishers out there? (Smiles)