My experience so far.....................

Discussion in 'Swift' started by OceanDan, Dec 19, 2014.

  1. OceanDan

    OceanDan Light Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2014
    Rock Hill, SC
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    Bit of preface. I'm entering a new industry, a professional trailer driver. (Yes anyone can drive a truck the talented ones drive their trailer! (-; ) I'm post graduate college level educated. I don't say this to impress anyone, simply to impress upon you I hold a different perspective than many. After as much research as I could stomach, I choose Swift. I know there are many detractors out there. I'll reference a quote from Abraham Lincoln, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be". You can find negatives regarding any transportation company in existence. I felt Swift, being the largest of all transportation companies in the country, would keep me busy the ENTIRE year, not only during the busy times of the year. Bash if you must those with axes to grind, just don't get any of that on me! (-; I won't use names in this thread because I don't want anyone to think I'm bashing or dissing Swift employees. I'll attempt NOT to interject my emotions, simply state facts and let the readers form their own good/not good, opinions. Lastly, I will admit there are aspects of this experience I would change to improve. However, I'm pleased with my decision and still optimistically looking forward to a rewarding career.

    First day, in Millington TN, was on LABOR DAY. Yes welcome to your new career where "holidays" aren't holidays. We spent the day in the classroom in Millington because the Memphis terminal was closed. Usually the first day is drug testing, paperwork etc etc. That was our second day. Yes getting started is monotonous to be diplomatic, but it's necessary.

    Second day was our drug testing in Memphis terminal. I could insert some wry humor here and say I pulled an all nighter studying for my drug test, but I won't.

    Third day/night we transitioned to the range. We were scheduled to use the range from early evening to early morning. Welcome to your new profession where "day and night" are many times juxtaposed. You quickly realize on the range there are two gears, reverse and second. Good place to start training though. I felt our range instructors were excellent. I've heard many complain about "straight line backing". Our instructors made the point, straight line backing is the foundation of all you do in reverse. In retrospect, and with the realization I'm still a NOOB trailer driver, I must agree with their assertion. In other words if you know how to straight line back and know how to correct what you are seeing you can perform any maneuver. We basically did three nights perfecting our straight line backing and were "evaluated" by the end of the first week. This first week was also time to perfect your state specific pre trip inspection. In South Carolina we have a 107 point pre trip inspection. We were given handouts to memorize. I already held a class B CDL, so the pre trip was not new. I also knew if you had the pre trip memorized in the exact order they gave it to us on the pre prints, doing it at the DVM would be easy. I have to inject personal opinion here. I hear many say they will never do a pre trip when they have their license so why do it now? I have to disagree. My life, and my living will be derived from my truck, why would I not, each time I have the opportunity, inspect the mechanical validity of my vehicle? Will I do a 107 point check? No, but I will make certain each time I am entering my truck, I've done all I can to ensure my time on the road will be S A F E and productive. I don't wish to spend time waiting on a repair person or worse, time in the hospital post avoidable accident.

    Second week, we were on the range practicing state specific skills. Each state has different requirements, so we had setups for each state and all students practiced for their state. In South Carolina we have forward stop, straight line backing, forward serpentine and 90 degree alley dock. Like most, I struggled with the 90. I do not like doing "program" turns because the "markers" aren't present if you change locations. I wanted to be able to perform the maneuver anywhere. For me I started trying to drive my tandems. You quickly realize though, you have to "think" eight feet in front of your tandems due to reaction time of trailer to your steering wheel movements. About mid week I started driving the drivers side rear edge of my trailer. This worked well for me and I was able to evaluate out on Thursday instead of the final day, Friday. The last day scheduled in Millington, Saturday of the second week, we took our classroom tests. Mapping, trip planning, safety, etc.

    I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the "five star" hotel used in Millington. I have to laugh a bit reviewing in my mind all the disparaging comments regarding the hotel. Was it top notch? NO. We had four cots in each room, I didn't see massive bugs, and the shower had plenty of hot water. I decided to drive to Millington instead of riding "the dog". Why I will never again ride "the dog" <that's greyhound for those who don't know> is a story for another time or thread. So I had my truck to get groceries or drive to a restaurant. The hotel was sufficient, even had a pool we utilized. Honestly I didn't expect Swift to put us up at "the Ritz".

    We expected to be shipped out to our respective "home terminals" late Saturday to begin road training the following Monday. However, due to a backlog at the Greer, SC terminal, the seven of us from South Carolina were sent home for what turned out to be two weeks. I have to admit here I was disappointed. I had formed a game plan and the schedule for same was based on the information I had from Swift that our training would complete in twenty days. I'll just say this, there is a reason for everything.

    I arrived at Greer on Sunday, September 28th to start road training on the 29th. As you can see, we started on the first, it's now the 29th and we are first day road training. There goes the 20 days...... I have to admit, first day in the truck with three other students and our trainer, I formed the opinion I was either going to end up having a physical altercation with the trainer or I was just going to go home. I did not agree AT ALL with his training methods. I have to say here, by the end of the week however, I understood and respected his training. Still don't completely agree with the methods, but see the value and learned MUCH from my trainer. I had to "relearn" shifting as I'd driven many manuals but never had to "double clutch". It was also "new" learning the 53 foot trailer is a "BIT" longer than our boat. LOL I must inject again here, I learned much even when I wasn't in the driver's seat. Paying attention when other students were driving was invaluable. You can learn by observing and listening to the instructor.

    I was scheduled for my first attempt at the DMV on Friday, October 3rd. On that day, I passed my pre trip with ease. Passed the forward stop, straight line and serpentine with ease. Then it was time for the biggie............the 90. My first approach I wasn't happy so I did a full pull up. Put that trailer right in the box on the second attempt with just a couple of tire encroachments and one bumper encroachment. Used a second pull up as I moved the rear barricades about 3 inches. I felt like leaping for joy as I was really uncertain on the 90. So I was READY to do the road test. Really felt at that point I'd get the plastic. As it turns out, some "rain" fell on my day. Had a four wheeler so far up my rear early in the road test I was concerned not to roll back a fraction and ended up stalling out. A car went around me so I knew I'd failed. The instructor allowed me to drive the entire course tho and when we returned he said "well what do you want to know". Told him I knew I'd failed but had I not stalled out would I have passed. He said yes you did very well except for the stall. He said he also thought I had it in high range instead of low so I was trying to take off in sixth instead of second. Still don't know why I didn't just push the clutch back in when I felt the truck stalling but you know when panic sets in................. UGH.

    Couldn't get in touch with the co ordinator in Millington until the following Wednesday and was told to call back on the 17th of October. Ouch, yet another almost three week delay.

    I missed the incoming call on October 17th, but had a message to call as soon as I got the message and get scheduled back into Greer for another attempt. Couldn't reach the coordinator the entire rest of the day and by five pm Millington time, I knew I'd not make contact til Monday. On Monday, October 20th, I made contact with the coordinator in Millington and was, in essence told they were going to remove me from the program due to my not being in Greer that morning. Personal interjection here. Sorry folks but I don't believe anyone is going to just show up based on an UNCONFIRMED cell phone message to check into a hotel and show up for training. Needless to say I was not, at this point pleased. I decided the best course of action was to speak with the head of training in Millington. I will mention by name here because David M is a true professional. He's always treated me fairly even though we might not agree on points. I let David know why I was not in Greer, and how my personal situation would allow me to proceed. He assured me a seat in a training truck would be reserved for me on Monday, November 24th. Yes, that's a long time but I had family matters that were important I wasn't going to miss.

    Monday, November 24th was also Thanksgiving week. I was told they had a reservation at the DMV to test on the 26th. I was happy to take the appointment. Upon arrival back in Greer on the 24th of November, I learned there were some personal matters for one of the instructors. We only had one full instructor and one that could have us drive on the terminal property but not on the road. I knew I'd not get much road time but that was ok, I just wanted to get some time practicing that DURN 90. Won't bore you with the details but the 90 got me when I tested on the 26th. Had the trailer in the box but I pushed the barricade too far on one side. Swift allows you three tries and then you must wait a year to test again. I knew at this point the pressure would be on me for my third attempt. Not bragging but I'm used to passing on first attempts. I was not only frustrated but also embarrassed I'd not passed by now.

    Got back in touch with the coordinator and learned I'd be back in Greer the 11th, 12th, and the 15th of December then test on the 16th. Must say again due to the backlog and other challenges in Greer, I did not get much road time during these days. I felt ready, however, for the BIG day. I drove from Greer to the Rock Hill DMV that day and got a bit of practice in on the 90 before my exam started.
    Pre trip was a cinch, first three skills were cake walk. So now it's time for the 90. I managed with a couple of pull ups to slap that trailer in the box. WHEW!!! So I felt good about the road test.

    I PASSED!!!!! LOL

    So, now I'm officially a CLASS A CDL holder. I'm scheduled for orientation in Greer, December 29th - 31st. LOL Yes, after starting this journey on Labor Day, I'll finish orientation in Greer on NEW YEARS EVE.

    As I said early on, all things happen for a reason. If nothing else the timing of this challenging portion of my new career will allow me to spend Christmas with my family.

    I may have the opportunity to have my mentor be a driver who was with me in Millington at school but has 15 years of driving experience and went through the course again due to some time off since he last drove.

    I'll conclude this lengthy OP, with a couple of comments. It's clear the training to this juncture is to get you your plastic. I know the real "driver" training will begin with my mentor. There have been many good portions and some not so good portion of my experience so far. However, I'm pleased with my choice of Swift. I believe they do all they can to help you pass your DMV exam.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 1, 2015
    inkeper, 123456, sisterannie and 2 others Thank this.
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  3. joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

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    The Highway To Hell.
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    I don't care about any of this, you're an idiot going to swift snd they suck too so you'll fail and be crying on here!


    Lol. Just kidding!

    Congrats on earning your Class A and starting your new career. Swift is honestly not as bad as they used to be. Just remember in your new venture that PATIENCE is extremely important. It does go hand and hand with safety. Don't forget to keep us all updated and don't be afraid to ask questions.

    Welcome to trucking!
     
    Snowshoes and OceanDan Thank this.
  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    Sorry, too long of a post. I lose the drift on long posts. Nothing wrong with Swift, good luck.
     
    icsheeple and Snowshoes Thank this.
  5. bigdogpile

    bigdogpile Road Train Member

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    Your "upper" education got you a seat in swift truck??&#128557;&#128557;&#128557;
     
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  6. OceanDan

    OceanDan Light Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2014
    Rock Hill, SC
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    LOL Story for another thread. In essence I "retired" from my previous field. Due to wife reentering her career I've been seeking employment for a long time. This will work for our plans.
     
  7. bigdogpile

    bigdogpile Road Train Member

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    lol yea OK..just sounded a little snobbish to state you have a perspective different than many others...My "perspective"is ..it dont matter how you got to the bottom you still got there ..Make no mistake about it..Swift is bottom... not as bad as most but still down there..Not all driving jobs make you work holidays...Some even pay you to sit at home on a holiday..anyway take what you can get from them.Your post is just to long to respond to many points you made but Good luck to you...
     
  8. OceanDan

    OceanDan Light Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2014
    Rock Hill, SC
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    See I find it odd you say Swift is the bottom. No the bottom would be sending resumes to over 300 businesses and none wishing to employ you. Or being homeless or living with starvation in a third world country.

    Swift will be an opportunity to enter a new industry, LEARN it, and then use that as a spring board.

    To each his/her own though. Thanks for your insight.
     
  9. bigdogpile

    bigdogpile Road Train Member

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    see your half way there..when you say use it as a springboard..BTW my "insight"is based on having been employed by them.So I can say they are bottom as you WILL soon learn as well.Do you like working for free? do you like being away from home ? Will you enjoy sitting at a truck stop from 5 pm friday till 8 am monday for free and not learning a thing ??.but as I said before good luck to you..
     
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  10. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
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    Best of luck to you...Swift gets a bad rap...I have met plenty of drivers who used them to get started and then moved on to better jobs...they were happy with Swift. They had a plan, applied themselves to learning the industry and moved on. Just operate out here like you give a #### and it will all work out.
     
  11. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Good Luck.

    You'll do fine.
     
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