Originally Posted by thestoryteller

It's not my life...... I just don't like seeing people make rash decisions....... i

Originally Posted by leannamarie

Originally Posted by bigblue19

Training company's usually don't want you if you have more then a couple of minor moving violations but Swift pays so bad that they might be able to absorb more risk then other company's. Plus the requirements change depending on freight and how many drivers a company needs. A no because of a bad driving record in the winter might get you hired in the summer. It's up to safety not the recruiter. Hope yours ran your record by safety? Swift always needs a lot of drivers to replace the burnt out ones so they will probably take anyone who can move a truck down the road.

2 Years at Swift would be rare since once you pay the loan off they will red flag your ten screen and the games would begin to try to get you out of their so they would not have to pay you back. Remember Swift depends mostly on cheap newbies that can make them money despite all the cheap freight they haul. A driver making $800 a week doing the same job as one making $400 week is not what they want.

If you have no choice but Swift then put everything in Storage buy lots of peanut butter and jelly, join a book club, and get ready for one of the most brutal jobs in the trucking industry.

Originally Posted by jpslady

My husband has been soloing for Swift for about a month. He's got his HazMat and Tanker endorsements. We were able to pay off the loan even before he started soloing due to a financial windfall (thank God - it took care of some other debts as well). Is that why he's getting short hauls? So far they've kept him on the East Coast - not out West where all that open road is. He's having trouble communicating with his Driver Manager and Planner and is getting very frustrated.

Also, and I've read this all over the internet - parking in truck stops and rest areas is at a premium. Just what the heck are truckers supposed to do if there's no place to park and they've run out of hours??? I mean, really???

Thanks for any info. and bear with me on maybe getting wrong how everything is supposed to work - I'm still learnin'

Originally Posted by kevinm

From what I hear swift is either a great company or the worse. There seems to be no in between and it just depends on who you have to deal with. I would recommend that he ask for another DM. Since you paid back the tuition to swift he should be able to get on with a better company, but I would stick it out for at least a few months.

Also the reason he may not be getting long hauls is since you paid the tuition and they have their money what do they have to lose by not giving him the long runs? Not saying thats the case here but it makes me wonder.

Originally Posted by bigdogslim

jpslady Iam about 30 miles south of you and your husband. I will attending school in a few weeks and if all goes well I will be at the same terminal as your husband. I have not heard much about the Ocala terminal until your post. Wish you and your husband well.

Originally Posted by psychocreep

I'm Still in training with Swift. In fact last day is Monday. My mentor told me that for the fist month or so is going to suck. They (your DM) is going to give the short runs to kinda test you out.

My mentor also said that IF they (your DM) Keeps giving you the short runs by the third month.. Start asking for longer runs.

NEVER turn down a load unless you absolutely don't have the hours.

and NEVER be late for your appointments. You should have it made. According to my mentor.

I shall see for myself pretty soon. Just thought this might help.

Peace!