SWIFT

i just finished my six weeks training with Swift. I am at the Syracuse NY teminal. I got my own truck right after I tested out. Took written test at 7:00am. Road test about 8:00am. Given my truck by 10:00am Took close quarters training (LCQT) at 1:00pm then on my way.

 

Swift may be a training co, but all are the same. It is what you make of it..

 

Thanks for the Info TelcoBilly,

Yeah, those two seem to be my only choices here. After seemingly endless emails sent and phone calls made....It looks like not too many companies are hiring Newb's out of NorCal right now. My first choice was Wtkns&Shpd, however my cdl school somehow fell off of their approved school list. When I first contacted W/S (2 yrs. ago) the school was on it, but not any more. Funny, I went to visit their "approved school" in the area - what a sham. A road side construction trailer (no yard even) in the ghetto of San Jose - with 1 "beat up" day cab. But boy they sure know how to say $3700.00 five times fast. Can't understand it - The school that I went to was pretty good. Located in the heart of a busy industrial area, truckers everywhere, many who graduated from the school up to 14 years prior, all positive. Ten different tractors (DC's and Sleepers) to practice on....Lots of practice hours (60 hours of incab for skills practice alone), short & long trailers, good drivetimes. Who know's what the heck happened there...
Anyway, after I experienced the "approved school" - I decided against the $3700 training session.

 

[quote=bill122250;1110513]i just finished my six weeks training with Swift. I am at the Syracuse NY teminal. I got my own truck right after I tested out. Took written test at 7:00am. Road test about 8:00am. Given my truck by 10:00am Took close quarters training (LCQT) at 1:00pm then on my way.[/quote]


What does close quarters training consist of...???

Also, during you're six weeks - Do they actually observe your driving or do the trainers typically try to team drive you too make more money. I'm asking because I want to be prepared for what's coming. When I am allowed to drive my full shift, I really hope the trainers don't "stop the training" and start team driving my a@#. That's not training, lol.

 

I'm going to orientation with Swift in Decatur,Ga on Dec. 15th. You have to take everything on here with a grain of salt. Like he said, some just like to rag on Swift. I've talked to alot of Swift drivers at truck stops and the ones I talked to were perfectly happy, and everyone has to start somewhere and they're willing to give me a job. On a side note, of course your going to here more things about them, they have 20,000 trucks on the road so do the math, of course your going to here more "stories" about them. Wish me Luck

 

Gypsy: Good luck! I'm sure you'll do well, if you choose to. At our age, and in today's economy, we should all praise the Lord that we at least have a job. I start with Central on 11/30/09 and I'm pretty excited to have a job after sitting on my rear end for 30 months. Couldn't get anyone to hire me, and after I decided to become a truck driver I got sick (pneumonia for 2 months), applied to five companies and all of them wanted me but I chose Central for my own personal reasons, and after surviving combat, beautiful women all over the world, boredom, and too much television, I believe we can do anything we choose. It's all in your Perspective ... Just remember, "yesterday was the last easy day." Enjoy life and good luck in your future endeavors with the Swifty's. Peace, Scott

 

ADR

LCQT consisted of 2 45degreebacks, 1 90 degree back and a 45 degree blindside back. All going in between 2 trailers.

My mentor had me watch him for the first day. Your first week you are only allowed to drive for so many hours a day. The truck is limited to how many miles it is dispatched for the 1st couple of weeks.

After a while you will be running as a team operation. By the last week you are supposed to be running the truck (doing all the trip planning, paperwork, talking with shippers etc.)

 

hehe lucky you! I actually tried getting on with Central and they told me there were not enough trucks and that was just a few days ago. Oh well the luck of the draw I guess. Hopefully Swift yeilds me some good news. Take care and be safe oh and most of all good luck!

 

Thanks Scott, I hope you do well too. I tried Central but they weren't hiring in Georgia. I'm just thankfull to have a job to go to, I've been on unemployemnent since march and am going absolutely stir crazy....I got to ride with a friend for a couple months and became absoultely addicted, so I decided to move from the passenger seat to the drivers and I love it (so far anyways..
Take care and be safe....

 

Unforunately, I keep getting the same old news.....
Sorry....Not hiring any "Newbies" out of Northern California right now. OR
Sorry....Your school is "Not" on our approved school list.

So, now with my Class A Lisc. in hand, with all the endorsements/TWIC Card/Passport Card clinched in my "inexperienced" shaking fists, the hunt is on !!!!
I still have a few months left on my unemployment deadline, so now it's time to turn up the heat. My forst step is to rattle the cage at my cdl school about getting their a@# certified with my desired companies (not just CRE and Schneider).

Wish Me Luck