He's not been on since the 29th. So not around since the question was asked. Probably hear from him soon-ish.
My Swift Academy Journey. Will it be a swifty one or not?
Discussion in 'Swift' started by Six9GS, Aug 25, 2019.
Page 13 of 14
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
FWIW, I won’t share a hotel room with a stranger either..
They may get booted and decide to take my things. That, and I’m not a people person.G13Tomcat Thanks this. -
G13Tomcat Thanks this.
-
Sorry I haven't been on in awhile. Just been doing other things than hanging out here. Yes, I'm still with Swift and still enjoying the adventure. And, I have had a few. It wouldn't be an adventure if everything went well!
Anyway, Swift has pretty much moved to all Automatics. I trained in an automatic and drive one. However, due to a glitch that actually worked in my favor, I do not have the automatic only restriction, although others from my state do. Most of my life I have driven manual transmission cars. I know manuals in a semi is quite different, but I'm more used to shifting gears myself than letting the car do it. Some things I like about driving an automatic rig, some things I don't. But, it is what it is, I'm driving an automatic.
Other than being gone on the road being harder on my SO and kids (teenagers), everything is working out OK. This COVID19 crap has me staying in my truck unless I have to get out, and then trying to minimize the number of times I have to get out and 'mingle' with people. Also loads are a tad more scarce and I've sat waiting for loads more than I used to. Actually, before the COVID19 stuff, I was really never sitting waiting to get a load. But, fortunately for me, I do not need to get as many miles as most do. I have a partial retirement income that offsets things a bit.
I drive a truck that is governed at 65 mph, as is the norm with company trucks for Swift. Last week I broke my daily milage record and logged 657 miles in one day. I started the day in Iowa where I-29 meets with Iowa 2 and then Nebraska 2. That road cuts the corner at Omaha between I-29 and I-80 and saves about 50ish miles. Anyway, I started there heading West and made it to the Flying J in Rawlins Wyoming. My previous record was 646 miles while I was with my mentor in his Owner/Opertor (leased) truck that was governed at 68 mph.
I was working on getting to Phoenix to get a few days hometime, but my truck glitched on me and after I finished that load, had to take it to the shop in Salt Lake City (West Valley specifically). Long story short, I ended up renting a car from there to go down to Yuma for hometime, my truck ended up at the local Volvo dealer for a week, so it all worked out pretty well. I just got back in my truck today and tomorrow morning I grab a load in Ogden and take it to Las Vegas and then already have a load to pick up in Vegas and bring back to Salt Lake City
Lastly, my truckmhas a name now, thanks to my wonderful Grandniece. Her name is Petunia! I like it. So, Tigger (my nickname I was christened with at the Swift Academy) and Petunia! Yep works for me!!dptrucker, Wasted Thyme, dwells40 and 2 others Thank this. -
Tomcat
ps: HELLLLLUVA COOL on the 'non E' restriction...~! -
Oh how I wish the panic over this virus would end.
Although, the lighter traffic on most of the roads is a nice thing.
But personally, I won't do anything to avoid it - or do anything to prevent it.
It is here, and we need to accept that.G13Tomcat Thanks this. -
I'm just grateful this forum was around to be able to learn about being a driver before I started. It helped me so much to have much more realistic expectations on what this thing was and was not. Also glad I fate took it's sweet time, as I had the idea about 5 years before I made the move itself. In that time I was able to much better assess both the profession and myself as to whether this would be a good fit for me. I figured this might work for me because:
1. I love to drive. There is just something zen like to me about driving.
2. I am quite comfortable being alone for long periods of time.
3. I have patience and am flexible.
Other things that helped:
1. 20 years as a map maker, pretty good with understanding and figuring out routing and alternate routing.
2. A mentality that likes puzzles and figuring things out.
3. Detail oriented
4. Love seeing the beautiful landscape of our country.
Anyway, thanks for your words of encouragement. They are appreciated!Jaxx34, Wasted Thyme, G13Tomcat and 1 other person Thank this. -
-
Tomcat -
But, to each their own, not saying I they are the best or anything like that. They are just what I strongly prefer.G13Tomcat and Wasted Thyme Thank this.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 13 of 14