Swift Transportation Company, Inc. - Phoenix, Az.

Thanks oth, you are correct. It was the low pressure alarm that was going off constantly. While it MAY have been ok to drive like it was I was not going to risk it.

 

Just posting that I have no complaints with Swift. As it stands, they'd have to fire me before I quit.

And I'm not quitting.

 

I'm not sure who that "quite the critic" is directed at, but the point about sleeping rhythm is well taken. I thought I could alter my rhythm, especially after 30 years of shift work. But the older I get, the less able I am to shift as randomly as OTR work requires. So for me it becomes a safety issue. You don't really know if you can get used to it until you've had time to either adapt or discover that you can't adapt as well as you hoped. And the six-weeks of training isn't really enough time... or at least it wasn't for me.

The catch-22 for me is that finding daytime work is harder for a driver without a couple of years of OTR experience, which only stands to reason anyway - the best jobs go to the more experienced drivers, as it should be.

I'm gonna end up in a dump drunk or something so I can just work during the day... it isn't what I had hoped for, but at least now I know my limitations. It's not knowing one's limitations that makes it hard for rookies.

If I'm "quite the critic," then at least let me be clear that I'm only "criticizing" the fact that it takes time to either adapt or not - more time than the standard training period. Those who can adapt, more power to them. I'm jealous! Those like me who discover that they can't adapt - that they're fatigued and sleepy and as a result dangerous drivers - need to admit it and find an alternative (like team driving, or dedicated, predictable pickup and delivery times) that will keep them alert and safe.

That is not a criticism of Swift necessarily, but rather of people like me who enter the job market with unrealistic expectations or not knowing their own strengths and weaknesses. And six weeks may not be enough time to determine one's adaptability.

-Robin

 

Yes, all accidents will eventually be reported in the CSA, through the audit the DOT does on your company, along with the company audited log violations...the company found log violations will score harder on the individual driver and the company will get a "reduced" score since they found and "attempted" to correct the offender.

So we have been told by our safety dept..

And how are you figuring what points you will have on your CSA scoree since the scoring hasn't even been presented, just the manner and infractions that will be used?

 

Nope, not you that was aimed at Steelon (or something like that) I was responding to the one with the "list" of issues with no comments on each issue expounded on. It was actually in your defense...sorry if you misunderstood....my wife has the same trouble with me, it might help if she listened to what I actually said and not what she wanted to hear! LOL

 

I'm sorry, did you say something?

 

if your owly making 400 plus a week after taxes you better find a better job

 

Im living this currently with Swift! I have no complaints with the company overall but they pay like Cr%p at first . I feel most companies do when your new. They treat me real well, Got basically a brand new truck. Never have a problem getting something fixed. I think its like every trucking company, There is good and bad. A few rotten apples make it hard for everyone, but lets face it until I came into trucking I had never seen so many people complain about little things. I get into the Phoenix yard and have to stay away from the picnic tables just so I dont have to hear Billy joe bob complaining about the single ply toilet papper in the bathrooms and how the jake brake lounge is'nt open in the evenings anymore. I was raised in trucking. My father was a trucker for 34 years. One of his favorite sayings is dont sweat the small stuff. Some of these drivers I hear need to get a grip. Its your liscense, If you dont like the company leave. Hell! We all know the game! Its always our fault in the companys eyes until proven different. If you feel uncomfortable with a situation than voice it. If they want you to run illegal. Make them put it thru the qualcom and safety will come down like a hammer on the dispatcher thats pulling that stuff. (IF) you dont have common sence than you should'nt be a truck driver anyways. Also goes for some of the the previous posts I have read before posting.

If you want to quit, Do it in a professional manner. Wait till you are not dispatched on a load. Put it through the Qualcom. Say something like I appreciate the oppertunity but unfrotunatly have to resign. Make sure you have the bare essentials so if you have to take your tractor somewhere they want it so your DAC stays clean. You wont be lugging a bunch of stuff on your ride home. I have a camera on my phone most do. Take a picture of your message. Take pics of their reply's. That way if they try and DAC you out, You have proof. Unfortunatly most I hear and see quit leave their tractor where it is convienant for them. Then whine about how they were so unfairly treated.

We are all grown ups! As professional drivers we need to act like professionals. I'm not saying everthing they do is FAIR! Lifes not fair! So get over it. Its up to you to determine how much you want to put up with, but leave with dignity.

I was lied too several times coming into Swift as a new driver. I was lied too about the pay scale. Told I was going to make 33 cents a mile. Than the kink happened after my training was finished. They told me I was going to get paid for a backing class they made me attend. Nope! Didnt get that either. Kinda like the million dollar wound. Never see one penny of that million dollars. Do I cry about it? No. Reason being is Im the maker of my own destiny. A wise man once told me their are two kinds of people in this world. Victims and creators! Which one you choose to be is up to you! One just has less baggage. Your ultimately in control.

 

Wanted to update my post. I have left Swift in search of more prosperous income. The day I quit I called in professionally and explained my situation. I never bad mouthed the company and talked with humility not anger. I was thorough and direct in my explanation. I said in the begining that I wanted to thank them for the oppertunity that they have provided me. I was attached to a load at the time. The head of our fleet asked if I wouldnt mind delivering it still. I replied I would fullfill my agreement and never had any intention of not completing my run. He thanked me for being responsible and not jamming them up. I told him that Im not like that and have no complaints other than the one we had discussed. I asked him what else I needed to do so my DAC would stay clean. I even offered to run for another week if they needed me to so that they had more time to fill my spot. The manager said he appreciated the offer and was a little stunned. I then asked where he would like me to take the tractor. He directed me to one of the yards and I finished my run. Delivered my tractor and cleaned it out and up. AFter turning in all my papper work I called back in to let them know who had the keys. Not only were they understanding but they said I could come back and if I did within 30 days it would be like I have never left. SO in finishing I have still nothing bad to say about Swift and quite frankly miss working for them. Who knows maybe Ill go back.

 

Well,, After looking into other companies I am officially going back to Swift. I dont have enough experiance to get with some outfits and others just did'nt represent a positive relationship building attitude. I want to like where I work. So back to Swift! I still get my great DM and I mean it. My DM is real down to earth. He actually cares. I hope he doesnt get burned to many times by other drivers. I would hate to see him change. Was offered a little different runs for better pay. Meaning just longer runs/ Better miles. Well it works for me, Have to start making money. So take care and drive safe.