swift orientation in columbus

Let me start by saying I am NOT a recruiter. I try to see the big picture in everything I do.

My understanding is that swift is the largest trucking co. in north america and also a training co.. Therefore they have the most trucks, drivers and trainees out there. I think this is why they are the brunt of many jokes.

I have always believed there are 3 types of people out there and it showed in my school class and the orientation class. 1-the technical person-person who can only go by the book and does not understand why it may not work that way. 2-the tactical person-person who can not use the book and will only understand only after trial and error by doing it by hand. 3-has the least amount of people and I consider myself this, a combined person-someone who understands the book and knows that it is only a guideline and can do things by hand and make the adjustments when using their hands.

As for orientation, I left out for Columbus expecting for the worst. I filled the trunk of my car with appox. 4 wks. worth of canned/dehydrated food, every book I thought I might need, maps maps and more maps, cloths for 6 wks, tools, and any thing small or misc. that I thought I could possibly need.

I explained what we did each day in a prior post. Gail did a great job informing people what to expect. People are strange. Most only hear what they want (selective hearing) or only what may benefit themselves. A recruiter may tell you: you will get 1 day hometime for every 6 days out and that in general on avg. you will be out for 2 wks at a time. COME ON PEOPLE, key words-in general and on avg. I have seen people in the orientation that I personnally think will not make it. I do understand that this is also a training co. and that the mentor will try to get these people to understand. I beleive a recruiter will not lie to you, but they will try and deceive you by telling partial truths. It is up to you to be able to understand this and read and look at this as a whole, big picture. Just listen to everything and how it is worded. They even give it to you in black and white. It is your responsibilty to read between the lines
, understand and ask direct questions.

The mentor will go over most everything you will need to know and understand. He/She has a checklist that they have to verify each week for the 6 wks you are with them.

For wk 1 it states that the mentor should be on duty status while you are driving but for wk 2 if the mentor has confidence in your driving he may switch to running as a team. Be aware that not all mentors are out there to try and teach you to be the best professional driver you can be. Some are there just for the almighty dollar. While driving team you will be paid the flat weekly pay but he will be paid the total miles driven at his pay rate. He will be making the big bucks and you will be charlie chump change. I beleive if you get one who does not care about you it is your responsibilty to inform him/her of this. As for me I try to tell it like it is and how I feel about things. It does not matter if it is a CEO of a company or the bum in the street. All you have to know, is how to properly word things and to give the proper respect. Although it is the mentor who is required to fill your weekly sheets out, once again it is up to you to make sure it is done.

At the end of orientation many people did not have driver codes. Those who drove were asked to go home and call the next day, many were told they would be given bus tickets and to do the same. some were put on standby at the hotel. some left straight away. It also states that sometimes it takes 1-5 days to get a mentor.

One person stood out at the end who was asked to drive back home. Thoughout the 3 days he was stuck on who was to give him directions while on the road. Qual com, gps or someone over the phone is what he always fell back on. He did not understand that it is his responsibilty and if he used any of these, he is responsible to double check and not use them blindly. Well when it was time to go, he lives in youngstown, he was asking for directions to go home. Common sense, go the same way home just opp. of what you came. He could not comprehend this and was looking for a miracle route. I informed him that only 2 major highways going north, pick one. Still questions about back woods routes with thousands of lights. Finally told him for $50 I would let him follow me to Akron. He still seemed to want to argue with everyone about best milage/shortest distance route. This is one person I feel should not drive.
He seemed extremely book smart but could not understand anything told to him even by the instructor.

Well here I sit, going on day 4, waiting on a mentor. Called Jennefer and was told still trying to find one in my area first, before issuing one from another area. I dont care, I am prepared for 6 wks out, anything less would be blessing. I understand we had a lot of people in orientation, but if the wheels are not turning I am not making money. Will wait til next Mon., always have backup plan, will start another orientation then.

Things I like about swift: medical/dental/vision coverage once established. The diff. zones/regions and size of the co.. May be able to switch in future. Once again understand the wording. Swift has applied to go public and will be offering stock. Would definately love to take part in this. Even if I go somewhere else, I would be looking into this.

Looking at reality, if the wheels are not turning making the company money, I am not making money. I beleive that this attitude just starting out will be the best. I have to put my time in first, just like any other job out there. Never expect anything for nothing.

 

Talked to Jennefer last night. Usually she only has to find 4-7 mentors per orientation. Mine had 18 that she had to find. was told about a class/briefing that mentors had to have last week. She has received 3 more apps from people wanting to be mentors and has some doing 34 hrs and a few with trainees coming off the trucks. She said she will get back with me on weds. afternoon. I let her know I'm not picky and am willing to stay out the 6 wks straight. She said she will check with other terminals. For now I'm at home on the swift web site taking all the classes i can, required or not. better to have to much information than not enough.

 

I now have a mentor. will be going to columbus in the morn. to link up. mentor lives in VA. out 2 wks OTR. I will be out all 6, sounds good to me. was told maybe Laredo Tx run 1500 miles. the longer the better. So far everyone at swift has been good to me. information has been passed up and down. everyone/everything sounds good.