Beginning the Long Awaited CDL Process

I always try to exercise patience whenever corporate America is involved. Smaller companies can most always respond more quickly than large companies.

But I will never stop moving forward because one company delays it's response. I'll keep putting more irons in the fire. The longer they delay, the greater the chance that I won't be around when they finally make a decision.

 

Maybe so, but I'd be there anyway.

 

Oh Sure. I tell you, then you tell someone else. Before you know it, I'll be the next contestant on Ice Road Truckers.





Very soon. I can't leave everyone hanging much longer.

 

It's about time!

Hello everyone.

I figured it time to let everyone know where it is I've decided to go before they give up on me.

I'm going with Swift.

There are many reasons why, and when anyone decides on a carrier they should do so based on whether that company satisfies their particular needs.

So now that I have your attention, let me step up on that soap box.

Many you who have read this thread know that I'm big on researching companies. I've been doing it for well over a year. I joined this forum in the summer because I wanted to open up a dialog with the drivers. They have taught me a great deal about this industry and for that I will be forever in their debt.

First and most important factor (to me, anyway) in deciding which company to seriously consider is their ISS-D safety rating. The lower the number, the better. Below 50 means the inspectors can "pass" on inspection. 50 - 75 is "optional", and over 75 means "inspect".

Swift has an ISS-D rating of 38. Given the number of Swift trucks on the road in comparison to other transportation companies, that's not too bad considering. Are there companies that are better? Sure there are. And there are plenty of companies whose rating is lacking indeed. Why is this important? The truck must keep moving. If possible I would prefer to get the green light at every inspection station, unless they are interested in meeting me. So when you are doing researching which company to go with, take a minute to check their safety rating (do a search for "safe stat").

Next reason is Swift has a terminal less than an hour from my house. I have no place to park a truck, so that is another big selling point.

Swift's OTR training is 240hrs. behind the wheel. I know not all of those hours will be with the trainer in the jump seat, and I'm fine with that. But I do want a trainer on the road with me at the beginning. If we run team after the first week or so, not a problem. I'll run that truck as hard as he wants. And you can rest assured if he's sleeping when I need him, he will be woken up.

There are plenty of fleets to choose from, and their benefits and compensation package are decent.

I have a firm orientation date set for Jan. 4. However, the recruiter is trying to move me up to Dec. 14 (there would have to be a cancellation to move my start date up). The length of orientation is 3 days, and then I roll out with my trainer/mentor. Should I be fortunate enough to get a Dec 14th orientation date, we would be routed home in time for Christmas. I'll have to let you know how that shakes out.

So that's the story folks. I guess I'm a Swiftie (assuming I pass their physical). It's important to remember that you need to start somewhere. Don't be swayed too much by the "naysayers". Do your own research and decide what's best for you. How happy you are at a company is what you make of it.

Thanks to all of you who have been reading along. I have enjoyed posting my adventure. I'll start a thread on my training at Swift as soon as the orientation date kicks in. Meanwhile, I'll be here.

Thanks for reading.

-Wedge

 

Thanks Sammycat!

I started following Obiewan's thread awhile a go. He is one of the people that made me look closer at Swift. I don't want to forget Texas Nana and Injun. If they post it, I read it.

Another contributor to the forum who I have yet to talk to (post to?) is "1nonly". She started a thread titled "Diary of a Current Swifty". She chronicles her day to day life on the road as a trucker. Where she's headed, number of paid miles, problems with trailers, getting a new tractor. On top of it, she runs into Obiewan.

It occurred to me that much of the Swift bashing comes from when there were problems with one of Swift's training schools. I think it's ancient history.

I hope I can find the time to continue posting. I enjoy the friends I've made here on the forum.