Need some input on Swift

As long as it's not a high value load, you can drop the trailer. Since you will probably be going home empty most of the time, I would think it would be OK. They require us to buy a kingpin lock, so it'd be silly for them not to allow is to use it.

 

Yea that would make a lot more sense lol. I only have 1 elderly neighbor on the street I live so I should be able to park the truck out on the street but in the case she does not want me to need a plan B. Does anyone know of swift current idle policy?

 

Idle when it's necessary, but try to keep it to a minimum.

They do track DCI and you may get a QC note about it, but I have never heard of someone getting fired purely for idle time. I suppose it could happen...if you never, ever shut the truck off.

 

Ex Swifty here.

Good side:
Equipment got fixed when I reported it.
Load pay was on time.
Quick pay after 25 completed loads.
Decent rigs
Wide variety of available jobs: intermodal, flatbed, regional, heavy, reefer, dry, etc.

Bad side:
Slow repairs from shop
Micro management of shop hours and supplies (delays repairs)
Had to remind DM's repeatedly for "extra pay" (IE: unload pay, trailer spotting, local pay for short runs, etc)


Also under bad, I have been asked to run illegally (ie: do us a favor) and they attempted to push loads on me that I didn't have time for. My favorite was a pplan from Sumner, WA to Bend, OR loaded with 60k over Government Camp (312 miles) with only 5 hrs left on my clock (Minimum 7 hrs due to weight, mountains, and small towns for the unfamiliar). However, when explained (nope, not running over HOS) they always backed down.

To be fair, every company will have it's warts. Most of the equipment problems were due to lazy drivers not reporting the problems.

 

One more is related to your HOS. It can keep better track of you so they know better as far as Planus. When you receive your last job, you already know what time offer. It gives the driver a better chance of getting any additional charge.

 

As far as home time will they try to get u home when requested. I would like to run bout 3 weeks out 3 days off. Enough time to rest, wash clothes, ext...

 

They have been good about getting me home but I'm sure its not to hard to find a load going somewhere near Chicago.

 

ok , i understand lazy drivers, but how can they be lazy if running e logs, all the computer work is done for you, you ether have the hours too deliver or not, course when i was teaming , i had many times drag my partner out the casnio , so as not too be late,

 

I just finished at the Millington Academy and can just say go in willing to listen and work. The instructors will not do the learning for you. Some students at the academy thought it was a hand holding and sing along camp I guess. For those heading into the school in Millington be prepared and don't get caught up in the drama that some drag around with them like a security blanket. Just a pat on the back to myself, 97% and top of my class. Let the next phase begin

 

Its just like most large companies, same stuff except you will have more yellow stickers in your truck (Warning this that) and a bunch of silly rules since the place trains many crazy newbies.