Diary of a New Swift Driver

Yes the official policy is every time before you're ready to back up, grab your qualcomm and select 'freeform message' then type in the letters in sequence" G O A and L then Send and it will ask you to confirm send, you touch Yes.

Evidently upwards of 67% of Swifties are not doing this on a regular basis, I get a weekly message detailing how only 43% of Swifties monitored are following this company policy. Never be too proud to send in GOAL, you could save someone's life, maybe even your own.

 

Don't forget, you have to toot your city horn a couple of times too!


GOAL BEEP BEEP

 

No wonder SWIFT drivers are so slow backing into a spot at a truck stop, didn't realize that had to fart around with the Qual comm first. I will try to be more patient with you folks from now on.

 

That's the #1reason we back into crap is because were trying to punch in those letters...just kiddn I do mine when I'm slowly cruising in the truck stop.

 

Gold, do not be afraid to ask questions, lots of them. You will learn alot during your time with your mentor, but believe me, you will be amazed at what you learn the first couple of weeks solo.

Best of luck to you as you go forward.

 

About 4 months from now when your shifting is perfect look back reflect back on your post. Then at 6 months you're thinking 'wow my shifting is even better than it was 2 months ago'. It takes about that long to drive all configurations like bobtail, empty trailer, light loaded trailer, medium loaded trailer, heavy trailer, hills, flat, curves etc.

Just like we all read a book from page one, we all drive the truck from the first mile. There are people who feel an uncontrollable urge to pull out their truck driving resume and constantly label the new drivers with derogatory and hateful names, but they started with their first mile once long ago too. The job itself is pretty easy. Stick to the formula others have laid out and all will be good.

 

Don't feel bad about grinding gears Gold, I'm starting my 4th week with my mentor and have 80 hours left to go and I still grind them when I get tired or stressed and my mentor is sitting next to me lol..Everyday you will become a better driver out there Like Scottied67 and Inkeeper said...Oh and one more thing,,wait till you start backing in truck stops ..You won't even think about the shifting part.lol

 

Good luck Gold, you are my same age and I am just waiting to have a couple of bucks saved before I apply and embark on the same adventure. It's been rough, I consider myself very LUCKY to be working at a call center making less than 1/2 of what I was making. I hope to get hired by Swift or a good, FAIR, company like it. For what I have read, this is a good company to learn the trade.