(experienced guys need not apply) my first three weeks@ swift( pa residents)!!!!!!

It starts like this i was unemployed for a bit filling out apps over the internet. Everyday id check my email for replies and id always see "swift needs drivers" through career builders.So one day i said screw it let fill out this app fro s@g's.Low and behold 10 minutes swift called so im like ok that was fast.I talked to the recruiter went through everything with her now admittedly i have a few blemishes on my liscence from about ten years ago. ive went through the jargon with numerous companies and they all said the same thing we cant hired you.So i expected the same from swift.Boy was i surprised!! so the following monday i went into orientation at their Jonestown Pa Terminal.Let me for warn you DO NOT CATCH A CAB FROM THE GREYHOUND TERMINAL TO THE SWIFT TERMINAL.its a 40 minute ride.They will come and get you and bring to you the hotel.the bottom floor sucks for wifi reception or any reception. Theres a wendy's, sboro's pizza ,loves truckstop, and a hess gas station theres a makeshift dunkin donuts and a blimpie inside DONT EAT ANYTHING HOT AFTER 8PM.
The loves have Mcdonalds and chester fried chicken if you dont have a loves loyalty card there if you dont have one. Lunch will be provided for you at the terminal,(continental breakfast at the hotel) Dinner is on you!!!. as well as a way home provided you dont make it through the orientation.The Man that will be running the class is Frank he's an african american older gentleman,he's been with swift for 34 years.He's easy to get along with but firm.STAY OFF YOUR CELL PHONES!!!!! unless its something health related cause you'll be doin physicals and drug testing the first day.After that STAY OFF YOUR CELLPHONES or your ### is gone.You'll be doing alot of paperwork the first two days and have home work.You meet three other women Pat and cant remember the other two.but they dont take no crap but they are fair and have a sense of humor. the third day you will be watching short films and the shop mechanic will come in and tell you about the equipment DO NOT ASK HIM ABOUT THE WRECKER STORY IT WILL DEPRESS YOU ITS EXTREMELY SAD.Be well rested that third day because if your trainer/mentor is there THAT ### IS DRIVING so be will rested.Pat will come in and assign you to a trainer.My trainer is Courtney a Jamiacan fellow easy to get along with and fair he's an owner operater theres a 50/50 chance you'll get put with an owner operater.most of the owner operater have what swift has in there fleet which are all 9spds. For the inexperienced guys & gals you'll have to have 240 hours of training before you get to the nearest terminal and test out and get your own truck.For the experienced guys and gals 50 to 100 hrs.The mentor will have to ride shotgun for the first 50 hours so when your tired the truck stops.this can be very annoying(he'll be running his log at the same time on duty not driving) after you 50 you'll be running as a team you'll get your share of day and night driving in all weather all grades.
my first three weeks were great i havent been out since 08 i came off the road to so i can be with my newborn at the time.So i had to do the 240.For the inexperienced guys you will see alot and here alot crap talk over the cb payi it no mind.We've been under a load almost all of the time.Will i stay with swift id have to say to yes.They've good to me so far,even as a student.Their equipment is up to date and maintained considering the smaller companies that i used to work for.for the benefits and stability its a great company l

 

ok folks i have 19 hours left on my 240 i'll be heading to the loredo terminal to upgrade and get my own truck.You will be called or contacted through the quallcomm system for midterms then you have a second midterm at the nearest terminal it just to see if you have been paying attention.then you'll be on your home stretch!!! they will give you the option of takin 4 days off or takin 6 day after you get your truck.The only problem with that is if you like the truck and take your 6 day you'll lose it.If your dropped off at your home terminal (theres a 50/50 you may or may not) you will upgrade and test out where ever you are.So if you get a truck you dont like take your 6 day if not take your 4 day.Make sure your belongings are stripped clean from your trainer truck,make sure you have everything you need for your own truck sheets, blankets,pillows glass cleaner air freshners,c.b's etc etc.They will had you a check list when you get your truck INSPECT IT THOUROUGHLY!!!!!!! Put your crap in it if your satisfied then roll cause you'll have a load at the terminal waitin for ya.i will post more as i go through it

 

i'll let him tell it