Question for Swift Flatbed Training

Discussion in 'Swift' started by Bird Dog 84, Aug 10, 2014.

  1. bab1369

    bab1369 Light Load Member

    175
    46
    Apr 14, 2013
    Laurens, SC
    0
    Prime charges all drivers for their flatbed equipment whether company or l/p. I started at prime in the refer division because of this.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

    They do that because drivers would sell their equipment at the truck stop and claim it was lost/stolen. Since they started having the drivers buy the equipment, the amount of stuff getting stolen dropped dramatically.

    Besides, they'll buy the equipment back when you leave.
     
  4. plant

    plant Heavy Load Member

    779
    619
    Sep 21, 2012
    Los Angeles, CA
    0
    So all Prime drivers have to pay for the misdeeds of a few?

    That policy is BS for a few reasons. First, company drivers usually have no choice in the freight they haul. So if I'm forced to haul wire mesh that will #### up my straps, or a tarped machinery load that is impossible to blanket and tape every little edge and corner, you can't put me in the hook for damaged equipment. It's YOUR freight that I had no choice in hauling. And an even more important point is that the owner of the means of production assumes more risk for a greater possible reward. A company driver does not own the means of production, he does not profit from risk, so why the hell should he on the hook for the downside of risk?
     
    bab1369 Thanks this.
  5. bab1369

    bab1369 Light Load Member

    175
    46
    Apr 14, 2013
    Laurens, SC
    0
    If i recall, the total cost was between $3000-$4000. Taken out at a set amount weekly that I cannot remember. Ms. Jamie is correct in that you coul sell it back, deeply discounted of course, or keep it when you leave provided it was paid off. I am glad I chose Swift. I have enjoyed working here more than my time at Prime. No issue with Prime, they can do as they choose with their policies but I have found Swift to be a fit for me. I have had zero issues trading in old, worn, or torn equipment.
     
    inkeper Thanks this.
  6. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

    12,647
    25,584
    Nov 23, 2012
    Yukon, OK
    0
    I was talking with a new flatbed driver, six months into running solo for Swift. He did his initial training in a van, then took the 5 day securement class and if I understand correctly he didn't have to go out with a trainer after that.

    One thing got my attention is he said he's averaging well over 3000 miles per week, upwards of 3500. Is that true for all you flatbedders? If I ever tire of mentoring and want to solo for a while maybe I should consider flatbed, I'd enjoy the physical work.
     
  7. plant

    plant Heavy Load Member

    779
    619
    Sep 21, 2012
    Los Angeles, CA
    0
    Yep miles are there. I ran 3700 miles from Mon the 4th to Mon the 11th. Killed my 70 but that's besides the point. They keep you rolling.
     
  8. inkeper

    inkeper Road Train Member

    1,440
    1,059
    Jan 30, 2011
    Texas
    0
    They need mentors in a big way.
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  9. Battle Born

    Battle Born Heavy Load Member

    833
    344
    Feb 26, 2014
    Scandia, Mn
    0
    I tried going flatbed out of Minnesota two years ago when I had a brief spell driving with my lp buddy. They made sure to tell me that they wouldn't send me to the flatbed side...I started on flatbed elsewhere, but I could have made more change running swift back then. Not so much now.
     
  10. bab1369

    bab1369 Light Load Member

    175
    46
    Apr 14, 2013
    Laurens, SC
    0
    You have got that right. Three messages last week asking if I was interested in being a mentor.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.