Applied with swift...

Discussion in 'Swift' started by FireFighter_02, Mar 9, 2016.

  1. FireFighter_02

    FireFighter_02 Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2014
    Keystone heights, fl
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    I just applied wih swift as I've been out of cdl school since early 2014 and haven't used my cdl yet, however the time has come that I need to make more money. Swift seemed to be the only ones that would take me, so I'm hoping things work out, I have a few questions for current swift drivers
    1. Have the driver facing cameras affected your ability to do your job?
    2. How much time will I spend with a trainer and what will I be doing when I'm not driving?
    3. I haven't drove a truck in 2 years so I'm worried I won't remember pre trip things or be bad at shifting again, I never got used to the double clutching I could always float with no issues but I would grind when I double clutched
    4. When I go out on my own for the first time, will there be someone I can call if I get in a hard place?
    5. Is the pay enough to live on?
    6. Where is orientation and how long?
    I haven't spoke to my recruiter yet so maybe she will cover some of this for me but I would like to hear you guys experiences with swift.
     
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  3. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Nov 1, 2010
    Burnsville, MN
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    1. I don't have one yet, but I doubt it will hinder my abilities.
    2. When you are not driving you will either be studying or sleeping or eating or showering or...
    Figure 6-8 weeks with your trainer (mentor, as they are called at Swift).
    3. I doubt they will simply put you with a trainer at first. You will need a refresher course, which means doing the whole school thing again.
    4. You can always call your DM, or ECT if your DM isn't on duty. You can call shippers/receivers for directions if you need to. There are always options, even if it calling the local police for help getting out of some where you shouldn't be.
    5. That depends on how much you need to live on.
    6. That depends on where you are in the country. Orientation is usually 3 days.
     
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  4. FireFighter_02

    FireFighter_02 Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2014
    Keystone heights, fl
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    Thanks, I live in north Florida, about 10 mins outside of starke. Thank you for the information.
     
  5. Kindle

    Kindle Medium Load Member

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    Oct 6, 2012
    Charlotte, NC
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    Moose nails it though I disagree on the cameras. I have one, I hate it, he knows I hate it. I was hired by Swift 9 months out of school, two years though yea you'll likely have to do the refresher but in your favor all newer trucks have automatics.
     
  6. FireFighter_02

    FireFighter_02 Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2014
    Keystone heights, fl
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    That blows, I hate automatic trucks
     
  7. Kindle

    Kindle Medium Load Member

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    Oct 6, 2012
    Charlotte, NC
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    As far as I know anything 2015+ is automatic. I have a bad left knee, it likes the auto.
     
  8. FireFighter_02

    FireFighter_02 Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2014
    Keystone heights, fl
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    Well #### lol I guessill have to suck it up and run the auto. What are they running? As far as trucks I see mostly volvos
     
  9. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Nov 1, 2010
    Burnsville, MN
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    Of the newer trucks I see mostly Cascadia's and T680's.
    Is Swift buying new Volvo's these days?
     
  10. FireFighter_02

    FireFighter_02 Light Load Member

    245
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    Mar 28, 2014
    Keystone heights, fl
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    Idk the ones I see around the local walmarts are mostly volvos and freightliners
     
  11. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

    13,776
    16,234
    Nov 1, 2010
    Burnsville, MN
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    I'm due for a new truck soon, and I'm wondering what I might get.

    I've driven mainly Volvo's, but have had a ProStar and Cascadia as well.
    I liked the ProStar the best overall, except for its reliability.
    My current Volvo has been the best of the lot in terms of reliability. I got it new in 2012 (it is a '13).
    The Cascadia was a sweet ride, but I didn't like the storage space or the sun visors.

    I've never been in the 680. It looks nice from the outside, but what is it like inside?
     
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