going to Swift

John b from beaverton oregon, thanks luis

 

Here is an example of Swift getting razed. I worked for them for a yr, before going local. On my first trip to Phoenix I stopped at the flying J right down from the terminal. Another driver said "O Swifty do you need someone to park that for you" After I got the truck in the whole on the first try everything was quiet. I never heard much from other drivers about driving for Swift, but when I did all I would say is "you have to start some where, and they treat me pretty good..

 

I work for Swift and yes I could make more money flipping burgers. I have wanted to do trucking since '79 and finally got into it. I see Swift as a stepping stone, and they see me as cheap labor. I need the training, they need the trainees as that is their business plan.
I still think it's ludicrous that a person can spend $4000+ & a month or so to get CDL training, operate a $200k tractor/trailer (not counting cargo), be responsible for other's lives on the road and not even make what a burger flipper makes, it's unreal!

 

You will be fine.. I finished school in early Nov '08 and didn't drive again until late Nov. It's like a bike, you don't forget. They aren't overly picky, just don't shift on RR tracks or do anything dangerous. Only one guy in our whole orientation of 30+ failed. We drove an older FL Century with a straight 10 for both roadtests. (You do a second test after you finish with your mentor).

 

Everyone has to start somewhere, retain what you learn and drive safely, no matter who you work for.

 

I had a similar experience at a Loves and I stopped backing in, pulled out, came back around and blind sided it in (there were 3 spots right next to each other so it was easy)... got it right in and some other dude said "dang swifty knows how to back.... hes working for the wrong company"

I have been with Swift since July 08 and even though I had some problems with my first driver manager, now that I got a new one I'm doing really good. 9500 miles for this month after I finish this trip to Atlanta. Not bad!

 

i agree there is to much negativity about swift and alot of other companys. you have to start somehere and as far as the truck telling on you maybe you should slow down and follow the company rules this is a good example of doing what you whant instead of doing what you are told. there is a reason they want you to drive safe. come sombody say follow directions