1 year experience and two preventable accidents

I say stay where you're at for another year or two and move slow. I got canned from Swift back in 2007 after 13 months there. Four preventables too many that could've easily been curtailed had I not been rushing and depriving myself of sleep. I would also try jumping into any local or dedicated accounts there to get yourself familiar with a routine.

Of course nothing wrong with putting out apps to the LTL outfits and seeing what happens. Definitely better pay and benefits on that side. Only reason I haven't switched from my current tanker gig is how lenient is over here as far as running goes.

 

Apply and see what happens. If you're not hired, ask why?
Bumping the mirror is nothing to worry about, being stuck in icy weather is a little different.

 

What challenges did you face finding another trucking job after being fired with 4 preventables? Luckily you were still able to land on your feet.

 

No. Do your time. Swift did you a favor. Show some class and pay it back. Earn some "attaboys" to clean up your "oh s#$t!".

 

You have to wait this out where you are... If you did move it would look worse trying to get into an LTL. Another year should do it...

 

Had to go with one of those squirrely, 1099 container outfits for several months until the guy folded. Between 2007 and 2010, only work I was doing was security guard work when I wasn't employed with the 1099 outfit. Luckily, that six months with them allowed me to get on with Western Express in late 2010. If I didn't get hired there, I was already taking welding classes at the local college. However, that went smooth and I was able to resume. Been driving tankers since 2012 after getting about a year or so more of van time in.

 

Understand your concern. I had 2 preventables in my first month solo. Both were minor accidents at truck stops.
Anyway, here is where I think you are fortunate. In my experience and what other Swift drivers have shared with me, Swift doesn't have any problems with you stopping if you think road conditions are too bad.
So, you have the ability to be a bit gun shy with road conditions. If they start looking questionable to you, don't hesitate to park it. Considering the potential consequences of another accident, I'd be darn careful not ot push it.
I finished the load from.... not a nice place... just a couple days ago. I was coming from Illinois to Utah. What normally would have taken 2 & 1/2 to 3 days, took me 11 days. I got stopped for a blizzard in Iowa, snowstorms in Nebraska, more snow and high winds in Wyoming. I actually did 3, 34 hour resets on that single load. And, I did not receive a service fail! I stopped for safety reasons. The load made me feel defeated, dejected, inept and incompetent. But, everytime I stopped was honestly because I felt it too unsafe for me to be driving (I have little winter driving experience even in a 4 wheeler). And, I didn't get back on the road until conditions allowed me to. It was the craziest f'ed up trip I ever done and hope to never repeat. But, it is a prime example of what I mean by you have the luxury driving for Swift that you do not have to push it when road conditions are marginal. Considering what you have to lose, I recommend you don't hesitate to park it somewhere.

 

And you were probably paid $75 per day during those down days, if your DM was doing their job.
Not the best compensation, but it is something.

You're right. Swift will never lay a penalty on a driver for shutting down when the driver considers it unsafe to drive. They welcome that attitude.

Last weekend I was shut down because I didn't like the road conditions.
A message from my TM said "Good call, keep us updated".