1 year experience and two preventable accidents

the first couple years I had a few issues and was hired on at other places ... but this was over 20 years ago.
Apply and see what happens

 

I saw Central transport would hire me. Honestly I made some big mistakes and it’s all my fault. I’ve definitely taken precautions so it won’t happen again.

Honestly I love Swift but I need something local or I’ll have to get outta trucking for a couple of years. I found a really good local job that will take me on at Central transport and Penske. They both allow two preventables and I’m still looking. Gonna call Etes and Saia today and check craigslist. I’m not to picky but I want two days off and to make around $65,000 to $70,000 a year local. Five day work weeks. So far Central and Penske offer that. Looking for more options. From what I see online if I had gotten three preventables I would be so screwed right now.

 

Sounds quite "Picky" to me. Good luck!

 

Naw I also want free paid health insurance and bonuses throughout the year. On top of making like $80,000 a year. But I’ll take what I can get to sustain myself. I’m willing to lower but I have to go local

 

I'm sure you know this already.......but.......local driving requires very good Close Quarters driving and backing skills. Multiple stops per day. Swift is giving you a chance to redeem yourself and to hone those skills. You will also be working 14 hour days plus your commute. Those days may get shorter with experience......but as a rookie you WILL be slow. One Eff up with your new company could be disastrous to your career. Good luck

 

My backing is super solid and I’m working 14 hour days now so that’s not a problem.

And I’m not planning any more mistakes on the road. I’m driving very defensive now I should be fine. Things I didn’t know before I know now.

Edit: guys a company named pitt ohio is hiring with preventables in Virginia with up to three preventables. They’re very strict but you can get on. They pay exceptionally good with paid for health premium.

 

Lee804, Please do not think I am trying to discourage you, I am not. I just want you to walk into Local Driving with your eyes WIDE OPEN. I spent almost 2 years with Swift in 2 different stints. I had to come off of the road in between due to my Mom's health. I know you may be "burning through" your 14 hour clock on occasion, but........you are not WORKING 14 hours a day. I landed a local job with Coca Cola, (actually, they are regional "subsidiaries" that distribute Coke products.) I had 11 months of OTR experience at the time. I had a 25-30 minute commute to and from the warehouse daily. Had to be clocked in by 0500 daily during my training. Get the paperwork ( with my trainer of course). Get to the yard and find the assigned tractor and trailer, ( pre loaded with the deliveries for the day) Pre Trip, check out at the gate and sign for all of the product. Mind you, I am out with a guy that has been doing this for over 5 YEARS. Hit the road. MULTIPLE STOPS every day. Lift Gate, palletized product, tagged per stop. Hit stop # 1, an ARCO Gas Station C- Store. Work your way to a spot to park, out of the way of customers pulling in and out for gas, cigarettes, whatever. Also........maybe the "beer guy", "bread guy", " fuel guy".......that are also trying to deliver their stuff. Get the pallet of goods on the "porch" of said location, cut the stretch wrap, down stack the product in the proper stacks. ( You don't just drop a pallet of product and split). Wheel the stacks of product into the store, then.......wait for the Mgr./ Asst. Mgr/ loser cashier, or whoever has the time of day for you, to come over and count and inventory the product! Wait......you are not done yet.... After this fustercluck.....you take the stack of 2-3 Liter bottles of 6-8 different products and put them on the rack by the window next to the ATM Machine that Mom and her 2 did are trying to use. Now......wheel the 12 packs to the next asile and stick those......wait......don't forget to " rotate" these products! Old in the front....new in the back.... "check those dates!" Yes, there will be someone behind you, at some point checking that ####! Ok......floor is done. Now, grab the "cooler items". Wheel those stacks to the cooler. Have you ever wondered who makes sure that Monster, Dunkin' latte, Smart Water,.......blah blah blah, is in that slot when you hit 7-11 after work??? YOU DO!! Wheel your #### into the cooler and stack it in "your spot", unless the "Pepsi guy was lazy and put his stuff where yours was supposed to be. (Yes, some customers will eat you out to your company for your #### being where it is not supposed to be. Now.......once it is all in the proper place......fill the empty slots in the cooler. Pack up all or your trash and flats, load them up on your 2 wheel/ pallet jack, back up the lift gate into the trailer. Rinse and repeat about 15 time a day. Return to the warehouse 10-12 hours later, check in at the gate, inventory your shorts, damaged and extras. ( Hopefully you are close). Park the rig, do your post trip, fill out the DVIR. Back into the warehouse. Fill out necessary paperwork, turn in paperwork, get to the parking lot, get into your car, drive home, take a shower, eat ( maybe), crawl into bed, wake up 6 hours later and do it again. I know I just wrote a book......you may not have gotten 2 paragraphs in. But......if you did......I HATED THAT EFFING JOB WITH A PASSION. I hope you don't

 

I read it all man. And thanks for the advice. I’m trying to find something I will enjoy. I don’t hit 14 a day but I do work my 70 hours weekly so at the end of the day it’s all the same. I gotta give to work local so I’ll work longer for that. The key is I’m searching jobs that give at least two days off. Which I currently do not get. Like you I need to be home for a family situation.

But I’ve read the comments and I will be on a more serious notion of no more accidents.

 

14 hrs as a otr/regional driver is very different from local/ltl. In no way im implying you dont get tired as a otr driver but the difference is your bed is maybe 2ft unlike local where you have to commute daily.

Either way I hope op gets an ltl gig.