Look, none of you were in the truck with this guy, none of you were threatened by him. So enough with the self righteous holier then thou BS that I should become the whistle blower here and put myself in a worse predicament. So easy for someone who is not in that persons shoes to say just go ahead and do it. This problem existed well before us "newbs" got here, but you suggest us rookies take on the trash companies. Hell, you guys have been here a lot longer, why don't you do it?? Why leave it up to the rookies to fix what was broken long ago. To even get started driving a lot of us "newbs" have to start somewhere and unfortunately this industry makes it so we have to go with one of these not so desirable companies. Over 95% of companies out there require 1 year or more of experience, so how do you suggest we get it?? TBH, if I knew what I know now, I may of choose a different career path then driving a truck.
They're not trying to make light of what you went through, However the head office should be notified of what this guy was doing to you. This "trainer" needs to be reported, seriously, This guy seems to be a time bomb ready to go off, and it won't be pretty. I'd feel pretty bad if I didn't report someone who is a serious safety problem, and he winds up costing someone their life. Unfortunately you picked the most hated company on these boards to start your driving career with. I know Schneider trains new drivers, you just have to look for the 5% who will help you start. If you have to relocate to find the right company, so be it. You wouldn't be spending much time at home anyway. Some members of this forum don't consider this a job, more of a lifestyle. Did you go through Swift to get your CDL? BTW, If someone threatens me, they'd better sleep with one eye open. I can be the nicest guy to deal with, but I can be persuaded otherwise in the right circumstances.
My first trainer was like this. He made the mistake of telling me he had a gun in the truck. When we were stopped to unload, after him driving almost 48 hrs with no sleep, I noticed a cop across the street. I took the gun out of the truck and flagged down the cop and my trainer was arrested. This was after telling the company they had to get me out the truck. This guy was hallucinating and swerving. Similar to the story you tell. But the musical punishment was not rap.
You are correct. But you must also realize. We CAN NOT do anything about this guy. We have no access, nor have we witnessed his actions. This IS the job of the newer drivers. Like it or not, the only way this industry will be rid of guys like this, will be when the new guy steps up to the plate. Simply because us older and experienced drivers have no access to them. So we don't see the issues, until someone tells us. And we're the wrong ones to be telling. Unless you just want to vent. And you're welcome to do that all day And trust me, if this is the worst that happens to you over the next 3-5 years. Count yourself very fortunate. It can, and may get worse. This is an industry that chews people up, and spits them out without any remorse for the lives that may be destroyed. But, I do think you have learned something about your fellow forum members. As in why some of us seem to be a bunch of whinners. There's lots to whine about in this business. Enough for everyone
So I did report him, and Swift asked if I had proof. What?? How can I prove any of this?? It was just he and I in the truck. So much for being the whistle blower, I guess next time when I go out I should bring a video cam. Anyhow, so far my 1st opinions about trucking are not good. It seems for someone coming out of school, the only way to get experience is to go with one of these OTR companies. From what I can see there really isnt any good OTR companies, they all have horror stories and such. Its truly a shame that this is the best and from I read on here only option for new drivers. Not one of these OTR companies I read about in here are much good, so Im left scratching my head as to why I even bothered to get my CDL.
Typical answer, from one of the typical bottom feeders of the industry. Trust me. There are good companies, there are good jobs. They just don't advertise as much. They have fewer openings, and a long list of applicants. I feel like I work for a very good company. Especially after the years I spent plowing through the slums of the trucking industry.
So who are some decent companies I can apply with that will take a student fresh out of school. I want to be a professional driver, not just some half assed, half trained joke. Im totally turned off by Swift and Im doing everything to avoid going out again with them. Even if that means dock work.
CFI/Conway Maverick Watkins & Shepard BTI - Memphis, Tn Theres a whole host of companies willing to hire new graduates. You just need to be selective, and take your time in research.
I turned in a swift "driver trainer" I use the term loosley. after he tried to sell drugs in a truck stop while in his truck!!! not only that,ther was some other stuff as well. I had his trainee as a witness that it was not the first time it happened! finally got him fired but it took some work. Swift is not interested in safety, the publics,the trainees, or anyone elses. It is my firm opinon they should be shut down.
Kilroy your right about your word against his, but if he has other complaints it will be more then your word. Contact PHOENIX Driver Services let them know (memphis is useless most times). This so called mentor should not be training. When I went through mentor training in Phx I was trained by the guy in charge of the mentor program, he wants to know of these bad mentors so he can get them out of the program. Good Luck and keep it safe.
