9 speed tips please.

Roehl is the best company on your list

 

If the "9 speed" is your main hang-up with Swift, then by all means, go back to Swift. 9 speed, 10 speed I can't justify making an employment decision based on this ... auto? maybe. As far as the others, I can't speak to them. But if you know Swift and how to work the Swift system, then I'd stay there. The others aren't going to offer much difference that that I'm aware of. Plus you might retain a certain degree of "seniority" which might make things easier.

 

9 speed is easier IMHO than 10 speed. Basically you forget about 1st, which I refer to as "granny low". I only use GL in tight quarters or pulling from a standing start with a heavy load on a steep hill.

Other than GL you have a basic H pattern, with low range and high range.

Since joining Swift earlier last year I've driven 9's, 10's, and 13's. Both the 13's were previous L/P trucks that were being "retired" to company trucks or sold off that I moved to their final disposition.

Of the three transmission patterns I think I like driving the 9 for the sheer ease of shifting. There's a broad range of mph's per gear after you get into high range, with 8th being particularly useful for everything from city driving to freeway speed in traffic.

 

U ever thought about Schneider? There a really good outfit...just sayin. I work for them as a tanker yanker...every person I run into is happy including me (which I never thought was possible working for a big company) Although I work the tanker division the van guys all seem happy too, afterall it is our bread and butter. Theres a good workforce morale here and its obvious that its a direct reflection of how Schneider treats there drivers. Schneider actually gets it, unlike other nightmarish companys Willing to provide more info. If interested about breakdown in pay, etc. But, u know, like I said, just giving u more options I suppose. Never worked for any of those other companys u listed so I cant compare them. Although, I did work for Covenant Transport...and In my opinion Schneider blows them out of the water in terms out benefits, pay, respect for drivers, operating centers, etc. Just my 2 cents for what its worth...maybe it helped u out, maybe not, Good Luck out there!

 

I can't give you 9 speed tips, but I can give you one: usually you can get more speed going down a hill vs. going up a hill. So try to plan your trip where you will be going downhill more than you will be going up a hill.