after orientation w/swift

If you live within a 50 mile radius of a terminal, You will be parking your truck at the terminal.

With that said, there have been times where I was allowed to bobtail home (173 miles away). Majority of the time I got a trailer attached so that I'm ready to roll when I get off home time and don't have to go hunting.

 

Hey Paw, How you doing? Still enjoying being back at Swift????

How's things going?

 

How long you all been running with swift(you last 2 posters ) Do you know n e thing about their flatbed division.???????

 

I have toyed with the idea of being a mentor but not sure at this point.

 

Things are still going well. They keep me moving. I have found the key is to communicate and let them know you will do what needs to be done to make it work. The problem with so many, and not just Swift drivers, is there is an "us vs. them" mentality. I am not pleased with them no longer reimbursing for showers but I understand that the bottom line is shrinking due to soft freight. I would rather make $120 a day in miles and pay for a shower than to be out of work. I look at it as a partnership and will do everything I can to help the company succeed. As a result, I am already almost always being preplanned before I deliver.

Example of the importance of communication. I am parked where it is going to be 9 degrees tonight. With all the concern about idle times, our terminal has said that if we will be below 15 degrees we can idle. However, I decided to send them a message letting them know of the weather situation. This saves my DM having to research that to answer to the TM when my idle is higher on this run.

 

OK so I finished up my 42 days. 100% on the silly open book test at the end. (Didn't open a book to pass it either lol) Got the release to solo road test done flying colors. got Mentors blessings and rave review. got the DM I wanted.
I have been home for 9 days and was called 2 days ago and told to be at the term tomorrow for my Truck! the 9 days was nice and I got a lot done that needed to be done but I am ready to get back out

I will try and start posting a bit more for those who might be interested in the ramblings of a New Swift Driver...

More Soon...

 

Keep US updated and good luck out on the road and don't let the supertruckers bug you. Go have fun.

 

congratz on getting a truck of your own.

I envy you

 

Going on 8 months..

flatbed division is cool if thats what ya wanna do. You go out with a regular mentor, then go for flatbed training (2 weeks) then go out with a flatbed mentor.. then you're on your own.

Pretty much its that simple minus a few details. Oh, wait.. You get paid $.01 more than I do.. Hmmmm just doesn't seem right.. Oh well Hope you really like flatbedding.. LMAO

 

It's realy funny how you mention Communication and the whole "Us vs. Them" thing.

I have to admit I had that attitude. Once I checked my attitude things got a whole lot better for me.. lol.

Things are good i'm still rolling.