Choices, choices, choices, got any suggestions?

All righty then, Swift it is!

Oh, never mind.


Just kidding Remrie. I'm a new driver for Swift and so far so good. Was the training great at Swift? Nope, but it was good enough.

Of the carriers with training programs I doubt there's a single one that hasn't screwed over a new driver or, at least, that has been reported to have screwed someone over. We only hear one side of an issue sometimes.

Do I recommend Swift? Nope, but their program got me from Point A to Point B to Point C, etc. Do I recommend that you stay away from Swift? Nope! It's really what you make of it. You could go to the carrier with the worst rep and shine. You could go to the carrier with the best rep and fall on your face. (I'm not really saying "you").

I've heard good things about Watkins/Shepard, Con-Way, Roehl (sorta) and others I can't think of right now. One of the best things you can do is find out which carriers (the ones that train) hire out of LA. Seems likely that most will, but you never know. Get on the phone, get online, ask questions and after you ask the questions and get answers come back here and the truly experienced drivers will lead you out of darkness and into the light.

 

Remrie --

I've followed your posts in other threads, and you sound to me like someone who is bright, disciplined, knows exactly what they want, realizes they'll have to work to get it, and---most important---are willing to do what it takes to get it.

A #### good potential employee, in other words.

Before getting into trucking myself I had several jobs with hiring authority, and can assure you that your attitude and presentation is exactly what bosses are looking for. I think all you have to do is "get your sheet" on the right desk.

The only obstacle you might have with some companies is an Old School mindset that "trucking isn't for women," but there are fewer of those every day. When you encounter one, just move on. Don't try to convince them otherwise because you'll only be wasting your time.

I don't know if Watkins Shepard has a terminal in/near L.A., but if you are interested in them---they're one of the better starter outfits---give their home office in Missoula a call and ask to speak to Matt Grandy. He's the head of their recruiting department and a very bright and straight-up guy. He'd love to talk to you, I think.

 

apply at Rohel........they have a student loan payback as long as you work for them. but you gotta act fast, if 60 days go by from your graduation, THEN you decide to go to work for them, they do not accept you unless you go back for the FULL training all over again......not a refresher course.

 

If you want to work for DOT FOODS, see if they have an opening on the dock. When they have an opening for a driver, you will be able to get into the truck. Other wise do what these other drivers say & check out those other companies.

 

Well, this may be hard for others to swallow....but even what i am going through presently (soon over...very soon) I still recommend Swift for someone just starting in this industry.

The biggest, or rather the highest possible negative, will be the fact that you are female. Only due to the availability of female Mentors with Swift. However, if you wouldn't have a problem going out (unchaperoned) with a Male Mentor...the waiting time for a Mentor could be a bit....delayed.

The Swift terminal...(Fontana, or Mira Loma...right under the I-10/60 interchange) is very busy of course...but drivers can tend to get stuck in L.A. due to the volume of freight inbound vs. outbound availability. But since that would be your home terminal...this actually becomes a non-issue.

Good Luck!

 

I don't think this will be a problem for her. Didn't you see the video of her smashing bricks?

 

Last time I checked, Costco required 2 years exp. If my government contract falls through, I'll be looking that direction.