Diary of a current Swift flatbed driver

Great pics schmud0811! I sent in my orientation request last night to swift and am set up for Feb21st in Gary Indiana! So glad to finally get going!

 

I'm just starting out with Swiftg, going to school on Feb 16th in san Antonio. I drove a parking lot back in the late '80's and want to run flats. Will it be awhile before I can run flats with Swift? I previously drove for 6 years,

Pete in Texas

 

The recruiter that I am dealing with here in Ohio stated that I would be placed in flatbed right away after completing the academy. They ony take a certain number from Ohio each class for flatbed (or dry van). I won't go in suspecting the worst, but if after completing the academy, Swift management tells me, "sorry, we don't care what your recruiter told you; you have to start out in Dry van," I will simply pay my tuition; seek and obtain employment elsewhere before notifying Swift (so that someone doesn't try to screw up my DAC); take my cdl and say adios. I hope it wouldn't come to that, though. Gosh, some of you guys have caused me to become so cynical about people in the trucking industry!

 

You can get a flatbed mentor and start off in our division...however, the wait may be longer for a trainer. We are short flatbed mentors from my understanding.

 

FM was of no help at all. Hubby spent the night there because his FM told him someone else was coming to get the load. Then called back hours later and said no one would come til morning. Come morning FM called and said hubby was stuck with the load. Never said anything about a PO for Vee boards. TMC sent someone to help secure but the guy gave my husband a good luck and a prayer to send on his way. Husband didnt move til morning. Folks at the place cut him vee voards and helped secure the load. it was a baaaaadddddd week. Thanks anyway

 

Hey Schmud, I've been followin your thread and it's really got me motivated to be a flatbedder! I've only driven locally for my families company but wanna get out OTR for awhile. I've been hesitant bout it because I have to work out and stay in shape (can't stand not), and I noticed that you mentioned it a few times. Just seein if you had any tips as to when you get to and what you have found you can do!
Thanks,
BJ

 

did you get your truck fixed, where the dude ran into you?