Does Swift use automatics out of the academy?

Discussion in 'Swift' started by Xzay, Jul 5, 2016.

  1. Xzay

    Xzay Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2016
    Messages:
    264
    Thanks Received:
    184
    0
    I know the academy you test and practice on Manuals.

    Take ya CDL test in a manual.

    But whats after that?

    I know they said we have a road test in the morning, is this on a auto or manual?

    What about with your trainer and your own truck?
     
  2. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2010
    Messages:
    14,663
    Thanks Received:
    18,419
    Location:
    Burnsville, MN
    0
    The road test will be on a manual in an older truck.
    Whatever your mentor has is what you will use, obviously.
    When you get your own truck it will depend on if it is a newer or older truck.
     
  3. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2012
    Messages:
    2,368
    Thanks Received:
    1,334
    Location:
    Somewhere I'd rather not be...
    0
    The mentor program is going 100% auto. All new mentors have to have auto trucks. The only sticks are those already in the program.

    Academy is still doing sticks, and will likely continue to do so, so their graduates don't have the auto only restriction on their license.
     
  4. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2010
    Messages:
    4,246
    Thanks Received:
    5,230
    Location:
    SoCal
    0
    Hard to believe we have "drivers" in the industry who dont know how to shift gears.
     
  5. scottied67

    scottied67 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2010
    Messages:
    10,818
    Thanks Received:
    12,622
    Location:
    california norte
    0
    It is an indirect mind control retention program. You train on a manual but run an automatic for about a year when you have that magic amount of 'experience' to upgrade to a better driving job but it has been over a year since you drove a manual so you fail your road test at the new company see and have to come back to Swift.
     
    QuietStorm and RedRover Thank this.
  6. superscooter

    superscooter Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2016
    Messages:
    119
    Thanks Received:
    30
    Location:
    Boonville Missouri , right by I-70
    0
    So is most of the fleet automatics then? I'm wanting to go to their school and then go flatbed.
     
  7. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2012
    Messages:
    2,368
    Thanks Received:
    1,334
    Location:
    Somewhere I'd rather not be...
    0
    The '16 and newer company trucks are all autos.
     
  8. wyldhorses

    wyldhorses Medium Load Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2012
    Messages:
    470
    Thanks Received:
    351
    Location:
    United States
    0
    Manuals are going away, fast. Two years ago people said you would never see a big company like Swift switch to all autos - well they are. Just like almost all modern trucking companies. In 5 years they will be as rare as a manual in a 4 wheeler. In 10 years manuals will be ancient history and museum pieces.
     
  9. WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2011
    Messages:
    3,424
    Thanks Received:
    2,143
    Location:
    Broomfield, CO
    0
    Maybe for you OTR drivers. Autoshifts still have a LONG ways to go before they're ready to take on any sort of severe duty work. Sure, the Allisons can do it... but the gaps between gears are a bit much for trucks which have to function in both environments.
     
    roadranger550 Thanks this.
  10. Luse

    Luse Medium Load Member

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2010
    Messages:
    509
    Thanks Received:
    627
    Location:
    Middle of nowhere Montana
    0

    Na they are fine hell, in the army the hett's been automatics for over 20 years. With both Allisons and Eton fuller. They haul over 70tons with them.....
     
    Masshole/Noobie Thanks this.