Driver leader angry with me because I declined running reefer

yes because reefer sucks, smart move turning that down.

 

That's the thing with Swift.. The Driver Leader is not the Planner. Two very different people, sometimes in the same building, usually not. There is no reason the DL should care, unless it was a dedicated (Costco) run the the terminal manager is putting pressure on the DL to get drivers to be on the run.

 

I don't know how you guys get the freight to fit in those things....

 

That picture is Leavitt's Freight Service. They hire new cdl grads.

 

I tried two times with them, they seem to have their picks and I even tried to changing Terminals but it was the same. I didn't want OTR and even asked for Dollar Tree but nobody budged. I don't know why but it seems different for some than others and this last time they stuck me with a new DM trying to figure things out and would tell me one thing then say another, my DM was nice but I just couldn't get in tune with her. So, since my uncles Co Driver quit he wanted me to Team with but boy did wish I would have listened to my gut feeling because it didn't last long.

I'm not downing Swift because I loved everyone there, well drivers and some in office but others make me want to scream. I guess some drivers too because this last time it was not the same and just about every trailer I got in has an issue that could have been fixed if wasn't for lazy drivers.

 

My picture, my load.

And yes, we do hire new CDL grads from time to time but I wouldn't suggest this company to new grads unless they are really, really the type to not need your hand held. I don't think the training here is really geared toward new people, and I'm not a fan of dealing with the problems new drivers tend to create.

But we do tend to have a bit of fun and if someone is the sort to be able to land on their own two feet and not need someone to hold their hand, and don't feel like going through a mega for their training, we have been known to hire new grads.

 

I would give it allittle extra time and if your DM keeps giving you an attitude then request a new DM.Swift loses drivers left and right and this is one of a million reasons why.Sad thing is they don't care.Your DM didn't need to give you the third degree,you said no he should have left it at that.You played it smart and stuck to your guns.Many times dispatchers get their way no matter what it is because them or their boss intimidates or bullies the drivers.

 

Reefer work is a lot of labor in some areas. And money too. You will get bored with van soon enough maybe.

There is also flatbed tanker etc. Put in your time and move to a new company asap.

 

Shrug it off.

So the Driver Leader (what a stupid title!) throws a hissy. Be sure not to lose any sleep. After all, you came there to win popularity contests.

 

You did the right thing. You are THE expert on you. I might consider asking for another dispatcher, but I don't know if the will penalize you for that.