Dsw /hds who are they ?

HDS Inc., DSW Inc. (Digby Southwest), and Choice Drivers were all run by Douglas A. Prall out of Tucson, AZ when I worked there (2004-2005 and 2007-2008). They also have a driving school.

DSW leases to Swift, which means Swift is your customer, providing the trailers and freight while DSW handles the trucks and drivers. Also, you get the first-pick -but heavy- freight which they reserve for their O/O's. (Most big companies give freight first to O/O's and teams, then the solo company drivers get whatever is left, and many try to give light loads to their company trucks for obvious reasons.) I worked for Swift before DSW, and maintenance was much easier with DSW. The trucks belong to DSW, so they handle maintenance their own way, and they have a shop on site, so you can get things fixed while you go home for the weekend. I don't know what it's been like lately, but I had a brand new Volvo. Very nice. The down side is that they're taking a cut before you get paid, so you'll have to run more miles for the money, but I remember it being much less of a headache to do that than work for Swift. The benefits will also be different.

HDS is a driver leasing company with many clients in the area. Some assignments are regular, everyday, ongoing jobs. Sometimes they will just provide a driver to cover for somebody who is sick or on vacation. Many are local, some will take you into New Mexico for a night. There were beverage deliveries, construction, produce, flatbeds, tankers, dry vans, straight trucks, etc.
Here's the dirt: When I was there, it was dispatched (run) by a Marine / Vietnam Vet. It's a good job for Marines. It's a good job for people who say yes and help him out. He remembers and rewards that. He's a polite guy who will work with you. Turn down lots of work or get in an argument with a Marine when you aren't one and when business slows, you may not get called. I heard a rumor that they give bad references to keep people coming back. I don't think I had that problem, but the second time they made a mistake on my DAK (reason for leaving = other) which cost me a job. They corrected the mistake, so make of that what you will and check your DAK. I think it was an honest mistake.

Choice Drivers is just that. If you're good and lucky, you may end up working for this division.

Overall, the people were polite, the work and pay depended on which assignment you were on, and it was a very good place to gain experience and connections in the area. (A CRUCIAL thing in Tucson, where everybody has a CDL.) When you leave, leave on good terms.

 

Eagle leases trucks and drivers to Werner. I domiciled my truck at their yard when I worked for Werner, and the guy who runs it is a great guy. If you want the advantage of Werner's freight (They run a lot out of their drop yard in Nogales, AZ.) without the nightmare of working for Werner, I'd recommend this. If you're thinking about DSW, I would check out Eagle first. They have their own shop and they're great people. The only disadvantage is Werner, but you won't be subject to most of their BS since you'd be working for Eagle, and their trailers have been better maintained since CSA 2010. Go check them out on Silverlake during regular business hours and you'll probably get to sit down with the owner for an informal chat.