False Swift Start

It's funny how different terminals of the SAME COMPANY operate in different ways. It's been my experience, and evidenced by the various road tests at my orientation, that they understand you are just out of trucking school, whether theirs or an outside school, and have no experience so they do not expect you to shift like a pro. The Mentors also realize that and understand that you will grind a few gears.

When I did my road test, there were two other drivers testing also in the same truck. One had just completed his six weeks and was testing out, the other was a fresh student like me only he had gone to a school that did not teach double-clutching, only floating. Problem was this guy couldn't float either. He couldn't find find fourth gear to save his life, and they still passed him. I only bring this up to show how different terminals operate differently.

Extra practice time is always a good thing, make good use of it. But don't expect to come out of it an expert either. I've been out here for about 7 or 8 months now and I still find myself revving when upshifting sometimes. My shifting isn't perfect either, but I have noticed I'm getting much better, though I still have moments of frustration. But slow and easy it's get done.

BTW, if Swift doesn't work out for you, there are companies that will take you without experience. They may not be much better than Swift, but any company is going to be what you make of it, good or bad.

Good luck to you.

 

You will soon find that most of the negative things on this site have the same ring to them. A lot of those are from people that have just heard bad things and are parroting them to cause arguments for their own entertainment. Most of the truly helpful folks on this site have a different feel to their posts... they actually take the time to read questions / statements and provide a thoughtful reply. Keep reading, keep us updated and you'll figure out which posts you can trust regardless which carrier you eventually hook up with. We all drive the same roads ... well, for the most part anyway.

I also recommend reading posts about companies that you may not be interested in working for... I have learned a ton on this site about everything from cooking in the truck to dealing with arrogant shippers and receivers. Good luck, and welcome.

 

West coast tends to be a little more stringent in the expectations.

An easy way to remember not to shove the clutch all the way to the floor is pretend there's an egg under it and you aren't allowed to break the egg.

As for cadence, think of that clutch as Morticia from the Addams Family. Remember that theme song? duh-Duh-DUh-DUNT!! (Snap--Snap) The timing between the two snaps is Clutch out-Clutch in. (Clutch out *snap*--Clutch in *snap*) It seems kind of quick when you're learning, but even though I float the gears today, I can still double clutch with the best of them...by remembering Morticia.

All you have to do is pass your driving test then do as your mentor requests. If all he wants you to do is not grind the gears, do what is comfortable for you. Keep in mind, though, you will test out with another person when you come in off your trainer's truck. Practice that double-clutch occasionally when there isn't much traffic around.

You will be fine on your next try. Be positive.

 

There are actually several starter companies out there that travel extensively through out Cali. If you're looking for a company other than Swift, check out the other DACs on companies like Stevens, and Werner for example.

I used to work for Stevens and I can tell you that working refers is a different experience, but it's all experience. Take the time to check out ALL the companies that accept new drivers. Talk to recruiters (take what some ... well ... most of them say with a large grain of salt), and talk to drivers. When I was looking for a starter company I actually drove to the nearest truckstop and spoke with drivers directly. You'll find that a good number are approachable and willing to help.

Good luck, but don't count Swift out yet. 40 hours of driving can seem daunting, but if it takes you further along the path towards your goal it's probably worth it. Don't be discouraged. It can be done.

 

Funny...just a side obser vation, but you mentioned pulling a rabbit out of a hat and the first member to answer you is Rattlebunny. I certainly hope I'm not the only one with an obscure sense of humor...

You have the right attitude. That by itself will get you far. Perhaps speak with the school and see if they will pencil-whip 40 hours for you. Just an idea. If not, there are quite a few companies hiring new drivers.

My brother started with CRST and seems to like it. Everything they do is teams. My brother is on their 20/10 program. Three drivers are assigned to each truck. My brother goes out for ten days with one of them, then drops him off and picks up the other. He's with that guy for ten days and my brother gets dropped off and the first guy teams with the second guy for ten days. Then it's my brother's turn again. CRST has a yard near Fontana.

So does Schneider. That's another company that hires new people. I have a friend who works there and has been for 15 years. He loves it there. I really don't hear their drivers complain much. But if you go to Schneider, you will have to drive a pumpkin and listen to other drivers rib you about that blue and white decal on the lower left corner of the trailer. People like to say it's so the Amish know which side to pass on.

You'll be okay regardless where you start your career. You seem to be flexible enough to do this job. That's half the battle right there.

 

Good luck with the new company search. Keep us posted as to where you land.