Has My Driving Career Been Destroyed Before It Even Started..?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by smctransferllc, Jun 12, 2011.

  1. smctransferllc

    smctransferllc Medium Load Member

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    Jul 13, 2009
    KC, KS
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    I began driving for Swift last year (probably my first mistake), after going through their training in Millington, TN in December of 09'. I was a driver for them for 4 months, and was terminated due mostly to the faults of my assigned truck after they put the blame on my driving abilities.

    My truck had a lot of problems... It would randomly accelerate to speeds of up to 70MPH while in cruise mode, the speedometer wouldn't read the correct speed half the time and would work backwards, and the trucks safety sensors would generate false Critical Event and Hard Braking reports when nothing of the nature had occurred. I called safety at one instance, and the safety coordinator even confirmed I was going straight down the road when the CE sensor went off. The weather was clear, no traffic, and I was going a steady speed. The weekend I was terminated, my truck was repaired to full working order. I feel I was terminated wrongfully.

    It's been a year now since I've been off the road, and I have a strong desire to get back into it with a better company. Only, I realize most companies require drivers to have at least 6 months of experience.

    Has my driving career been destroyed before it really even began, or is there anything I can do? Are there companies that would take me on..? Thank you!
     
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  3. whosedog

    whosedog Medium Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2009
    fair lawn nj
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    Get your free Dac report from Hireright, see what Swift put in yours, you can dispute it,but it will take some time. My son was terminated for the exact same thing, hard braking after 3.5 months with werner,in a truck that even the tester said had faulty brakes,But it's their word against yours.After 20 applications with no replies he gave up,termination is the kiss of death IMO. He got a non driving job,pays well and home every night.There are guys on here that say I'm lying,or he is, about the circumstances regarding his termination ;they are entitled to there opinions.You may be eligible for rehire,the DAC will tell you that,and you will have to go through training again,then retest.You just have to find a company that will treat you fairly.Good luck!
     
  4. M818

    M818 Light Load Member

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    Apr 27, 2011
    Dallas, Texas
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    It stinks when a broken machine's word is taken over the truth. Computer errors and data entry issues have from time to time plagued everyone at home for a long time (think of billing issues etc), and now the same basic kinds of problems are getting into the high tech circuitry of new vehicles. A broken sensor, loose wire, the machine could make a random record of anything and it would not be true, yet that's never looked at and the company is never wrong, no matter if it is the employer or AT&T.
     
  5. gravdigr

    gravdigr Road Train Member

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    May 2, 2011
    Hollidaysburg, PA
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    I'm strongly considering running a cam hooked to my laptop that records on a loop in my cab when I start driving. I'll be driving for a BF company for a while and I do not want something like this to screw me over. At least if this goofy stuff happens I'll have documented proof.
     
  6. The Chameleon

    The Chameleon Bobtail Member

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    Jun 12, 2011
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    well, one company hired you when you had no experience, so im sure another company will hire you when you have 4 months! keep lookin buddy
     
  7. whosedog

    whosedog Medium Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2009
    fair lawn nj
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    Not likely,a termination in your DAC when you are a newbie is the kiss of death.IMO the only co that can clear it is the one that gave it to you,like I said 20 or more applications with zero call backs;I spoke to recruiters and they said no way,the only co that can clear him is Swift IMO.
     
  8. smctransferllc

    smctransferllc Medium Load Member

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    Jul 13, 2009
    KC, KS
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    Thanks a lot guys. I really appreciate your responses! It looks like all hope isn't lost for me after all, hah. I've found a number of companies that hire at less than 6 months experience. I'll have to check into these guys for sure!
     
  9. SmoothBore

    SmoothBore Medium Load Member

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    Jun 8, 2011
    The Desert
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    Good luck! I've been in your shoes, you will find someone that will give a good person a chance.
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2011
  10. whosedog

    whosedog Medium Load Member

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    Mar 18, 2009
    fair lawn nj
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    Keep us posted on your progress. Take care!
     
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