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Husband just started at Swift

Discussion in 'Swift' started by newtruckerwife84, Aug 30, 2013.

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  1. Aug 30, 2013 #1
    newtruckerwife84

    newtruckerwife84 Light Load Member

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    Mar 16, 2013
    O Kean, Arkansas
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    My husband had gotten his CDL in March through CR England and he quit them before his training was over, got a local driving job, then went to Swift once he got laid off. His training and orientation was at Gary, IN and I believe by his 4th or 5th day he was out with his mentor. So far it has gone well, except they forgot to add his layover pay to this coming check. He has over 50 hours and they told him he can test out at any of their terminals, BUT he will be based out of Memphis so he's really trying to get routed there but his mentor is based out of Gary and so far they've only been running New York, MA, OH, VA, ME and not getting any loads close to Memphis. He has also had issues with trying to get his direct deposit set up. I had assumed they would do all that before he even left on a truck but they didn't and he can only access what he needs to at a terminal. He is heading to Ohio today so hopefully he is able to do that since that is our only way to pay bills at home. The pay seems very very low during training and he's had to get advances just to be able to eat. His mentor is very nice and I like that while his mentor took his home time hubby was put in a motel(not a very good one) but it's better than him being stuck in the truck like at CRE. The main issue right now is getting to Memphis to test out and get his truck. It could be weeks before his mentor is routed that way so if he was to test out at a different terminal would he have to find his own way to Memphis or would they finally route them straight to Memphis so he can get his truck? Or could he get a truck wherever he tested out at?
     
    newtruckerwife84, Aug 30, 2013
    newtruckerwife84, Aug 30, 2013
    #1
    fr8te_sh8ker and mje Thank this.
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  3. Aug 30, 2013 #2
    markealy

    markealy Road Train Member

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    I worked at swift my pay never looked right actually I worked at ms carriers they got bought swift they had excellent health care plan talk to your hubby about eating out of the truck I cook with students in my truck stay off cash advances I spend 60 to 100 week on road expenses don't worry about getting to Memphis terminal east coast is best for training
     
    markealy, Aug 30, 2013
    markealy, Aug 30, 2013
    #2
    mje Thanks this.
  4. Aug 30, 2013 #3
    drvrtech77

    drvrtech77 Road Train Member

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    He should be able to test out & get his truck assignment where he test out at.
     
    drvrtech77, Aug 30, 2013
    drvrtech77, Aug 30, 2013
    #3
  5. Aug 30, 2013 #4
    inkeper

    inkeper Road Train Member

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    If he tests out at another terminal Swift will get him to Memphis or another terminal where there is a truck, either by bus or by riding with another driver.
     
    inkeper, Aug 30, 2013
    inkeper, Aug 30, 2013
    #4
  7. Aug 30, 2013 #5
    newtruckerwife84

    newtruckerwife84 Light Load Member

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    Mar 16, 2013
    O Kean, Arkansas
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    He didn't really have a choice about getting an advance, he had to eat lol. He was able to buy some bread and lunchmeat when he was at the motel and his mentor has a nice big cooler so that helps some. Thanks for the input.
     
    newtruckerwife84, Aug 30, 2013
    newtruckerwife84, Aug 30, 2013
    #5
  8. Aug 30, 2013 #6
    Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    When I was there, (4 years ago) you could test out anywhere there was a test driver (2nd mentor). If they didn't have a rig for the new driver there, they'd have you hitch a ride with another driver to the rig. I played taxi a couple of time for drivers to get a new rig or pick one up from shop.

    Pay was always low for trainees. Remember, granola bars can take you a long way.. :biggrin_25525:
     
    Palazon, Aug 30, 2013
    Palazon, Aug 30, 2013
    #6
  9. Aug 30, 2013 #7
    blsqueak

    blsqueak Road Train Member

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    If he is ready to test out, then the next terminal, let them know and he can test out there, and a good chance that they will have a truck. As far as Memphis, have the mentor put in for Memphis and he will get routed that way, as long as he states the reason. My one student was out of Lewiston, ID and he tested out of Columbus, OH and got his truck right there and was on his way to Lewiston.
     
    blsqueak, Aug 30, 2013
    blsqueak, Aug 30, 2013
    #7
  10. Aug 30, 2013 #8
    curiousalexa

    curiousalexa Bobtail Member

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    Keep a close eye on pay stubs. Have him keep a daily calendar of loads, mileage, expenses/reimbursement. Be prepared to call payroll weekly for things they "missed".
     
    curiousalexa, Aug 30, 2013
    curiousalexa, Aug 30, 2013
    #8
  11. Aug 31, 2013 #9
    newtruckerwife84

    newtruckerwife84 Light Load Member

    121
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    Mar 16, 2013
    O Kean, Arkansas
    0
    Thank you! Hopefully soon then he can get his truck :)
     
    newtruckerwife84, Aug 31, 2013
    newtruckerwife84, Aug 31, 2013
    #9
  12. Aug 31, 2013 #10
    Wolfyinc

    Wolfyinc Road Train Member

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    have him invest in some stuff for the truck such as something to cook with, I use a portable butane stove and shop at walmart when i can, with my stove I use a pot with a lid and boil water for cups of noodles, for can goods I tear off the label and put some water in the pan then cover it, after it comes to a boil i shut it off and I have hot food within 5 minutes and never have to wash dishes since the can is sealed.
     
    Wolfyinc, Aug 31, 2013
    Wolfyinc, Aug 31, 2013
    #10
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