I have read this thread and have learned alot. But I am at a point where I seek information as to what could be expected with a Swift career. I dont ask seeking any outcoms. I understand I will get the whinners and those who taint their good/bad points with fact. But, here goes. What about miles what is a average, for someone who wants to run but is a bit inexperienced? Does the company assist you with feedback and suggestions? Is their support from staf and drivers? Any and all information for a newbee (someone with a 20+ years of seperation from OTR). Last time I considered OTR was 1989. I am now considering it again after local driving. Looking for all updaqtes, guidance, advice, etc.
Keep this in mind, when you are looking at Swift or any mega-truckload carrier, you will be a number, not a human being. The only support that you will receive is what benefits their bottom line and nothing more or less. Actually, their equipment is valued more than you will be. Now if you can live or a better word, exist, under conditions like this, then go right ahead.
Swift has tons of training available for new drivers. Some of it is on the kiosk, some of it is actual classroom-with-a-teacher style, but it's available. Some of it is required. Swift is set up as a training company, and they understand that training continues after a driver goes solo. Miles will start low most likely. Give it a few months to pick up. Do your job and let them know you want to run. If you are still getting low miles, arrange a sit down with your DM, FM, TM whomever you can get together.
Actually it doesn't matter where you work ... large or small ... you will always be a number, if you let yourself be a number.
I couldn't disagree more with this statement. You are what you let yourself be. If you want to be just a number, then don't be friendly to anyone whether it be terminal staff or another driver. If you want to be an arse, you can be that too by badmouthing all the folks that work in the shops and at the computers...don't worry they will remember your number. But if you want to be known by your name, you have to work at it. You have to make a good impression every time you go to the window, every time you put your truck in the shop, every time you have any contact with your DM and anytime you talk to your fellow drivers. I am not saying roll over and play dead when something doesn't go well for you, that will just make you a doormat. If you are polite whenever you make contact with any Swift employee or customer, you will be remembered. For all you newbies, make sure when you meet your DM that you offer your hand first, man or woman. Be sure to tell them that you want to be able to put a face to their words on the QC, and hope that in time they will put your face with your words on there.
Actually that is a correct answer and I work for Swift. If you want everything sugar coated then you come to the wrong place. Drivers here will tell you the truth that are currently working for Swift. For me it was working out just fine up until the last three months. Dunno what the problem is bad terminal,bad DM I just don't know.
