I started with Swift the first time in 2007 at the Jonestown, PA terminal, and I was not asked to perform a pretrip at orientation. I returned to Swift in 2015, this time at the Albuquerque terminal, and I was asked to do a pretrip before my road test. I can't say for certain whether you will be asked to do a pretrip in Lancaster, but best to be prepared. It's something you need to know, anyway. If you cannot inspect a truck, go get some more training. Ask for help. No shame in that.
When I did my road test back in 2013 they did not ask for a pre trip. However you should have this knowledge down and memorized, needed for road trip or not this is highly important. A proper pre trip can be the difference between an idiot rookie and a safe experienced driver. I cant tell you how many times I had issues with trailers or a truck I jumped in, if its questionable then dont move it.
I think it depends ... and somebody correct me. If you go through the Swift school you road test after you're done with your mentor. No pre trip since you covered it and tested for it in school ... Same thing when I tested out with CRE, where I went to school. But ... When I came over to Swift from the outside. I road tested before I even started orientation and the pre trip was part of the road test.
Pretrip is a necessary part of trucking as breathing is to living. Failure to pretrip and you get into a smash and you speak in court later you didnt do a PTI or god help you did not know how to do one... You just made a jackpot for the weeping survivors across the room. It's really important to check that rig for problems constantly before it becomes a problem. You wont believe how the smallest stuff broken becomes a huge expensive ongoing night mare that wont stop. Because you did not check. Even today I check our cars before we get in. It's nuts. But once in a while we catch something that really needs work. Im not your opponet. There are certain things that has to be done in this industry built on blood, regrets and tears because it was not done.
I actually pre trip my cars too and make sure all lights etc look good and once a week I check fluids belts etc.
people have answered, situations change, the person giving the road test change etc. Best be prepared to do it no matter what.
