My Swift Experience

Guys I read this thread:

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...t-swifts-current-mentor-trainee-protocol.html

I am impressed and will not hesitate to speak up if I feel I need more one on one time in certain areas. I do however need my alone time. How would I approach my trainer?? I am sorry to ask but I just do not wanna sound like a idiot out of the gate you know. I wanna learn how to back and not be afraid of it and go down grades. But driving a truck with two people often means we need some time to ourselves. Sorry to ask so many questions late at night but I thought I better ask.

KH

 

I have no clue my training adventure with Swift begins in the morning and I'm so wound I can't sleep imagine that. When I get on the truck and get wifi I'll gladly share, I have been using the Millington 12/13 thread but, I might just start a new one. Good luck KH if you happen to run into a tall nigerian at ocala his handle is 'Juice' hahaha.

Clean side up!

 

Pretty sure you're more informed than a lot of these new students that get on their trucks. Just have some faith and condfidence in yourself. The time to yourself part? Could be a little tricky depending on what you mean. Like just alone? Not often or even sometimes but there should be occasions.

 

I am currently out with my mentor (yesterday was first day out). So far, I have had some time to myself both evenings at the TS. I hope you guys get some alone time too! You should talk to your mentor and see if they have a spare key for you, allowing you some more freedom.
Best of luck, and safe travels....
tapeworm

 

I called my recruiter and she said my start date has been pushed back to the 14th. I am gonna call her every single day till the Friday before the 31st and see if a slot opens up. She told me that academy students get priority over truck driving school grads, which I am in agreement with.

KH

 

Hi all,
I am through with driving school March 10. I have 4 pre hires so far, Werner, Swift, H.O.Wolding and ROEHL. I am also sending one out to TMC. I stumbled on this forum a couple of days ago and found it full of a lot of good info. I am really interested in hearing how you all make out with Swift. I was going to sign on with ROEHL but I did not like the answer to a question I had for them. Thanks for your posts and good luck.
Lee

 

Well KH, congrats. As a former Swift driver, hope your experience was as good as mine.. Yes I did not make as much money as I figured, but most of that was my fault as I was new.. Keep your record clean, and your truck in top shape and you should do just fine.. Make sure you do a proper pre/post trip daily, as that will help insure your truck will be in tip top shape, and less down time in the shop.. Also keep it as clean as possible.. Never in my yr did I ever get pulled into scales or any other inspection, cause my truck was always clean and properly inspected.. You have plenty of people here to call on if you have any questions. I was not that lucky, as I did not know of this place when I started out.. Remember if you have any issues at all with your mentor ie, he/she is rude bossy over bearing. No clean, doesn't do his pre/post trip, does not let you do the proper backing or drive much, Make sure you report them to your driver service rep asap. They can not do any thing about any issues you have, if you do not call and let them know..

 

Dragon,

I appreciate the advice and will most definitely take it and put it to good use. I also will not hesitate to ask for help in the areas I need it. Lets be frank, I am not perfect; However, I do strive to do the best job I can do. I love to learn and hopefully my mentor realizes this.

Engine,

Welcome to the forum. You will find a lot of useful information here. My reasons for choosing Swift:

• I live in FL- A be tough place to be because everything goes in yet hardly anything goes out hence few hire inexperienced drivers (I have three months)
• Training program
• Equipment
• Amenities Swift only allows plug in inverts which is no big deal
• Trailer ratio to tractor which is vital when searching for an MT at the end of a drop and hook
• Terminal location (I live only well lets just say for my privacy 3hrs a away and my grand parents live right by)
• I can take my truck home rather than have it slip seated
• Type of freight you can haul- Dry Van, Reefer, Flat

Everyone has THEIR needs from a company. Here was my list in order of importance:

• Does the company hire from FL? YES
• Does said company have decent equipment?? YES
• Can I go out with a trainer to learn the system? YES
• Does the company have the freight to keep me moving? YES
• Can I be a Solo driver not be forced to team? YES
• I can take my truck home? YES
• Can I make a career out of driving with this company? YES
• Does the company offer decent insurance?? YES

Wannabe drivers, I suggest you make your own list.

KH

 

Looks like you did you homework, that is the first step to a successful trucking career..

 

KH
Thanks, and yes I had quite few questions and still have some time left before I have to make a decision. I will be folowing this thread and continue to do my homework.