Question about coming back to Swift

Discussion in 'Swift' started by str8rida, Nov 1, 2012.

  1. str8rida

    str8rida Light Load Member

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    Nov 19, 2011
    kennewick, WA
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    I have a question about getting back on with Swift. I have a year of experience driving for Swift but it has been almost 8 years ago. I had to get out of the truck to raise my daughter solo. Now that she is old enough to be on her own I am ready to get back in a truck. I still hold my CDL. My question is what can I expect when I get back to orientation? Is it likely that I would have to go with a mentor again? (I have not been driving commercially since I left Swift)
    Any other things I can expect or advice? (besides any negative comments about working for Swift)
    Thanks in advance for any help and advice
     
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  3. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    May 3, 2011
    Redding,CA
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    you will def. have to do a refresher course and probably go back out with a trainer.
     
  4. slowlane

    slowlane Light Load Member

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    Jan 15, 2009
    Crystal River, Florida
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    I had almost 8 years of experience in OTR and got off the truck in 2003. 9 years out of the truck, and I had to start all over, school and all.
     
  5. str8rida

    str8rida Light Load Member

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    Nov 19, 2011
    kennewick, WA
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    I thought about going through a refresher course at the local CDL school, basically a day of driving, backing, pre trip etc - to get back in the swing of things. The only truck driving I have done in the last few years is bobtailing Pete's between my shop and the customer's terminal to do body and paint work.
     
  6. MicaBay

    MicaBay Medium Load Member

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    Nov 23, 2011
    Idaho, North
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    That's a great question for he recruiter... I don't see why they would make you go back to school but they may send you out with a mentor... As for Pay, they may start you at the bottom of the barrel.
     
  7. BadActor

    BadActor Light Load Member

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    Sep 5, 2012
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    I had to do three days orientation and 240 hrs BTW with a mentor after being out over three years. This was even with my current driving for the Guard, which they don't count. In a lot of ways, I think driving OTR has improved since when I left.
     
  8. str8rida

    str8rida Light Load Member

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    Nov 19, 2011
    kennewick, WA
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    Thanks for the input everyone. I can't see them even thinking about sending me through class again, since I still have my CDL. I can see the posibility of being sent with a mentor though. I had a hard time getting a hold of the local recruiter (Lewiston, Idaho) due to her schedule. I'm going to try and catch her in the morning and see what she has to say about it.
     
  9. BadActor

    BadActor Light Load Member

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    Sep 5, 2012
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    I thought it was worthwhile to run with a mentor. It helped to build confidence, as well as having someone there to ask questions and learn about all the things that have changed like state laws, HOS, etc.
     
  10. str8rida

    str8rida Light Load Member

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    Nov 19, 2011
    kennewick, WA
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    Good point. I have been thinking it wouldn't really be a bad thing. Thought / hope if i did need to run with a mentor it might be a shorter time than the 240 hours for a new driver. I'm sure several things have changed in the last few years.
     
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