Saw a real Swift move form a Swift driver.. lol

I have my own reasons for not liking Swift - posted elsewhere. Yes, I'll admit that they're a good fit for some people. I'm not,and never will be, one of them.

You have to wonder, though, about trainers who won't even let their trainees slide the tandems, much less back into a dock.

Have I seen other drivers pull some dumb moves? Yes
Have *I* ever pulled a dumb move? yes - but not one that endangered anybody
Have I ever had a wreck? yes- one, so far- backing into a very tight dock, broke a trailer door hinge.

So,while Swift doesn't have a monopoly on stupid moves, they do provide enough fodder for it to happen. Lots of drivers, lots of NEW drivers = lots of stupid moves. Some - such as the one I wrote about happening in Council Bluffs the other day - straight up dangerous.

Their DOT safety record isn't much worse than any other carrier, really, but I'd LOVE to see the numbers on non-reportables. How many mirrors and door hinges does Swift have to replace every month?

 

Wow, the intelligence of this post astounds me!

First: I use comdata also, but I still go to a Flying J from time to time, it's not just about fueling.
Sometimes you just need to find a place to park and the J is closer than the Pilot.

Second: Swift is ONE of the big companies, but is NOT the largest.

Don't be so offended about people picking on your company, Schneider, Swift, JB, Werner, US-X,
England, Crete... They ALL get it, so just simmer down a little.

I have made my share of mistakes, and I am sure you have as well.

 

Well...I can say I have made some stupid mistakes over the course of my driving, but I learned from them. I drove away with the fuel nozzle sticking out of my tank on at our Atlanta terminal. This is with 3 years experience at the time. Everyone got a good laugh at my expense....but i tell you what...I always triple check everything now.
I just can't see how someone's business model involves putting drivers with a few weeks experience in a class room out on the road with someone's freight and a large car alone. It seems there would be less accidents and less complaints about Swift if they have X amount of school, and after they obtain their CDL they have X months of training with an instructor. These new drivers still have the 4 wheeler mentality (most, not all, please don't take offense), but not the speed or shorter length to save them. I just hope these guys and gals learn from their mistakes instead of being ignorant to them. Rant over/

 

The other thing with Swift - don't know if it is still the same - is that they had trainers with only 6 months of experience. I know that for fact, as I had one of those trainers.

 

They still do as of last yr.

 

Figgers! I don't see how anyone could be qualified to be a trainer after only 6 months on the road.

 

I agree with that 100%!! I've got 5 years under my belt and still learn everyday. I would not be where I am at today if it were not for the help of the veteran drivers at my company. Someone with 6 months a driving experience, much less 6 months company experience is not qualified to teach someone how to operate an 18 wheeler or to train them in the ins and outs of a company.

 

They tried that with me once, and I said no. I'm a solo driver and prefer it that way. Plus I figure if I was ever to train, I want to have at least 5yrs under my belt before doing so. But that won't happen, because I just like driving by my self, unless the wife is sitting next to me..

 

I had a hard enough time with my older two boys and teaching them to drive cars. I never saw myself as the training type when I drove. I don't have the patience. I also have a hard time riding as a passenger with most people. My hubby is one of the few I can truly deal with riding with even in a car.

 

I taught my oldes to drive, and when she was ready, I made her test by a DOT officer. Not like most kids who are taught and tested by their parents. That is how they do things here.. Then when the parents think their ready, the give them a pice of paper saying the past or something like that. Then they go to the DMV and get their picture. But I think most parents forgot to teach their kids what a turn signal means, cause they don't use it oftern here..