Starting Orientation 7/16/2012..

Discussion in 'Swift' started by Neekva757, Jul 8, 2012.

  1. Neekva757

    Neekva757 Bobtail Member

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    May 22, 2012
    Hampton, VA
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    I am starting orientation with Swift on July 16th and reading through the not so informative threads for Swift, I am looking for as much info as possible as to what it is like to go through the orientation and 6 week training process.. I haven't been hearing good things from what I have been able to dig up online, so I am hoping to hear from some of the veterans and some of the new drivers who have just recently finished up their training within the past month or so..
     
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  3. ShootThis

    ShootThis Medium Load Member

    Everyone has to start somewhere,just stick with it good and bad and get through it.You can always move on later after you get some experience.
     
  4. Neekva757

    Neekva757 Bobtail Member

    39
    4
    May 22, 2012
    Hampton, VA
    0
    I do understand what you're saying, but I'm really looking for specific info on the company especially with the training and orientation process.. Have you worked for Swift before?..
     
  5. ShootThis

    ShootThis Medium Load Member

    Worked for them for a year,not as a new driver.My wife attended their driving school and rode with a mentor.She then teamed with me.Have you got your CDL already?
     
  6. Neekva757

    Neekva757 Bobtail Member

    39
    4
    May 22, 2012
    Hampton, VA
    0
    Yes, I've gotten my CDL already.. Went to a trucking school here in my home state..
     
  7. ShootThis

    ShootThis Medium Load Member

    Orientation is pretty simple.Just alot of paperwork,listening to policies and procedures,log books etc......Just make sure you have everything they told you to bring.On the last day they give out driver codes.If you get one you are hired.Then you go out with a mentor,you may get one that day,you may not.Either way you will be with them for around 6 weeks.Hopefully you will get an actual mentor and not some moron training for the extra pay.If you have problems you can contact the training fleet manager and see about getting another.If everything goes good after you get your hours in you will test out and get your own truck and be on your way.
     
  8. Neekva757

    Neekva757 Bobtail Member

    39
    4
    May 22, 2012
    Hampton, VA
    0
    That's the kind of info I'm looking for.. Now here's the thing.. I'm a big guy, I'm 6 ft tall and I weigh about 395.. It's fluctuated over the past year or so as I was employed, then unemployed.. I did a DOT physical at the school where I received my CDL, however it was done by a chiropractor.. Smh.. I was given a 3 month certification and told that I need to get it down by the time the 3 months are up.. I found here in one of the forums that says Swift performs a Well Physical or something like that and they will check my BP yet again.. Will have a higher blood pressure bar me from employment with them or will they honor the 3 month medical card I already paid for and received?..
     
  9. ShootThis

    ShootThis Medium Load Member

    No they wont,they have their own doctors who perform DOT physicals,your recruiter should have to you that and if there is an swift approved one near your home.I have a friend that still works for them and weighs around 360 but is only 5' 8" but he has no BP problems.Contact your recruiter tomorrow and find out.Nothing worse than getting all the way there just to be sent home.Good Luck.

    391.41(b)(6)
    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm
     
    Neekva757 Thanks this.
  10. Neekva757

    Neekva757 Bobtail Member

    39
    4
    May 22, 2012
    Hampton, VA
    0
    I'm gonna email her in just a second.. I'm supposed to go to orientation in Richmond, VA which is fairly close to where I live but like you said, I'm not in a position to waste my time going out there for nothing..
     
  11. MicaBay

    MicaBay Medium Load Member

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    Nov 23, 2011
    Idaho, North
    0
    They will do their own. They want to cover the bases them selfs.
    You'll have to another physical through a Swift funded physican. Bring any and aall medical records... I had a skull fracture three years before joining swift yet they would not clear me without my doctor saying I wasnt on any meds and so forth... So have everything ready... This is a job interview! You're not hired yet.
     
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