Swift transition is making me crazy

I'm just trying to explain the Swift way of thinking and doing.
No one has to explain themselves to me, but you will to Swift. And I doubt they would accept the explanation of going over speed because you had someone following too closely.
It's a weak excuse, to say the least.
How many drivers, like myself, have never gotten an over speed warning - and yet we also have other drivers tailgate us going down a hill.

It's not that hard to check your speed and keep it within the limits of company policy, and do it safely.
The tailgater will either slow down or go around you, simple as that. At least, that has been my experience.
Then again, I don't panic in those situations. I don't think, as the lead vehicle, that I set the pace for someone more impatient than I am that is behind me.
I also don't think that I should have to speed up to keep someone else happy.
And I haven't been 'targeted' for keeping my speed down, as one suggested might happen.


I have really tried to help the Central drivers with this transition.
But it will come to a point where I will not stand for the pig-headedness, if all I get back is more of the same stubborn attitude.
I'll simply stop trying to help.

Fine, you think you can skirt the system. Good luck with that; and I imagine those that do will blame the company instead of the regs when they get fired for it.
Doing training while on home time and off duty? You might get away with it, for a time.

More and more, this is what I am seeing.
It is not a problem so much with learning the in's and out's of Swift as much as it is a root problem with the attitude of the Central drivers - because they simply don't want to.

 

It's a basic hazmat test that all drivers have to take, and pass.
You can log into the Swift University via the driver portal or any terminal kiosk to access it.

Even if you don't have the endorsement you have to take it, because non-endorsed drivers often have a small amount of HM in the load that doesn't require placards.

It's pretty simple, and you can take it multiple times in order to pass it if needed.
If you log in via computer and take it on the web site, it is also rather open book. Meaning that you can research the answers as you are taking it simply by opening a new browser tab.

 

Moosetek13, thank you. For all of your help.

Really we're just disgruntled at the moment and I'll admit to being a little pissy due to the frustration I've been dealing with since the transition. I can't speak for everyone but I really feel like I've been left out in the cold, especially as a company driver.

On a whim I actually went to the swift website and logged in and have done the tests there... I didn't know we had to be on duty while we did them. Hopefully they don't say anything because it needs to be done by today and I'm out of hours.

 

No it actually. Well it was right after a down hill going idk maybe 68 .
it started going off with that little red !


I was looking into all the with a positive attitude over the week end till I came back .
now all this ######## .. I am done as soon as I get a new job .
the old automatic is getting turned in.
No miles and putting up with all this week after week , I just can't do it anymore.


Best advice ... even if the grass on the other side is brown and dead . It will still be better...

 

If your speed runs up and then you start braking and bring down, it's none issue ... I've been has high as 7 mph over but for less than a second. Now if you just let the speed run out and make no effort to control it, that will get you trouble too.

Swift has had the policy for a long while, but that about 18 months ago they made an effort to really start enforcing it ... coincidently it was soon after the roll out of the MP200. And the roll out of the policy wasn't much better than what you've experienced. But they also started canning drivers right and left for over speed ... So take it how ever you want.

Sigh ... How do you expect to out run the truck behind you if you are already going faster than you are governed? So what happens now if he does hit you and starts pushing your trailer around. You don't have the ability to pull out of it since you were already using gravity to push you down the grade. If you have a trolley brake you might be able to save your ### ... if not you're screwed.

 

Lol.

Never said I was gonna out run him , but I for sure ain't gonna make it look like I am brake checking someone either .
most of these policies are thought up by someone who has never even read a cdl manual .
for instance in my situation ; being tailgated your not supposed to hit the brakes . (Increase following distance )
now there was nothing in front of me , but a line beside me because America is in a big hurry to get nowhere ( plus I am going 62 in a 75 zone )
correct me if I am wrong .....

 

The rules are what they are and moose is just trying to help. If you want to learn how to play the game to make money I suggest taking his advice.

I can't say for certain that your guys miles will improve since I can't see the future, but I bet when things settle they will and if you follow our advice swift can actually be a pretty good company to work for.

Remember if you are not running good miles and making good money, then neither is the company. I am sure they are just as eager to get the kinks worked out to get you running more miles so they can use their assets to the fullest so they can increase their profits.

 

I will also chime in on the overspeed. I got my first ones in 3 years the other day, and they all happened in the same place. Got a message, got my hand slapped and then found out that my speed is off 3 mph. Speedometer said that I was going 72 when actually going 69. Ever since had the ECM replaced still having some problems. Even now the jakes will not kick on at 5 mph over the set cruise speed, and even if it did, cruise is set at 68 so can do 65, so then the jakes would not kick in until 73, so hence, over speed. Something else to get fixed.

As far as the video, from what I remember, there is a video that every one at Swift had to watch, and it has to do with the speed policy at Swift, and if you have Haz Mat, there might be another video that you might have to watch, tanker certification. Yes, tanker, because we haul bulk containers.

 

Yea . I have a easier solution . Job search !! Lol

The rules are the icing on the cake , its the no miles and that together , and honestly this is giving the extra Incentive. .

And as far as the hazmat and tanker thing .
I pull a reefer trailer !!! Lmfao

 

That's because if you're a company driver, you're supposed to only go 62. Max 67.
and if you go 70 that's supposed to be an auto safety something or other.
O/O can go 68.
L?o or O/O can go 65 if their a trainer
Might make sense if you in the NE. Totally stupid out west, like in Texas where I-10 limit is 80. Even the state hiways are mostly 75.
what registers kinda depends on the truck and the qcom.
Mary