I'm currently a swift company driver trying to go Owner Operator. As soon as I tell my DM that I qualify and am just waiting for a Buyout truck to come available for me to purchase, I start sitting a lot. I'd like to change terminals, but am not sure how to! I'm trying to transfer from my current home terminal of Denver to the Greer, SC terminal as I'm moving there soon. I like the people there more, and the people don't have a stick in places that it doesn't belong like they do in Denver. Anyone know how to go about this?
It has been my experience that they will bend over backwards to get you to sign the lease papers. Switching terminals should be as easy as a phone call. I was based out of Lathrop, then switched to Sparks and less than a month later was back at Lathrop. Things change dramatically after you sign those papers. You will be treated with a respect and honor you never enjoyed as a company driver.
I won't sign lease papers. I don't trust the leasing program. Actually, I'm buying a used "Swift" truck from them. 2005 or 2007 Freightliner Columbia. They all have 500k+ miles, but it's a LOT cheaper and after the payments, it's mine. No balloon payment. But, now that my DM found out I want to go O/O, she won't run me as hard, and she won't get me where the trucks are! I'm tired of her. That's one reason I want to change terminals. That, and Im sure you learned the people at the Denver terminal all have a stick up there #$$, that's another reason. I tried switching, they said I'd have to move there. I told them I planned to anyways. They said once I establish residency in SC to let them know. I don't wanna wait that long! Help please.
Perhaps confirm with the recruiter that you can purchase one of their trucks. Clean out your company truck on hometime. Don't turn it in yet. Make arrangements to fly or drive down there in a car and sign the papers. Mail the keys back to your DM if everything works out, otherwise you still have a company truck if all else fails.
Sounds like good advice there. I don't have a vehicle anymore. Left it parked at Petro when I got my Company truck. Might just have to get a load to where the truck is at, giving me more money for fuel on the way. They periodically sell their old trucks that are out of warranty. 1 1/2 years paying 430-480 a week, and it's yours. I've been working with John out of the Phoenix terminal lately. He's just waiting to get some more trucks to sell. They don't last long.
I overheard once that Swift only allows you to be based out of the terminal closest to you. The exception is if you move after starting and don't want to change. If this is true, you will not be allowed to switch until you have moved your address. Period. Sounds like that's the case here. Used to be you could base out of any terminal you wanted, but I guess they changed that. Not sure why.
Contact Greer and see if they can take you on. If you get the go-ahead from them, you might have to contact someone in Phoenix...Driver Services? I never switched terminals as a company driver. When I came back after being gone for a few years, I told them which terminal I would work out of and who my DM would be. At first, they balked at the idea of someone domiciled in El Paso running out of Troutdale, but I already had the notes in my file from my chosen DM. And I told them no Troutdale, no deal. They made it happen and I'm happy as a pig in .....well, you get the picture. Also, if you are having trouble with your DM, work your way up the food chain. Talk to the Fleet Manager next, then the Operations Manager if you have one and then the Terminal Manager. Express your concerns about losing miles when you talk about going O/O. If you can't get anywhere at Lathrop, next call should be to Phoenix Operations. You picked a good guy to work with in Phoenix. John won't blow smoke up your wazoo.
1. To lump an entire group of people together in such an unkind way is unfair.... and rude. 2. I was just at the Denver terminal for the first time. Spoke with 2 different people at the driver window - both very helpful and friendly. And the guys in the shop were great! Granted it was limited contacts, but I have to completley disagree with your assestment of the folks there. 3. Personality conflicts happen, but with a whole terminal? Maybe you might look at adjusting your attitude
I meant to say Denver. No idea where my head was. OTTER!!! (When all else fails, blame the varmints. Whether they are present or not.)
The people at the driver window are nice, I have no problems with them. The people at the shop, haven't dealt with them much, but everyone else I've dealt with there has an issue. My main issue is with the lack of miles. This month I've already done about 4k, but last month was about 6k for the entire month. That won't do, especially not as an owner operator.
