The start of my first year with Swift.

Wait till you get a check so small you owe them. Happened to me twice due to breakdown pay not paid...

 

Sheriff, awesome thread! Took awhile but made it through all 64 pages today. It's pretty cool seeing your journey so well documented. I am going to be a 3rd generation driver soon. My dad wants me to drive with Swift for a bit to go through the ups and downs of trucking before I am handed the keys to one of his trucks. I have a business administration degree to take over the family business one day. I tried to stay away from trucking and actually coached high school and college basketball for the past 3 years. As it would have it the blood pumping through my veins is telling me to get into the family tradition. I look forward to more of your post.

Whit

 

Sheriff regarding CBs........
I am not a driver. However I have been reading posts for many years contemplating joining the transportation industry. Not having a CB is not recommended. Reasons given are, Traffic conditions can be more up to date then media, some guard shacks only give docking info via CB, miss you guard shack call and go to the back of the line, or have to go inside and take hours to unload verses minutes. passing a fellow trucker who may or may not slow up a bit to let you pass, in your case be passed. I would imagine the CB could be turned off at certain times for a break.

 

Keep your radio on Sheriff. I know it can get annoying at times but it can help out far more then it hurts.

 

I noticed a lot yuppies or should I say ex yuppies drive for Swift. You know people who are used to being waited on because they drive a new BMW and drink Starbuck's lattes.

 

Im wanting to get my cdl Is swift a better company to start with than pam how does the pay compare and doea anyone kno about swifts school in millington tn...one more question how do i start a thread ty all

 

Well, Sheriff, I think a lot of companies have drivers like that.
It is in no way unique to Swift, although one would think us Swifties would at least be courteous to each other.
Some people are very self important.

As for the CB, I have one and think everyone should.
I agree with the reasons secorp gave, especially about a shipper/receiver that uses them and traffic conditions.
Although, I only turn mine on when necessary. I don't chat, or listen all day long.
If I see traffic backing up I'll turn it on to get info on the situation, which can be very useful if there is a good alternate route around the problem.
I'll use it at a customer, if they want me too.

But even when I have been listening for it, I haven't heard the snide remarks about Swift drivers that others have reported.
In fact, it has been quite the opposite. There have been more helpful remarks than insults.
And, in fact, I have heard drivers berate other drivers for insulting Swifties (or Werner or other starter company drivers), suggesting that they might just want to help instead of insult. After all, 'they' were not always 'god's of the roads' - they also started somewhere too.
So, it's not all bad out there.