Question:
Finally made it home after being stuck in Greer, SC for over 24 hours.(Uturn warned me of being stuck in Greer a few months back when I was just interested in Swift...LOL...Yeah Uturn Greer has so many ammenities....gag...gag) But I must say that I Think I got really lucky as far as training goes. My driver trainer and I got along like we had known each other for along time. he never once got really excited, but yet found a unique way of showing me little tricks to improve my skills. He told me after day one that I would be shocked at how well my driving would improve after 2 weeks, and boy was he right.
We ran over 25 thousand miles the time I was with him. I drove all over this country. We went from maine to L.A. I got a some excellent city driving in....Chicago(during rush hour)...Los Angeles(rush hour also)..Detroit,Atlanta,Las Vegas,Seattle,New York,Phoenix...and several others. I learned how to keep from shifting so much in city traffic. I learned how to drive aggresive, but yet defensive at the same time. Its nothing I think that can really be taught, but it just has to be learned with each new driver in thier own pace.
My backing skills have improved 10 fold over what they were 4 weeks ago. Let me say that as far as backing goes...and this is how it was with me anyway...but, once it clicks and you understand it....its not that difficult....but always do it slow and safe. Just get out and look.
Overall I had a great experience, but am glad its over. Now my second 28 days will be with a friend of mine from the driving school. We are set up to leave out either next Tuesday or Wednesday.
All in all i really enjoy being a truck driver. Yea it does suck at times, and there is alot of crap to put up with. But there is no other job like it, and I cant see myself doing anything else.For me it just fits my life.
Anyway I'll be home for a few days if anyone has questions. And yes if your wondering...we did get really good loads because my driver trainer was not just a trainer, but an O/O also. And whats with so many drivers not being courteous anymore??
When my grandpa drove he always talked about driver watching each others backs....guess those days are over??
Well I'm off to enjoy my home time.....Take care all!

Answer:
When my grandpa drove he always talked about driver watching each others backs....guess those days are over??
Times have changed. Those occurences are few and far between.
Glad to hear things with Swift are going well for you.
*******************************
"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)


Answer:
Mrmajestic5, thanks for the input. I will be starting with Swift this coming Tuesday. Monday I will be on the bus to Atlanta. I sure hope I will get a trainer that I will get along great.

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Gotta love that Greer yard.....LMAO!!!!!!
I am so glad that you got lucky on your trainer. I hope your luck continues to hold out there at Swift for close to another year at least.
I should be leaving here in another few days to get back out there on the road, but until then if you need anything feel free to email me.
BOL to you pal.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
"And whats with so many drivers not being courteous anymore??" Your in a slow truck and to top it off it say's Swift on the side. Just something for the Billy's and Bubba big rig drivers out there to act important about.
Jsut take your time and be safe.
"Caution: Door May Open"

Answer:
Dude,
Glad to hear ya makin it at Swift. There goin to ramp on ya bout ur slow *** truck,pay them no mind stay in the slow lane. It's a Place i passed by in Vegas that i saw a Hole lot of SWIFT trucks goin and it looks very interesting. Up in Las Vegas there on US 95 or 93 not sure but if u went there i was just asking? Cool great running for ya
How long is ur training and when do u get ur own truck?"
primerboy~
Carl Lamar Snow

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People are saying how Slow Swift trucks are and so bad,yet people stil gettin on Grey-Dogs and going"!
People say Prime is bad,this that the other,Im still going on the Grey-Dog. (Prime trucks are much faster tho)
primerboy~
Carl Lamar Snow

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majestik,if you think greer is bad,wait till you see Martinsburg WV or Lewiston ID.Edwardsville KS is a nice O/C as well as Manteno IL,but you need to be careful going into Manteno,get off the truck route and you will be stopped and fined.
Answer:
what kind of crap do you have to put up with?

Answer:
Originally posted by LoriAz:
what kind of crap do you have to put up with?
Lori, he's probably refering to the day to day stuff that all drivers put up with. Traffic, butthead dock workers, etc.......
*******************************
"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)

Answer:
Exactly Hoss...thats what I meant by "crap"....thank you.
And Governor...I was in Manteno twice, and you are so correct about the truck route. Althought it is one of the nicest terminals I was at. Also I have been to the Martinsburg, WV terminal twice.
Its pretty sad that when you use the restroom the ceramic tiles are all chipped and falling off the walls. Benn to the Edwardsville terminal 3 times as well...and yes Governor...its a nice one. But the worst I have seen up to this point is Fontana. This place is a hole. I look foreward to not returning soon....LOL

Answer:
Originally posted by mrmajestic5:
And Governor...I was in Manteno twice, and you are so correct about the truck route. Althought it is one of the nicest terminals I was at. Also I have been to the Martinsburg, WV terminal twice.
Its pretty sad that when you use the restroom the ceramic tiles are all chipped and falling off the walls. Benn to the Edwardsville terminal 3 times as well...and yes Governor...its a nice one. But the worst I have seen up to this point is Fontana. This place is a hole. I look foreward to not returning soon....LOL
Consider yourself lucky you weren't at Swift when they had the old Carlisle (Harrisburg) PA terminal. Talk about a hole. That one made Fontana look like Phoenix! At the time it had to be the worst one in the company. They have since built a new one in Jonestown.

Answer:
But from one newbie to another, I've found out how to avoid all of the comments. Just turn the XM on and the CB off. I've learned quickly that the CB is only good for calling in at the scales and docks. Otherwise its Bozo, Dave, and Bill..
Regards,
RT