Question:
This Tuesday I will be heading off to Memphis for training with Swift. I know I will probably get alot of static over my choice.(Let the fun making begin....LOL) For right now though I just want to learn as much as I can so I can be safe and as professional as I can be.
I have read and gotten alot of great advice, and have talked to a few through email. I want to thank everyone for their input. This is definetaly a profession like no other. And I believe it is a skill, and should be recognized as one by the dept. of labor.
I plan on posting as much info about my experience and being as candid as I can. For others to read.

"Our Lady of bless'ed acceleration,Don't fail me now!" -Elwood Blues-

Answer:
Good luck to you. If you have the determination to stick it out with this outfit, you will make it as a driver.
Be safe and learn all you can.
"We have met the enemy, and he is us." pogo

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Keep us Posted.

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(Let the fun making begin....LOL)
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Thats Okay.... my husband was with CRE for the first 2 yrs I posted on here..
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Click the link for Interesting Information
http://www.hlatty.com/FSL5CS/Articles/articles4.asp


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Hey -- don't let the static bother you. Lots of drivers get their start at Swift, and many stay there. Swift is the biggest company -- and that makes them the biggest target. Good luck.

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and you have my email addy if you need anything.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
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Get your time in. Be safe and on-time. Keep your MVR clean. Then you can pick from the litter. Remember that the smaller companies have stricter insurance guidelines, so now you need to get that experience in. Oh yes Swift has quit doing employment verifications unless you go to a pay for information web site so keep your payroll records handy to prove your history

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I am hoping to be headed for the Swift terminal in Ocala near the end of July when I graduate.
Keep us posted on your progress.
I once heard a Swift driver getting ridiculed on the CB some time ago. He'd finally had enough and said " Don't hate me because I drive a slow truck...hate me because I have better health insurance than you."
Shut everybody right up.

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Shuffler got it dead-on-right as usual. Many people have started their careers with Swift and have gone on to success. The purpose of your first job is to gain vital experience. Keep your record clean, avoid accidents and with one or more years of experience you will have your pick of jobs.
Many training companies have their truck's speed governed. So what? Your goal is to get driving experience that secures your future.
Speaking of GOAL - get out and look - if you ain't sure when backing up. You may think you look silly when you get out of the truck and look at clearances when backing up. Now think how stupid you will look standing in the unemployment line because you were fired for accidents because you didn't check behind you.
Every CB radio has an On/Off switch. Feel free to turn it off if you don't like what you hear. I do suggest you turn it on while going through a truck stop so you can hear if you need to avoid or abort a maneuver.
Be safe; be careful and good luck.

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If you want to eventually drive for Wal-Mart, start you career at Swift. In a few years when you've got that experience and good record, you can work for Wal-Mart without changing companies!

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I dont think so.......I started my driving days at SWIFT and believe me with their health coverage u get just what you pay for...NOTHING couldn't even get the cheap azz HMO to pay for some dang antifungal wound up paying for it outa my pocket. Its just a selling point to get you in the door,but you better have a lil cash on hand just in case
Just do what you gotta do to keep yourself safe and outa trouble get a year of solid driving under your belt and then RUN!!!!!!!!!!!
Just my 2 cents
*CD*
"I dont like small cars or real big women,but somehow I always find my self in 'em" (Kid Rock) recovering dweller..........oilfield trash division

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Point is, many O/Os, independents, or drivers with small carriers or working for an small O/O --- have no insurance coverage at all. Even the worst insurance is obscenely expensive these days. Many drivers go without because purchasing insurance would reduc their take-home to Swift wages.

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Like everyone is saying get at least 1 good year in and then you can pick from some better companies unless heck if you get treated good there and are happy then just stay.....
it can't be that bad, whew I can think back of my first company out of driving school and it makes Swift look like gold
"Hakuna Matata".....Greg
All for the love of a good woman.


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Just be sure that you use them too. I did just that, and now I`m starting a GOOD driving job, because of the experience I gleened at Swift for the last six months. Don`t be affraid to ask questions of anyone anywhere. I had a real tough back in New Mexico on dark and rainy night, between two shiney big trucks, one of them still with a price tag hanging off of it. The drivers were giving me the evil eye, so I went up to the one with the new truck and asked him for some advice.He made my back easy, and we ended up drinking coffee together while we were being unloaded.They were all newbies once, they just forget sometimes.And when that CB gets to ya, use the other knob to shut it off.Get XM and listen to that instead, then you can get mad at the BOZO, instead of them jerk drivers.
fishman