Question:
……….I am the author of "Diary of a Swift driver"I was just written an E-Mail by another poster requesting me to put this on the Newbie boards.
The web site is located at: http://home.mia.net/~detailer/Search/Diary.htm . You can always write to me by E-Mail as posted on the web site.
……….I am NOT a whinner on this "Diary" but what I am conveying to the public, mostly want-to-be drivers is what it is really like starting out in this industry. I start out with contacting a recruiter, then the process of going through school and what school is all about. Next I show what it is like being with a trainer and the experience of "the dreaded co-driver". Then the "Diary" continues with my solo experiences. I have actually included spreadsheet and log information showing the mileage and pay I receive.
……….The "Diary" was not intended to cut down the industry nor was it intended to degrade any company or its employees but to show the general public what might be in store for them if he/she intends to pursue this type of career.
……….I tell of my own adventures and mistakes along with mishaps in my own personal life that now include the possibility of loosing our home because I can't afford the mortgage payments any more due to lack of money earned within the last 5 months.
……….This web site will show you - before you decide to pursue this career - what to expect and what could happen to you financially, and what you will be putting your spouse and family through. There are things not in the “Diary” that I don't do which would cause even more problems such as requesting advances. I limit myself to $50.00/week of spending for laundry, coffee or emergency items such as the occasional bag of sunflower seeds. I find that if I use my debit card it is easier to track and I don't incur high Qualcomm fees nor do I have to pay to cash the CommCheque. Another problem, and this is highly used, and expensive, are "Lot Lizards" or “Recreational Reptiles” which are nothing more than prostitutes. Needless to say you will incur a hefty fee from them, a fine if caught and the possibilities of loosing your job, the possibilities of contracting numerous types of diseases, the possibilities of being robbed or having your throat sliced, or your truck being hijacked from you & the list goes on.
……….You must understand that I am only one voice (that is being heard by thousands) with one scenario and in one company. Although I have received many E-Mails depicting this to be the normal scenario it is just hard for me to fathom the idea that this industry hasn’t found a way to teach empathy towards their drivers to the people that are dealing with them on a daily basis such as the dispatchers, planners, driver managers and such. To see how other companies are talked about, whether it is good or bad postings, visit: www.realdrivers.com .
……….One request that I have is that you pass this information on to others in the industry that is already driving or want-to-be drivers. You don’t need my permission to put this link on your web site or to slip the web site address to management at your company but the best person to give this information to will have to be the want-to-be drivers. I have heard this site being talked about on numerous occasions on the CB radio and I myself have even been asked if I have visited the site. The best way for someone to find the site is by using their favorite search engine but make sure you put the words "Diary of a Swift driver" in quotations so that it comes up quicker.
……….Whatever your career choice is I wish you the best of luck and I hope you make a career choice that will suit your needs, desires, and lifestyle.
Den
--------------Whatever you do, PLEASE, drive with safety as your #1 priority !--------------


Answer:
Snowhawk, I read your diary. Sadly this is not uncommon. 9 out of 10 new drivers end up as you did. The excitment of driving the "BIG TRUCK" and the reality of the business is overwelming. This is a business that eats you up and spits you out. In a sense it's odd as most American's standard of living is dependent on this one industry.

Answer:
I glanced at your diary for a couple minutes. Kind of looked like normal stuff. I hope things go better for you your second time around. Although I might of gone for a little more money and a carrier with a better reputation. Possibly your experience will help other newbies understand it's not a picnic.
"This web site will show you - before you decide to pursue this career - what to expect and what could happen to you financially, and what you will be putting your spouse and family through" I never did put my family through any BS. Maybe because I didn't go to an over rated high priced school or sign on with a bottom of the pay scale company. Although I didn't have any savings I went to school days and worked nights to pay the bills. I also took a job that payed above these big training companies right after school. It's all in the way you do it and the planning you do before making the big leap, that's what counts.
" Another problem, and this is highly used, and expensive, are "Lot Lizards" or “Recreational Reptiles” which are nothing more than prostitutes." I hope you dont have first hand experience with the cost of fun. I also hope you didn't just figure out their prostitutes with diseases. What I know is they have never cost me a thing and were never a problem. I must say it is odd you threw that in.
" Although I have received many E-Mails depicting this to be the normal scenario it is just hard for me to fathom the idea that this industry hasn’t found a way to teach empathy towards their drivers to the people that are dealing with them on a daily basis such as the dispatchers, planners, driver managers and such." Actually they would do that and they could do that if it was to their benefit. But it's not. Swift and some other mega training companies make good money off the government putting newbies to work. Also with the amount of trucks they have you save them millions. Newbies are the cheapest labor there is. Why pay more when you can constantly fill the seats with new people. They also get this nice little write off for training you. Come or go they don't care. Just sign up so they can collect the cash.
All in all your diary is a good thing. As is alot of info found here. Knowing what your getting into and planning for it is always best.
Because your new also ask questions all you like. I do it from time to time also. It's the best way to get answers.
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'Carpe Diem' does not mean 'fish of the day'.
"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."
_________________
RC Universe


Answer:
Training companies aren't just for newbie drivers. Every fuzzy-faced teenybopper you see at the dispatch window is probably interning or right out of school.
They have a high turnover rate too, so it's a no win situation for everyone...