Comments By Spanky FKA A.Meggs

Hey, I would not be waiting around for them to call. Those recruiters are swamped all the time. Your best bet is to start rattling their chain - don't be concerned that you might be bothering them. They actually appreciate a person who takes the initiative and pesters them. If you are driving them nuts with calls then they know you really want to get to work and they will get things moving for you. The longer you wait the deeper your application is getting buried. Just call and tell them you sent in an application and you wanted to check on the status of it. They will look it up in their system and tell you what they need from you - this happens every day and you need to give them a call or else you will be waiting and waiting.

thanks ol school for the post. Have already talked to recruiter on tues and she sent me a link to fill out a conviction form for a charge from 16 years ago. Went weds and got my background report so as to not mess up on the dates and contacted back with her weds eveng. She informed me that it would have to be approved (which would take 3-4 days for her to hear back on it. At that time said she would then call me back to do interview over the phone and get a list of what I need in advance. So far I know that the Richmond Va. School I would be sent to require that I get permit before hand (Which is why I am grinding away at the high road exams, and think I prefer that option so I won't have to stay an extra week and try to drive it all in at one time and on their schedule) Friday would gave been day 3 so this has been a long weekend with the anticipation and having to wait till tomorrow, hopefully :) Got opportunity today to practice a little in a peterbilt (wife has a cousin that is o/o) and did decent till 5th after switching to high range. Man was I ever surprised as it was NOTHING like a straight drive four wheeler could not get that thing in gear. Either too high in rpm or too low. Did however get some pre trip practice in. Have it memorized but figure I could help it "sink" in if I could actually put my hands on every part and demonstrate at the same time. LOTS of stuff to remember. ABC, PMS, BBC holly cow I can hear this in my sleep :) at this point I am glad I decided to go through training instead of taking his advice and getting cdl through dmv. Desperately want to LEARN these shifts. All thus was done without double clutching so I can imagine what it would be like adding another motion in such little time frame. All in all it was still a rush and definitely exciting. Brett was right, I will NEVER forget that moment. Yes this was my first time "attempting" to drive but have rode lots of miles as a kid when I was younger. Let the journey begin

one main perk is I've found out one of their schools Is in fayetteville, n.c. which is only 45 mins away so maybe that would keep my tuition cost down a little. Thanks again.

At Swift I saved $500 off tuition and had a nice bed & home cookin' every night. 35 minute commute.

they are still my top choice out of few that have showed interest without all the tax papers, ect (job verification ) and I'm really interested in the dedicated the other swift driver was talking about (of course I am still wanting to to get in at least a year of otr first) but figu red I would look at all options. Stevens pay I believe is lower but sure seem to be some nice equipment and apu's are a big plus unless swift allows for idling, just don't want to cut into any bonuses. Donnt sleep very well when hot so hate to be droggy all the time in summer due to not having enough rest. Not sure how ol DC their tt review is that says no apu's but the swift driver I spoke with said some trucks have them, maybe it's something they are slowly adding on. Either route has me so ready to go that it's driving me crazy...... patience is not working for me at this moment but hopefully will hear something monday. Thinking if nit by lunch I will call and make sure she hasn't forgotten me

So I'm back again, this time looking for any info and thoughts on stevens transport. Still waiting on call from Swift and being it's the it's killing me to get the call. Anyways was trying to continue with the advice and apply to more than one or two companies, so and thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Found on tt review that their sponsorship was a little different so anyone who has been with them or still is please chime in. Also and one who has been through their training would be great. Trucks and trailers seem to be very nice and all seem to have apu's. Just shopping around :)

one main perk is I've found out one of their schools Is in fayetteville, n.c. which is only 45 mins away so maybe that would keep my tuition cost down a little. Thanks again.

So I'm back again, this time looking for any info and thoughts on stevens transport. Still waiting on call from Swift and being it's the it's killing me to get the call. Anyways was trying to continue with the advice and apply to more than one or two companies, so and thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Found on tt review that their sponsorship was a little different so anyone who has been with them or still is please chime in. Also and one who has been through their training would be great. Trucks and trailers seem to be very nice and all seem to have apu's. Just shopping around :)

Also to add, if they don't take or want your advice at least you've done your good deed for the day and just MAYBE you've made another guys life and job a little easier because you shared some good points at the same time.

them thinking "should have kept my mouth shut" lol its just funny that I'm not even driving yet and already have more respect for then SOME experienceed drivers. I've been looking as I'm sure alot of newbies do on you tube at videos just trying to get heads up of what to expect from the schools, on the range and what not but am really starting to learn this is by far a better place to be. Seems to be full of positive and informative truckers just sharing the love. Just couldnt get over how someone could sit and video another truck that was probably non knowingly "in his way" and in such a rush he couldn't ask the guy to pull up or suggest he try to clear the path for future reference. Bet he would also be the first one complaining to his dm that he isn't making any money because someone always holding him back. Literally video the side of the other truck for several mins. Same guy that watches the next backing up while cargo falls out the truck instead of stopping the guy to say "hey bud, might be wise to throw a strap around that load next time before backing down the dock", but proceeds to tell the video camera instead. Just a waste of breath :) maybe no one has ever suggested that info to the oth er driver before. Just blows my mind how some people are willing to waste time and energy for something negative instead of turning it positive. Anyways. Been busting my brains on the high road training and I have to admit it's fun and educational at the same time. Helped my brother out today with some landscaping and mowing and in my phone between each job Answering the questions, he knows how bad I'm wanting this so he decides to join in the fun. "got to get it all in my mind" I tell him everytime he gives me the look. Don think I'm doing too bad so far. Finding that alot of the stuff to learn is really common sense And to keep it slow and read the questions clearly. The few I have missed so far were from not reading it clearly before jumping the gun and when I went back to see what I had done, had to tell myself to SLOW DOWN.

So as I PATIENTLY wait for the call from Swift recruiter I gave been looking around on YouTube for videos on the school in Richmond that she said I would have to attend but I keep seeing negative truckers downing Swift and their drivers. I'm no professional YET but just thought to myself, this is after all from what I know so far mostly a "starter" company for BEGINNERS. It seems all these truckers have so much time to down the things these drivers do wrong or don't exactly use common sense while on duty. Why not reach out a helping hand and advise these guys what they are doing wrong or give tips on whst they can do to better a situation. For instance one individual was so caught up on a Swift truck blocking his exit that he decided to post a video about it. I mean after all MAYBE this guy did see your truck but Maybe he didn't see u in it or realize you we r ready to go. Instead wouldn't the professional thing to do be use ALL that time to either advise him he is holding u up or suggest he leave room in the future as to not block others. Several others are bashing them for the amount of accidents that take place. Well from what I have learned in the past is if someone hasn't been taught the RIGHT way then show them or help them understand, then if they don't get it MAYBE u have room to be frustrated. Afree all these drivers as well as OTHER company drivers are driving everyday beside your family members, friends and billions of others, lend a helping hand and advise or tip ROOKIES instead of using the time to down them. After all I'm not the smartest in the world but I'm sure NOT ONE TRUCKER was born with a shifter or steering wheel in hand with a single wide trailer trailing behind, just my opinion :) I'm nit even in a truck yet abd I can assure u whether be old school driver or new if I see something that could help another with safety, productivity, or handing them my last shirt I'm all for it. Twenty year veterans in all professions can still learn something from a Newby and vise versa. Sorry for the rant but just thought I would put it out there and curious on you "seasoned" truckers thoughts. Also I'm guessing if u have ALOT more trucks and drivers then most other companies it would be obvious that hearing of more accidents, rookies messing up and seeing these trucks EVERYWHERE would be the norm. A chicken farmer with 2,500 chickens is less likely to see more chicken hawks than the farmer with 15,00 chickens. JUST SAYING Help them instead of criticizing them and problem solved

I'm thinking the above post sounds like many trucking company dispatch from what I'm hearing on many reviews

I run a "dedicated" route hauling and unloading furniture to about 25 or so different locations. Very tight spots to get in and out of at the strip malls. Don't see how any company wouldn't want someone with my work ethic and what I'm learning to be able to see and do with a tractor trailer. ( might take 10 pull ups but I WILL get er in there).

When I go to the distribution centers for my back hauls it's like maneuvering on an airstrip. (Hate live loading though).

.02 from a rookie

you I didn't even ghing to ask the guy but would these loads need to be loaded and unloaded by me or just hook up and I unload at the stops. I was so caught up in the moment I forgot to ask a few of the questions I wanted to but also knew he was on home time so sure he wanted to relax without someone taking up too much of his time :) I know there is a BIG difference but I havetowed my share of big trailers (as far as pulling behind my dually), took a little break few years back from roofing to try my hand at those metal garages and carports pulling 42' triple axle that I'm sure was overloaded from Georgia to all over the southeast. I could literally get it anywhere as long as I had at least 1' clearance on either side. I'm hoping I can get close to that with the BIG truck :) guess time may tell. Picked up a full trailer on Monday morning and off we went. Talk about hard labor Brett, now that was straight torcher. I would leave the plant, drive to first stop, set up building, secure load and on to next none stop from 6 am (some days doing from 5-8 carports and a garage in one day) and not get to a shower, room or eat till midnight everyday till I pulled in the driveway at home late fri night or dark thirty sat morning. That s€€t was tough on mind, body and religion :) stuck it out for little over a year and finally decided to cut it short (was a new company and had a lot of kinks to work out, mainly the newly grad youngins that planned the trips in the office) I will be the first to admit that I strongly think being on the delivering end of the business should be a dispatchers #1 requirement before he can take that position. Those guys at that company definitely made our end a living hell, had us like everyday and all they could do is

running dedicated Dollar General

Yap, what he's saying is true and that's why. Dollar General is driver unload and it's really tough work. I used to run the Dollar Tree account for US Xpress. Pretty much the same thing. It's a lot of physical work. You're also making deliveries to multiple stores most of the time so there are a lot of tough places to find and tough spots to back into.

You'll earn every penny on that account but you can make the numbers he was saying if you work super hard at it. But don't count on it as a long term thing. Very few people last more than a few months on those accounts. After a while most people would rather make a little less and work a lot less.

Finally get to chat with "the man" well after hearing that I am even more excited about this not to mention the wife's expression at the possibility of this happening. As far as the labor I am in good physical shape having been a roofing contractor for the last 15+ years (struggling the last five :( ) and three daughters ranging from 3-10 I think I can handle it for a little while. (And not a contractor who WATCHES, as I have worked alongside my guys on 95% of the jobs) With that said I can understand not doing it for very long as with roofing Im not getting any younger. But the thought of a few more years gard labor sounds nice :) due to the fact I love working hard. Has kept me young and healthy so far but time will catch up later I'm sure. Question for u in regards to this, would there be any issues with someone in my area already running this account or should there be plenty to go around. BTW I am loving what you have put together here and spend literally any free time here (though there isn't much) and have been working on the high road training for few nights now. Also have read that going straight to dedicated ay possibly hurt in long run when the back starts giving out or something else happens with trying to get on with other companies far as otr if that was to happen later. I'm guessing most companies want to see some otr experience if need be in the future. Any thoughts on that. Thanks Brett again for the reply, glad to have gotten chance to chat :)