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Started with Swift as OTR. It's a fine company. Drove a yard goat at a distribution center for them for a few months too. Now I drive local food grade tanker for a different company.
Posted: 8 months ago
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Local drivers- what do you bring in your truck to help you through shift?
I'm also local and home every night. I do pretty much the same as the guys mentioned. We are slip seat so my go bag has plenty of bleach wipes and enough zip ties and tarp straps to get me home. If I expect a long wait for unloading I'll bring along a small pillow. It makes a whole of difference to take off my boots and turn sideways, even if only for 15 or 20 minutes.
Posted: 9 months, 1 week ago
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Picked up a full load of yogurt in California. Took it to Vermont. Deadhead about 60 miles to the next shipper. They put on a full load of yogurt which we took back to California. Dropped it about 40 miles from where we started.
Posted: 11 months, 1 week ago
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I think he means the short test after teaming with a mentor for a few weeks. If so, don't worry. It's been a while since I upgraded but it was simple. They just want to know if you can use the atlas and complete the macros. You don't need to memorize them. Handling the rig during the drive test is much more important.
God luck
Posted: 12 months ago
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A question for Past and Present Swift Drivers
I went to Lewiston in 2016. I think it was an excellent experience. Class size seemed small. Started with 20 or so, I think 6 graduated. That made for plenty of time behind the wheel.
It's not a large town. Plenty of narrow streets and hazards. One road we drove on was ( I think), 17%. Completely stopped at the bottom. When the instructor says go, get to the top as fast as possible, double clutching all the way. Fun times.
Accommodations were a basic hotel, nothing fancy. Subway and McDonald's nearby. A shuttle was provided to the school site.
I'd do it again.
Posted: 1 year, 5 months ago
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If both bunks are occupied the truck is parked.
Posted: 1 year, 8 months ago
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Has anyone ever been a yard dog?
Yes, at a Target DC. I enjoyed it. We had a good mix of hustle and boredom. It was kinda fun to romp and stomp in the goat in order to get the trailers docked quickly.
Posted: 1 year, 9 months ago
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What makes local truck driving so appealing to drivers VS Over the road?
In no particular order, unlimited showers, hourly pay, a beer after work, seeing family daily.
Posted: 1 year, 9 months ago
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What will the future of automated trucking look like?
Until my lane departure warning can distinguish between rubber or wet vs dry concrete or a seal and my collision avoidance can determine between a sign and a actual threat I will not be worried.
This times ten.
Posted: 2 years, 3 months ago
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I saved one as a souvenir of my time in New Jersey. I never need to go there again.
Posted: 2 years, 4 months ago
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Great advice so far. My tips are turn off all radios roll down your windows.
Sometimes you will see the driver in the cab that you're parking next to. Don't be shy about asking for their help. I was parking near the entrance of a busy Pilot. The spot available had limited space for pulling forward. I noticed the driver who was going to be on my blind side. I told him I was confident enough but if I saw me approaching disaster I'd rather be embarrassed than fill out accident forms. I stuck the landing and earned his compliments.
Posted: 2 years, 8 months ago
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Paid CDL - Automatic or manual transmissions.
Food grade tanks are also manual. While that's not for beginners if it's on your bucket list, you'll need the restriction lifted.
Posted: 2 years, 11 months ago
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Kudos to you for taking the load. That would be a terrible reason to turn down a load. Also, remember to keep your window down while backing.
Posted: 3 years ago
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Experience Spokane/Coeur d'Alene trucking schools?
Me too. Excellent staff and fine program. Try talking directly to a Swift recruiter if you're interested in learning more.
Welcome!
I attended the Swift Academy at Lewiston, it’s pretty solid training.
Cheers,
G
Posted: 3 years, 1 month ago
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Survey: Your biggest worries and most important questions
When I came here my biggest questions were,
1. Will it pay enough, soon enough to meet my budget requirements?
2. If I arrive at school with my head on straight is it going to be possible for me?
3. If I'm successful, what opportunities become available to me later?
Of course, I know the answers now but those were my main concerns.
Posted: 3 years, 3 months ago
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My employer hires out of schools sometimes. We are Northwest only and it's local work. Not sure where you are.
Posted: 3 years, 3 months ago
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Searching for the mystery company
...college reimbursement that "benefit" the company. What would that be, and that is an honest question?
For example, if an employee was interested in taking some management or leadership courses a company might offer tuition reimbursement to offset the cost. The gain for the company is that the employee could be a potential candidate for promotion.
Posted: 3 years, 4 months ago
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Unwritten Trucker Pro-Tips (Feat. Kearsey)
On an interstate in an urban area, if you're passing through and not exiting, stay out of the right lane. Leave that for the commuters that are entering and exiting.
Posted: 3 years, 4 months ago
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3 pound hammer. No carpenter hammer, but a pry bar that can pull nails from the trailer floor. 2 pair of Visegrips. These should open wide enough for the trailer tandem pins. Bolt cutters with at least a 24" handle. A push broom. There's a thread on here somewhere that has a very comprehensive list.
Posted: 3 years, 6 months ago
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Can I be held personally liable?
If the cruise isn't turning off when it's supposed to that a pretty big deal. I can overlook a lot of things but I need the tractor to stop when I tell it to. I wouldn't use cruise control until it's fixed.
Click Anywhere To Close
Posted: 5 months, 1 week ago
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Swift academy
Fools bash Swift because it's easier to pronounce than the competition.
I started with Swift. I had a good experience and I recommend them as a place for cdl training. I was there over a year and made good money. I left because I was looking for local work that they couldn't provide as well as my current employer. If I were to go OTR again, I'd certainly consider them as an option.