Profile For G-Town

Joe I’ve never felt the need to swear at customers or shippers. Although when I witness drivers exhibiting your style of behavior? That’s when I am tempted to unleash foul language.

Has it occurred to you; that maybe it’s your attitude? A tendency to become agitated and contentious? No one wants to deal with a raging adult-child. This business is hard enough without the nasty attitude.

My guess, you will always have issues no matter what job you have. You reap what you sow...

Welcome Liz!

How about that...location, location.

I delivered to the Williamstown, Egg Harbor Township and Rio Grande Walmart’s today. Just got back to the DC. Beautiful day for driving.

I’ve been with Swift for over 6 years now; Walmart Grocery Dedicated. Happy to answer any questions.

Good luck!

Southern Dad believes...

Money is not everyone's top priority when it comes to choosing a company to have a career. In my research, because I have been approved to TMC and Millis, I believe the numbers that he is showing. How long can he maintain this lifestyle? As I said, there is more to this life than the W-2 amount.

How can you possibly validate Solo's numbers? Not that it really matters, but seriously?

SD, unless you are currently working for TMC, and drove over the same period as Solo, your confirmation is superficial, subjective and anecdotal. As an executive, you of all people should know to provide proof in support of any confirmation of fact, especially in lieu of any relevant, first-hand experience.

"Money" should never be anyone's top priority when choosing a company. Although TMC drivers enjoyed a limited period of time when freight rates were at their peak; that, which was up then, has significantly dropped in the last 6 months. That's a fact that cannot sustain a 6 figure, annual income with TMC.

Joel,

Please use the search bar to find what you are looking for...

Questions to Ask Recruiters

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Joel we have many recent examples of why Paid CDL Training Programs are the best choice.

Why I Prefer Company Paid CDL Training

Welcome to the forum..."Rolex".

Not sure what kind of license you had in 1982-83, but it wasn't a CDL A or B. The CDL was established formally and officially in 1992... so please tell us what kind of local driving you did at the age of 19.

Here is a Wiki link that will clear up any confusion you might have: Commercial Drivers License

And the parenthetical remark about Swift; "yeah I know". Please expand on that; "what exactly do you know about Swift?" Since you have never worked for them, how do you know anything about them, other than what you've read or heard? Please elaborate on that, and be mindful I've been a Swift Driver for almost 7 years now assigned to a Walmart Dedicated Grocery account delivering to Stores and Sam's Clubs in the North East Region. Swift is a fantastic company to work for, as are all of the carriers represented in this link: Paid CDL Training Programs

Here is what I know... 55 is a great age to start a second career; it's exactly what I did at roughly the same age. If you are serious about (time will tell) this I strongly suggest investing quality time in these links:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

...and continue applying to every company listed here: Paid CDL Training Programs

...use this: Apply For Paid CDL Training

Contact them and ask if you can ho through the swift academy as a CDL holder. It will be more than orientation, but worth it if you want it. Worst they can say is no.

I agree.

Joel, I decided to expand on my previous reply to you...

We constantly advocate the concept of:

Good drivers; safe, efficient and professional can be successful at any of the companies listed in Paid CDL Training Programs link.

Think about that for a moment... and perhaps share your thoughts with us on that concept.

TMC is a highly successful company promoting excellence in service and safety. Like any company offering to train you, there will be commitments that you must meet in order to fulfill your debt to the company. Nothing is free, but the value offered to a new driver by companies like TMC is priceless.

I suggest getting familiar with the Trucking Truth Diary section; I did a quick Google search (found top of the page) and received this result, click here: TMC Training Diary

I never heard of it either. Here is a link to their website: Terminal Exchange Services

Marc I totally, 100% agree with Old School.

You have got to take ownership of this; your performance will be measured against a higher bar. Embrace the challenge.

Having trained many new drivers coming into the Walmart Account, I’ve heard lots of orientation stories. It’s an elongated job interview, not automatic, and expect you may be tested to evaluate skills before being assigned a mentor. Be mentally prepared for this.

Good luck!

Thanks G. Road test already listed. Backing not. (That one is still a concern). Hope is their process is road test then Mentor. Backing improvement over time...

Okay...but not sure what "already listed" means...

Please, whatever you do during any Swift backing exam, G.O.A.L. and make it very obvious. They will also test you after the 200 hours of mentoring is completed.

Click here: TMC Paid CDL Training

Marc I totally, 100% agree with Old School.

You have got to take ownership of this; your performance will be measured against a higher bar. Embrace the challenge.

Having trained many new drivers coming into the Walmart Account, I’ve heard lots of orientation stories. It’s an elongated job interview, not automatic, and expect you may be tested to evaluate skills before being assigned a mentor. Be mentally prepared for this.

Good luck!

Congratulations Marc!

Welcome to Swift.

That’s fantastic Joel.

I read your profile page and couldn’t help but notice your photo. Being there for your family while driving OTR is going to be very difficult.

We’ve seen our share of new drivers throwing in the towel because of the toll this takes on your family. Please do not think I’m prying, I’ve just seen first hand how a family is affected by this.

Hope you’ve thought about this...

Peace.

Joel, this might have been lost with the other replies...bottom of first page;

These two links can go a very long way in setting realistic expectations and building an initial knowledge base:

Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving

Truck Driver's Career Guide

I highly suggest investing some quality time reading and reviewing the information.

Good luck!

The best and only fool proof way to learn backing is to practice. Every chance you get, practice, practice, practice and more practice.

All the advice in the world is only going to get you partially there...practice! And when you are not backing on your own watch others doing it.

Good luck!

I am excited and nervous at the same time! One of the things that scares me alittle is the high turn over rate in trucking, but ima just have to bite the bullet and give it everything I have got so that doesn’t happen to me and I avoid being just another failed statistic.

The high attrition rate is something we address frequently on the Trucking Truth forum. There are many reasons students quickly wash out; failed drug/alcohol test, failure to disclose health issues, failure to disclose criminal background, bad attitude, lack of focus, and a basic inability to comprehend information and execute skills.

Nothing we can share or suggest will adequately prepare you. Only you can measure what’s inside of you and that what motivates your desire to do this. It’s like nothing you’ve ever done in your life and will challenge your patience and resolve.

Above all else you gotta want this, apply 100% focus and be willing to set aside life’s other issues as you learn...and the learning curve is supremely challenging up to the first full year of professional driving. No joke.

Here are two links I strongly suggest you read and understand before going too much further...

Truck Driver's Career Guide

Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving

Good luck!

Exciting times!

Couple of thoughts:

Seek Swift’s advice on the DOT medical exam. They use Concentra; nearest one to you is Norristown on Germantown Pike.

Unless something has changed; Richmond teaches for 4 states; PA, VA, NC & SC. Phoenix may not accept you because of your PA residence.

Let my know when you want to ride with me for a day, weekends are best, more flexibility.

Great news Bullit!

What is your start date?