A Little Advice Please

Here's the short version. I completed CDL school and attended Swift's 3 day orientation. On Christmas morning, Swift bused me from Denver, CO to Fort Wayne, IN on the greyhound. I arrived in Fort Wayne on the 26th of December. My luggage did not. My trainer picked me up and told me we had a high priority load and we had to go pick it up and could not stop. I began driving that night and we had to leave Indiana. I had no clothes, no towels, no nothing. Greyhound found my bag five days later (about 2 days ago) and Swift said they don't think they can route us there any time soon. They don't have any loads going in that direction and we can't drive there. I don't have money to grab anything. How do I convey to Swift how urgent this is? I know it's not what you say it's how you say it but maybe I'm not getting it across to my DL the right way.

Here's the short version. I completed CDL school and attended Swift's 3 day orientation. On Christmas morning, Swift bused me from Denver, CO to Fort Wayne, IN on the greyhound. I arrived in Fort Wayne on the 26th of December. My luggage did not. My trainer picked me up and told me we had a high priority load and we had to go pick it up and could not stop. I began driving that night and we had to leave Indiana. I had no clothes, no towels, no nothing. Greyhound found my bag five days later (about 2 days ago) and Swift said they don't think they can route us there any time soon. They don't have any loads going in that direction and we can't drive there. I don't have money to grab anything. How do I convey to Swift how urgent this is? I know it's not what you say it's how you say it but maybe I'm not getting it across to my DL the right way.

Find a way to politely inject the word "safe" into the conversation. If you can get your trainer to be an advocate for you that might help.

Maybe say something like; I'm willing to work hard and be flexible, but how long does Swift expect me to go without clean clothes or the ability to properly clean my body?

If you're only gonna be out a week you can probably make do, but if you're going to be out for weeks ask him/her (Dispatch) if they'd go for weeks without clothes and toiletries without prior notice.

I'm sure there's a solution and if you stay positive, you will be successful.

Good luck.

Here's the short version. I completed CDL school and attended Swift's 3 day orientation. On Christmas morning, Swift bused me from Denver, CO to Fort Wayne, IN on the greyhound. I arrived in Fort Wayne on the 26th of December. My luggage did not. My trainer picked me up and told me we had a high priority load and we had to go pick it up and could not stop. I began driving that night and we had to leave Indiana. I had no clothes, no towels, no nothing. Greyhound found my bag five days later (about 2 days ago) and Swift said they don't think they can route us there any time soon. They don't have any loads going in that direction and we can't drive there. I don't have money to grab anything. How do I convey to Swift how urgent this is? I know it's not what you say it's how you say it but maybe I'm not getting it across to my DL the right way.

Find a way to politely inject the word "safe" into the conversation. If you can get your trainer to be an advocate for you that might help.

Maybe say something like; I'm willing to work hard and be flexible, but how long does Swift expect me to go without clean clothes or the ability to properly clean my body?

If you're only gonna be out a week you can probably make do, but if you're going to be out for weeks ask him/her (Dispatch) if they'd go for weeks without clothes and toiletries without prior notice.

I'm sure there's a solution and if you stay positive, you will be successful.

Good luck.

My trainer has been talking to them too. How do you insert safety into this topic? We're going to be out until I test into my own truck. So about 6 weeks or so.

LittleTrucker is at a loss:

I had no clothes, no towels, no nothing.

No wonder you are freezing!

Have you spoken with the driver development people (The ones who coordinate mentors and students)? Also, since Greyhound had misplaced your luggage, you may be able to get them to transfer it to a bus depot that's easier for you to drive to.

LittleTrucker is at a loss:

I had no clothes, no towels, no nothing.

No wonder you are freezing!

Have you spoken with the driver development people (The ones who coordinate mentors and students)? Also, since Greyhound had misplaced your luggage, you may be able to get them to transfer it to a bus depot that's easier for you to drive to.

What other driver development people should I talk to? And I already talked to Greyhound I have to go back to Fort Wayne or pay a fee. And I'm sad to say it but I'm broke.

Here's the short version. I completed CDL school and attended Swift's 3 day orientation. On Christmas morning, Swift bused me from Denver, CO to Fort Wayne, IN on the greyhound. I arrived in Fort Wayne on the 26th of December. My luggage did not. My trainer picked me up and told me we had a high priority load and we had to go pick it up and could not stop. I began driving that night and we had to leave Indiana. I had no clothes, no towels, no nothing. Greyhound found my bag five days later (about 2 days ago) and Swift said they don't think they can route us there any time soon. They don't have any loads going in that direction and we can't drive there. I don't have money to grab anything. How do I convey to Swift how urgent this is? I know it's not what you say it's how you say it but maybe I'm not getting it across to my DL the right way.

Find a way to politely inject the word "safe" into the conversation. If you can get your trainer to be an advocate for you that might help.

Maybe say something like; I'm willing to work hard and be flexible, but how long does Swift expect me to go without clean clothes or the ability to properly clean my body?

If you're only gonna be out a week you can probably make do, but if you're going to be out for weeks ask him/her (Dispatch) if they'd go for weeks without clothes and toiletries without prior notice.

I'm sure there's a solution and if you stay positive, you will be successful.

Good luck.

My trainer has been talking to them too. How do you insert safety into this topic? We're going to be out until I test into my own truck. So about 6 weeks or so.

I didn't say I have all the answers. But I'd get them on the phone, ask them how long they expect your personal hygiene to deteriorate. If they aren't gonna help get YOUR stuff to you, could they give you some $ to buy some essential items. I mean you GOTTA have clean underwear. Just put it that way.

I know it isn't Swift's fault, but they CAN help.

You don't need towels, Truck stops provide them. If you have some cash with you, see if you can buy just what you need and see if Greyhound will reimburse you. As Erol said talk to the people who coordinate between Swift and Greyhound. As much business as Swift gives them, it should provide some leverage.

Sorry you are dealing with this and I hope I've helped.

LittleTrucker asks:

What other driver development people should I talk to? And I already talked to Greyhound I have to go back to Fort Wayne or pay a fee. And I'm sad to say it but I'm broke.

You should have been were given a business card from the Swift people who set you up with your trainer. Call that number. At any rate, they will be calling you some time around the switch to team.

Call safety and discuss how safe it'll be to work in the conditions of having no proper weather gear. They'll not like the idea of having to pay your medical bills for frost damage and might be able to push a ball rolling.

Just tell them your medication is with your luggage, it's a health issue that you get your luggage right away.

Have greyhound drop your bag off at your employer/yard.