Heading To Swift Fontana

After being away from trucking for a while I am heading back to school to get back in the industry. I am hoping I can help others with posting my new adventure.

My trucking background includes four years in the hot seat. 18 months of that was as a trainer. This by no means saying I'm an experienced driver, especially compared to drivers that have more years behind the wheel, but the green has faded a little on my horns.

I have a 36 inch duffle and a softsided briefcase. If it doesn't fit in either bag, aside from my pillow, than it doesn't go. Reality is for a trainer's truck that duffle is on the big side, but I can live with it on my bunk.

Duffle:

4 pairs of jeans Pair of overalls 4 collared shirts 4 tshirts 2 tanks 10 pair of underwear 14 pair of socks 2 jackets (one heavy, one lighter) Shower bag Shower shoes 3 pair leather work gloves 2 bandanas 1 beanie

Briefcase:

Paperwork: permit, dot medical forms, W2s, etc Notebook Black pens Pencils Laptop

Bedding: Pillow Sleeping bag

When I get done with school I will most likely leave the laptop and important paperwork that isnt needed on the road at home.

Good luck...lots of Swifties in the general forum. Happy to lend an ear and answer questions.

Be safe.

Thanks G- town. It is much appreciated.

Do you know if it is difficult to get on the reefer fleet or if you have to start out dry van?

Good luck...lots of Swifties in the general forum. Happy to lend an ear and answer questions.

Be safe.

Thanks G- town. It is much appreciated.

Do you know if it is difficult to get on the reefer fleet or if you have to start out dry van?

Good luck...lots of Swifties in the general forum. Happy to lend an ear and answer questions.

Be safe.

Not sure how difficult it is...Central Refrigerated was merged into Swift a few years back. So yes, there are ample reefer opportunities. One of our TT forum members Pianoman, began his career in the Central driver pool. He recently transferred to the Target Dedicated account in CO.

I run reefer 80% of the time on Swift's Walmart Dedicated Grocery (WMDG) account, so I understand the equipment like the back of my hand. Click on my profile and then click on photos, you'll see examples of the Walmart Equipment I work with. When you get to this point, my suggestion is to ask the Driver Development Manager you'll meet during employee orientation. You'll need to graduate Fontana and pass your CDL tests before that happens. It's exactly how I ended up on the Walmart account, worked with the Driver Development Manager. She made it happen within 3 months of my employment, smooth transition from OTR to the WM DC. The only transition that occurred was moving my stuff from one truck to another. WMDG has account specific tractors.

Happy to answer any questions. Good luck with school...!

That is good to know. I'm working on making sure I know the questions I need to ask and to whom to ask. It looks like I may not have to go through the full academy because of my prior experience but we will see.

That is good to know. I'm working on making sure I know the questions I need to ask and to whom to ask. It looks like I may not have to go through the full academy because of my prior experience but we will see.

Big T, Granted you will probably test out before anyone else, but if you no longer have a valid CDL there are no "official" shortcuts on the school or mentoring...(wink-wink). But yah never can tell...they need drivers.

If you know a head of time you're running a reefer load to the Gordon PA Walmart DC 7030, let me know. If the planets align, have the time and not on a run, I'll sit down for a coffee with you.

Good luck.

Well, you're managing to pack lighter than I am. I have a second, 24 inch duffel that's going to be staying in my car with clothing that I'm not sure I'll need— but I'm certainly going to need it if I leave it 90+ miles away in Los Angeles. The first duffel is stuffed nearly full as it is. Plus the regular duffel, 2 sweatshirt/outer shirts, plus backpack (computer, iPad, binder and folder of important documents, etc), sleeping bag and pillow (and stuffed animal, I'll admit I can't sleep without it). And my purse, cowboy hat, toiletries bag.

Here goes. See you there.

Thanks G- Town. I will take you up on that if our paths cross.

Kianan I just hope the parking is secure if you have to leave it while on the mentor's truck. I'm probably going to take mine home before I head out.

Thanks G- Town. I will take you up on that if our paths cross.

Kianan I just hope the parking is secure if you have to leave it while on the mentor's truck. I'm probably going to take mine home before I head out.

Big T & Kianan,...when you have a chance I wrote some data-points to Victor in his diary thread. He is starting Swift Mentoring, so it will eventually (hopefully) be relevant to you both. Good luck! G

Thanks again G- Town. The advice is welcome.