C1 Driving Academy - Indianapolis, IN... Adventures With Swift
Topic 20696 | Page 3
They really cram a ton of information in a short period of time. Orientation could be a week, and there still would be information over load.
Just wait until tomorrow. It's like when you put stuff off until last minute and you rush to finish it right on time. That's what it's like.
As far as feeling like you made the right choice. I agree completely. Could be brain washed to think that (haha) but I definitely agree.
They really cram a ton of information in a short period of time. Orientation could be a week, and there still would be information over load.
Just wait until tomorrow. It's like when you put stuff off until last minute and you rush to finish it right on time. That's what it's like.
As far as feeling like you made the right choice. I agree completely. Could be brain washed to think that (haha) but I definitely agree.
Hahaha, but yeah I am liking this Swift flavored Kool Aid!
I am looking forward to this day.
10/05/2017
Orientation - Syracuse Terminal
I am officially coded, a brand new Swift employee! However, they are having a hard time finding me a mentor. Since I am classified as Refrigerated OTR , and I am in Syracuse, those drivers don't get up this way often? I am sort of confused, but that is OK. It was explained to me that there is technically no Refrigerated otr division, yet. It is mostly regionalized or dedicated. They are trying to grow an otr refrigerated fleet. My home terminal once I upgrade will be Atlanta (Conley?) GA. I was told I will be doing a lot of multiple stop coast to coast runs. I don't mind waiting, because it will afford me some valuable time to study the student driver guide, and the Swift University classes. They also have a decent amount of freight going into Buffalo, to get me home, too. The drop lot is only a 30 minute drive from my home.
Today was focused on being a safe driver, trip planning, the mentor/student dynamics, and an introduction to the macro system. I think that I will wait at least 3 to 6 months before I look into buying a GPS. I really want to make sure that I have a good grasp, before I add something that can become a crutch. The safe driving part, hit home too. The video and picture illustrations were very convincing.
Now, the macro system, right now, confuses me, and while I know that I will get it, eventually, adding that to all the other things that I will be learning, now makes me glad I am not starting out on the flatbed.
Stay safe
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
10/06/2017
Assigned my Mentor
While I am still classified Refrigerated OTR , my mentor runs refrigerated Swift Dedicated out of Johnstown. This means I wil have MANY opportunities to practice my backing, and MANY opportunities to drive in New York City! This actually scares me, which it should. One thing it will do, is give me a lot more congested traffic experience, and backing experience, than I would, being trained otr. For this, I am grateful. I was also informed by a rehire in my orientation class, that my mentor was his mentor, and that he is one of the best. I will be in a 2018 Cascadia auto shift. He picks me up later today, so I get to sit and wait.
Meanwhile, my brain will absorb the reality that I get to drive New York City, not just once, but several times!
Stay safe
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
10/06/2017
Assigned my Mentor
While I am still classified Refrigerated OTR , my mentor runs refrigerated Swift Dedicated out of Johnstown. This means I wil have MANY opportunities to practice my backing, and MANY opportunities to drive in New York City! This actually scares me, which it should. One thing it will do, is give me a lot more congested traffic experience, and backing experience, than I would, being trained otr. For this, I am grateful. I was also informed by a rehire in my orientation class, that my mentor was his mentor, and that he is one of the best. I will be in a 2018 Cascadia auto shift. He picks me up later today, so I get to sit and wait.
Meanwhile, my brain will absorb the reality that I get to drive New York City, not just once, but several times!
Stay safe
Daniel...your mentor might be a Walmart Dedicated Driver...Johnstown is a 1 MSF Walmart Grocery DC, the sister DC to the one I am assigned to in Gordon. I occasionally get routed on backhauls destined for J-Town. Let me know if that's the case...I know exactly what you can expect. You likely will not be in NYC proper, but you will be on Long Island and the surrounding burbs. Just as challenging....oh man, you'll get to drive on mountainous secondary roads that will test your skills and at times, nerve. If that is the case, you won the lottery on this Brother. You'll average more backing in a week than you'll get in a month of OTR. It will help you become a really good driver, fast.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
10/06/2017
Assigned my Mentor
While I am still classified Refrigerated OTR , my mentor runs refrigerated Swift Dedicated out of Johnstown. This means I wil have MANY opportunities to practice my backing, and MANY opportunities to drive in New York City! This actually scares me, which it should. One thing it will do, is give me a lot more congested traffic experience, and backing experience, than I would, being trained otr. For this, I am grateful. I was also informed by a rehire in my orientation class, that my mentor was his mentor, and that he is one of the best. I will be in a 2018 Cascadia auto shift. He picks me up later today, so I get to sit and wait.
Meanwhile, my brain will absorb the reality that I get to drive New York City, not just once, but several times!
Stay safe
Daniel...your mentor might be a Walmart Dedicated Driver...Johnstown is a 1 MSF Walmart Grocery DC, the sister DC to the one I am assigned to in Gordon. I occasionally get routed on backhauls destined for J-Town. Let me know if that's the case...I know exactly what you can expect. You likely will not be in NYC proper, but you will be on Long Island and the surrounding burbs. Just as challenging....oh man, you'll get to drive on mountainous secondary roads that will test your skills and at times, nerve. If that is the case, you won the lottery on this Brother. You'll average more backing in a week than you'll get in a month of OTR. It will help you become a really good driver, fast.
Yes, he is a Walmart refrigerated dedicated driver. He will be here about 8pm to scoop me up. I am excited. I am definitely glad I will get an abundance of backing opportunities. Thanks for the information. It would be cool to run into you, on the road.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
You are one lucky son-o***un...I can count the number of Walmart Dedicated Mentors on one hand. I kid you not...you'll be able to do things as SOP that many OTR drivers struggle with after a year of experience. Container season is about to start, which will make it even more interesting for you. Be prepared to hustle, work your clock, and run your a** off.
I have written a ton of Walmart stuff...search on my name; G-Town Walmart and you'll have much to read. Might help...might scare the he** out of you...at least you'll know what to expect.
Here is one example: Day in the Life of a Walmart Dedicated Driver
You let me know if you need any help. We'll figure out a way to connect.
Congratulations...!!!
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
You are one lucky son-o***un...I can count the number of Walmart Dedicated Mentors on one hand. I kid you not...you'll be able to do things as SOP that many OTR drivers struggle with after a year of experience. Container season is about to start, which will make it even more interesting for you. Be prepared to hustle, work your clock, and run your a** off.
I have written a ton of Walmart stuff...search on my name; G-Town Walmart and you'll have much to read. Might help...might scare the he** out of you...at least you'll know what to expect.
Here is one example: Day in the Life of a Walmart Dedicated Driver
You let me know if you need any help. We'll figure out a way to connect.
Congratulations...!!!
Thank you! The many times you have talked about managing your hours, is one thing I am looking forward to. It will be a boot camp in many ways. I appreciate all the help you have thrown my way, since I joined this family. You, and Errol, are big reasons why I ultimately chose Swift.
Everyone here, from terminal leader to the mechanics, and the other drivers I have met, are great. Haven't heard many rats, yet.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Good luck...I'll be pulling for you.
One step at a time, and one day at a time; take notes, learn the stores, the routes, the roads, and the process. Understand Macros 1-5, you'll use them every day. The DC is your 1, 2 and 5. 3 & 4 are your stops; Stores, SAMs, and/or backhauls. You might be running reefer or dry, it varies. Learn the territory and you will become an asset to that DC, they'll want to keep you. I promise, this experience will make a truck driver out of you.
If you are good at this type of work, you'll have a job for life and consistently make more money than you would OTR. Never any downtime or slow periods. This time of year is eclipsing the busiest time of the year. Won't let up until after New Years. IMO best time to learn the ropes.
Happy for you.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
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10/04/2017
Day 2 Orientation - Syracuse Terminal
Earlier I made a statement about secretly loving logs. Now, well, not so much, but I still enjoy doing them. I asked a driver friend, that while I understand how the recaps come back to us, I am curious as to the how, and why. His answer was simply, "that is the way the government made them work." I can accept that, but I guess I was hoping for a "mystery of the universe," type answer.
They really cram a ton of information in a short period of time. Orientation could be a week, and there still would be information over load. All in all, I believe that I made the right choice, in coming to Swift. Tomorrow, we get coded, and then start our 200 hours of training, with our mentors. I can't help but look back to when I first joined TT, to where I am now, and be grateful that I found this community. I feel it has helped me be thoroughly prepared, and ready to face the many challenges I will face, head on, and with a positive, can do attitude.
Stay safe
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.