Is Swift Going To Fire Me

I missed my turn and the pointe app had me take a turn that got me stuck had to get pulled out by a wrecker in the middle of the night, no damage but really embarrassed. First preventable after being solo for 2 months. Am I screwed or what?

I want you to think about what you learned from this experience, and share it with us. Go ahead and do that.

Swift is going to want the same thing. Here's your chance to show what you're made of. We will comment further after hearing what you have to say.

New rule you learned in the School of Hard Knocks: don't go "in" anywhere unless you absolutely know you can either get out or turn around without damaging anything. Especially at night. Once I had to drive ten miles at night past a missed turn to find a place to get back again.

My first property damage accident at Swift was to back into a warehouse wall. It was sheet metal and I ripped a hole in it. I "knew" I was going to get fired all the way back to the terminal. Ended up I had to talk to someone in the safety office. Any trucking company knows the rookies will mess up a bit. That being said, don't think you'll get a pass on the next boo-boo.

Safety office rules of survival:

1. Do not ever say the words "I assumed" or "I thought".
2. Do describe what you learned from the incident.
3. "I promise ..." Is so weak. But do state your resolve to improve your driving.

I want you to think about what you learned from this experience, and share it with us. Go ahead and do that.

Swift is going to want the same thing. Here's your chance to show what you're made of. We will comment further after hearing what you have to say.

Thanks for the fast reply, I learned to trust the pointe app but verify. If you miss your turn gps will always hit on the the first option even if it's the worst option. If I had threw my four ways on and pulled off onto the shoulder and taken a look at it this post would not be here

Putting 100% faith in any GPS is a sure way to end up in trouble. Know and verify your route as best as you can before heading out.

So there's a few things I learned early on doing p&d. First is Big Truck, Big Road. Interstates, US Routes, and numbered state roads are usually always the first and best options. Second never trust a GPS. Always check them then double check the route it wants you to take. Google Earth is a great tool because you can put eyes on the road itself. It's not fool proof by any stretch but it's a good source. Third is GOAL. Just like you would get out and look before backing, also get out and look at any area you want to turn around in. Pull over, throw the hazards on and go walk around the site. Get a lay of the land and try and identify any hazard before committing to turn in. Fourth is don't be afraid of local police for help. I found myself on a road in Princeton NJ that I absolutely shouldn't have been on at a bridge that looked older than dirt. I pulled over and called the local PD. The officer came out and I explained the situation. He proceeded to escort me through town to help me avoid any other problems. Trust me they would rather you stop and ask for help before you start tearing up their town.

Just remember be the captain. If something doesn't look right or feel right, just stop. Give yourself a minute to figure out the correct course of school before you put yourself in a situation you can't get out of.

So there's a few things I learned early on doing p&d. First is Big Truck, Big Road. Interstates, US Routes, and numbered state roads are usually always the first and best options. Second never trust a GPS. Always check them then double check the route it wants you to take. Google Earth is a great tool because you can put eyes on the road itself. It's not fool proof by any stretch but it's a good source. Third is GOAL. Just like you would get out and look before backing, also get out and look at any area you want to turn around in. Pull over, throw the hazards on and go walk around the site. Get a lay of the land and try and identify any hazard before committing to turn in. Fourth is don't be afraid of local police for help. I found myself on a road in Princeton NJ that I absolutely shouldn't have been on at a bridge that looked older than dirt. I pulled over and called the local PD. The officer came out and I explained the situation. He proceeded to escort me through town to help me avoid any other problems. Trust me they would rather you stop and ask for help before you start tearing up their town.

Just remember be the captain. If something doesn't look right or feel right, just stop. Give yourself a minute to figure out the correct course of school before you put yourself in a situation you can't get out of.

That's gotta be the best advice I have ever received, thank you

Great responses!

Charles, whether you end up getting fired will mostly depend on your response. Don't lay blame on anything like GPS, or night time. You have to accept your responsibility. You made a mistake.

They want to know you've learned what went wrong, and how you'll handle it next time this happens. If you can present a better approach and plan based on what went wrong this time, they will give you a second chance. Be humble and teachable.

You'll always be learning while involved with this career.

Keep us posted. We want to know if we helped you stay in the game.