Hopelessly confused

[dwalls21]

I am currently working for Swift Transportation and for the moment I pull a dryvan trailer. In April I plan to switch over to their flatbed division and do my remaining 7 months of obligated service for Swift as a flatbedder. I already have 2 accidents on my records. I was wondering if someone could give me some advice, aside from that I shouldn't have worked for Swift in the first place. If I move to flatbed here will I be able to get a flatbed job outside of Swift or should I stay dryvan until I've completed my 13 months then leave Swift and try and find a flatbed company willing to hire and train me???

[repete]

First, you posted this in the wrong place, you'll get more response in the "new driver forum" Whatever you do DO NOT leave Swift! With 2 accidents already to your credit you wouldtn't stand much of a chance getting another job let alone a better one. Stick it out with Swift for at least 1 year and 2 or 3 would be better ( accident free!! ) Good luck

[Twilight Flyer]

Moved to correct forum.

[BigDiesel]

I am currently working for Swift Transportation and for the moment I pull a dryvan trailer. In April I plan to switch over to their flatbed division and do my remaining 7 months of obligated service (indentured servitued) for Swift as a flatbedder. I already have 2 accidents on my records.

Two accidents in your first six months......... sigh.......... You should look at a different occupation....

[bentstrider]

I am currently working for Swift Transportation and for the moment I pull a dryvan trailer. In April I plan to switch over to their flatbed division and do my remaining 7 months of obligated service for Swift as a flatbedder. I already have 2 accidents on my records. I was wondering if someone could give me some advice, aside from that I shouldn't have worked for Swift in the first place. If I move to flatbed here will I be able to get a flatbed job outside of Swift or should I stay dryvan until I've completed my 13 months then leave Swift and try and find a flatbed company willing to hire and train me???

As one of the other guys said, stick it out there for another 2-3 years and keep your nose clean.
Depending on the severity of the accidents, time and/or good-experience gained will go a long way in making sure they become a non-issue.

As far as a career-change is concerned, that's a helluva lot easier said than done, but we'll save that failed voyage for another time.
Accidents and dissatisfaction aside, there are other reasons to continue driving apart from dumpsters full of ca$h.

[Luzon]

I'm going to have to advise taking the advice of the other folks who've already posted. Right now the economy is terrible for many professions, trucking included. I've talked to people with years of spotless experience who are having a hard time finding a job that they want. To be sure, there's jobs out there but the "job that they want" was the key point I was trying to make.

A while back I called a flatbed company that pulls around Florida a lot and was told that they pay $.30/mile loaded and $.20/mile empty. For months now I've been hearing drivers talk about how their company lowered their wages, reduced benefits, etc.

I know that when you're not happy somewhere, for whatever reason, it's hard to stay focused and do a good job. That, however, is exactly what I'd recommend for you. Right now you don't want to be looking for a job, especially with 2 accidents on the record and the remainder of your 1 year commitement to fulfill your driver training obligations.

Only you can look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself "do I have what it takes to stick this out in the short term to make my long term goals work?" It isn't easy, believe me I know, but I also know this: --- You either believe you can, or you believe you can't - either way, you're right.

Best of luck.

[cdswans]

Two accidents in your first six months......... sigh.......... You should look at a different occupation....

The guy leaves the barn door swinging wide open . . and you walk on by. It's apparent you are not well and I'm sorry to hear it. The Big D I know would have said "That's three accidents in your first six months; you forgot to include working for Swift!"

Glad to be of assistance.

Have you noticed that, by some peculiar coincidence, you and Useless have a knack for piping in on a similar schedule?

How about Joe Sha-whatever . . could it be CFM?

To the OP . . what is your problem with Swift and how serious were your accidents?

[Fourcats]

You have the plan, do it. Get into the flatbed fleet, the experience will be good.

[Orangetxguy]

I am currently working for Swift Transportation and for the moment I pull a dryvan trailer. In April I plan to switch over to their flatbed division and do my remaining 7 months of obligated service for Swift as a flatbedder. I already have 2 accidents on my records. I was wondering if someone could give me some advice, aside from that I shouldn't have worked for Swift in the first place. If I move to flatbed here will I be able to get a flatbed job outside of Swift or should I stay dryvan until I've completed my 13 months then leave Swift and try and find a flatbed company willing to hire and train me???

Repete gave you some good advise. Stay with Swift for at least 2 to 3 more years. What type accidents have you had? They must be fairly minor, or Swift would have showen you the door.

If you are allowed to transfer from the dry van sector into flatbeds, do so after you reach your 13 month point. In the mean time, examine what actions you used when you had those two accidents, and work at correcting them.

[Orangetxguy]

The guy leaves the barn door swinging wide open . . and you walk on by. It's apparent you are not well and I'm sorry to hear it. The Big D I know would have said "That's three accidents in your first six months; you forgot to include working for Swift!"

Glad to be of assistance.

Have you noticed that, by some peculiar coincidence, you and Useless have a knack for piping in on a similar schedule?

How about Joe Sha-whatever . . could it be CFM?

To the OP . . what is your problem with Swift and how serious were your accidents?

You would be correct. Either CFM........or Belpre in disguise. Gary might be getting the jitters up there in the snow.

[geeshock]

Take thier advice, I had an acedent on my record 17 may 2007 and I haven't been able to find another OTR job since I left my last company. Everyone is waiting for that magic number 3 years before they will take me, also, If i hadn't found this plant farm delivery job I would probably have to start right from the bottom again since many are looking for recent driving expierience so think before you leap right now.

[Useless]

Have you noticed that, by some peculiar coincidence, you and Useless have a knack for piping in on a similar schedule??

Wrong, cdswans!!

Since you have chosen to drag me into this discussion, I'm going to straighten you out on a few points.

If you are suggesting that BigDiesel and I are the same person, then let me make it clear that I've never met BigDiesel nor has BD has never met me. I do have it on very good authority that the buzzard is older than dirt, and not nearly as handsome a I am. (Don't believe me?? Just ask me!!) BigDiesel has his points of view, I have my perspectives, and we don't always agree with each other. In case you have not noticed, BigDiesel is also (God forbid and Lord, help him!!) a Republican. Seriously, though, while BD and I have had some rather heated discussions in the past, we can still communicate with each other on friendly terms. One point I WILL make is that BD has been in successfully running his own trucking operation; trust me, he's been around the block a few times. I have my business interests, and we've both enjoyed our respective shares of success.

For me, my business interests have never included being an O/O, nor have they included owning or operating a fleet. BD has been a truck driver since Moses rode his first tricycle. He's forgotten more about this industry that you ever knew in the first place. Trucking is an industry where the risks are high and the profit margins are razor thin, even during good economic times. Right now, many companies are hurting so badly that they are having to look up in order to try to see the bottom. For me, the risks were too high, and the potential payout was to slim, the worries were too numerous, and the time demands were not something that I could, or would afford. So, if BigDiesel can operate successfully in that type of business environment, then (although it truly pains me to say it!! ), my hat goes off to him. (even though he IS a Republican!!)

Add to the mix, you obviously have not paid the least bit of attention to our differences in writing styles.

In any event, I'm sure that as a SWIFT driver, you know far more than both BD and me combined.

[Useless]

DWalls21:

My advice, for whatever it's worth, is to stay with SWIFT, and stick with the dry box. Here's why.

1.) Fact is, you already have two accidents on your record, you are already behind the eight ball, and you have virtually no room for error. While you still have much to learn, the fact is that you know more about freight hauling than you do about flat bedding. Hopping over to flat beds, having to learn a new aspect of the industry, and following a new learning curve increases your exposure to the likelihood of another incident.

2.) Remember: "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, until it's time to mow." The flatbed / drop deck end of the industry is hurting very badly right now, and we still don't know where the bottom is.

3.) The drybox freight hauling side of trucking isn't glamorous, unless you sit at the truck stop coffee counter and listen to drivers who are living legends in their own minds. Having said that, you prospects for steady work and miles are better, and that aspect of the industry will improve before flat bedding will.

As others here have pointed out, the days when someone with a CDL, a pulse, and enough respiratory capacity to fog a mirror was able to find employment with ease are gone, at least for now. Stick with what you know, learn more, get better at what you are doing, and get those incidents burned off your record. By that time, we will hopefully be on the road to economic recovery, and better doors of opportunity will be open.

Best of luck, but always remember:
"Luck" is a phenomenon which occurs when the thresholds of opportunity converge with the thresholds of preparation.

[cdswans]

If you are suggesting that BigDiesel and I are the same person . .

Not to worry there, USELESS. Big D has a command of the language, a sense of humor and a little bit of class. You have none of those but you're an ace when it comes to pickin' a handle.

[freebirdrfd]

Not to worry there, USELESS. Big D has a command of the language, a sense of humor and a little bit of class. You have none of those but you're an ace when it comes to pickin' a handle.

WOW !!!!!!!!!!

[bentstrider]

DWalls21:


"Luck" is a phenomenon which occurs when the thresholds of opportunity converge with the thresholds of preparation.

Thanks, I will now use your quote for all the college kids who strive for that Fortune-500 position.
While they kick back and drink $10 coffee in what's supposed to be the "learning center".

[Useless]

Not to worry there, USELESS. Big D has a command of the language, a sense of humor and a little bit of class. You have none of those but you're an ace when it comes to pickin' a handle.

Oh, YES!! Most Omnipotent One!!

Now, blessed with your omniscience, perhaps you might explain how I've earned two degrees in the sciences without "a command of the language"??

Such wisdom and insight coming from a SWIFT driver who rolls down the granny lane for a few pennies a mile!! Why, oh WHY did I waste my life going to college, working in the sciences and arts of healing others, building businesses, and creating jobs?? Had I started driving for SWIFT a decade ago, I'll bet I could be up to a whopping 34CPM by now!!

So it is that as I drive past a SWIFT truck, then I pass another SWIFT truck, and then another one, I'll be thinking to myself,"Gee, that could have been me!!" And from now on, as I pass those magnificent trucks, choking back the wistful tears, thinking of what might have been, I'll always think of you!!

[cdswans]

[COLOR="Navy"]Oh, YES!! Most Omnipotent One!!

Now, blessed with your omniscience, perhaps you might explain how I've earned two degrees in the sciences . .

No, quite honestly, I can't.

By all means, keep me in mind while you're roaring past Swift trucks unbound by the squandered opportunities of your pointless education.

[Useless]

No, quite honestly, I can't.

By all means, keep me in mind while you're roaring past Swift trucks unbound by the squandered opportunities of your pointless education.

"Pointless education", cdswans??

By all means, I will!! Most certainly, with your degree in freight relocation engineering, which you spent untold weeks, and sleepless nights working to earn, you undoubtedly know more far more than I ever will. Of course, you were financially set to retire several years before you decided to drive a truck!! Since you know so much, then as you roll your SWIFT truck down the granny lane for a few pennies a mile, hoping that your benevolent employer doesn't decide to cut you pay again, perhaps you might ask yourself a few questions.

How many businesses have you started from an empty bedroom of your home??
How many new business concepts have you created, developed, and successfully delivered to the market place??
How many companies have you restructured and turned around when they were fighting to keep their doors open??
How many good paying jobs (with benefits!!) in economically depressed parts of the country have you created along the way??
How many millions of dollars did you walk away with when you sold those companies??
How many companies and business do you currently own outright, and how many companies are you in partnership with??

Now, it really gets fun!!
How many people have you helped along the way??
How many cases of child abuse, child neglect, and abuse or neglect of the elderly have you identified in your illustrious career as a freight relocation specialist??
How many tens of thousands of dollars have you donated to charitable causes??
How many struggling families have you helped to get on their feet??
How many single mothers have you helped to lift themselves out of poverty??
How many families are no longer needing government assistance because of your outreach to them??

I eagerly await your answers, oh Exalted Wise One!! (NOT!!)



I'm not telling you these things to brag, cdswans; quite frankly, your opinion of me doesn't matter to me in the least. To me, you're nothing more than the coyote who howls at the moon. No matter how much that old coyote howls, that moon keeps right on shining!! My reasons for responding to your moronic postings are to provide you with new opportunities to make an unmitigated ass of yourself, and to demonstrate the fact that you have no concept of the possibilities and opportunities that are out their; even in our troubled current economic climate, there will still be wealth generated and fortunes made. For me, at 52 years of age, my best days are still ahead.

Your best days could be ahead, in the realm of the near and distant future, recession and all; but in order to make those possibilities happen, you must first come to terms with how little you truly know. Ignorance can be cured through education and learning. The problem (read that to mean, YOUR problem) is that unencumbered by "pointless education", you know far too much to even learn about or comprehend how wealth is created, much less know how to create it. Instead, you spend your life relocating and redistributing the wealth and resources of others, for others, in exchange for a few little crumbs. You are an excellent example of why there will always be room at the top; regardless of economic circumstances, there will always be the masses who whine, excusing away their failures to build, grow and prosper, all while seeking to marginalize the success of those who choose to learn, gird their moral courage, and venture out. There is no effort without error, no success without some failures. What is also important to understand that you can't pour knowledge into a cup that is overflowing with the chosen path of ignorance, self delusional arrogance, a snotty attitude, and ill conceived notions. I did not get where I am today by embracing those things. You, on the other hand, live by those "qualities", and what has it gotten you?? The Keys to a SWIFT truck, a JOB (Just Over Broke), a few shillings on your paycheck, and a plethora of opportunities to make an even bigger ass of yourself.

This is where the seeds of ignorance by choice flourish, rendering a bountiful crop of unadulterated stupidity. While you are demonstrating your colossal ignorance and asininity in the grandest of fashion, blocking the fuel pumps, and taking up three spaces in the truck stop parking lot, all while contributing absolutely nothing of any value, and doing nothing to help others, I'm out building wealth and helping other people to build their lives as well. But, then again, what do I know?? Certainly, my "pointless education" had nothing to do with accomplishing any of these things. Woe is me, wasted life, squandered opportunities, and all!!

[cdswans]

I'm not telling you these things to brag, cdswans; quite frankly, your opinion of me doesn't matter to me in the least . .

Finally! I can rest with a clear conscience.