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???

 

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

 

Moved to correct forum.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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