Flattie Is Officially Leaving For Company Training!

I have friends that drive for Abeline.

Their training, is pretty much geared for folks that have had a full CDL school. It is not nearly as extensive as other "starter companies" - and they don't have a "get your CDL" type of training - only a finishing course.

Basically 6 weeks total. 2 as solo with a trainer (policies, procedure, evaluation). 2 running as team - same thing. And 2 in the NE - specially - you have to do 2 runs into Brooklyn (Boars Head is one of their main accounts). I'm friends with a couple of folks there that are trainers.

It's a good company (according to my sources), decent equipment (new/newer Volvo 780's/KW 680's - no APU's).

My concern for Flatie - is similar to Bretts. You've done a lot of hopping around already - just doesn't look good on a resume.

Wishing you the best of luck there - but if you don't succeed there, you're going to have a tough time getting in anywhere with all your "jumping around".

The advice you get on this board (find a company, get trained, put in a year) is to get you trained and seasoned - so you can make a reasonable decision after your first year in.

Now you have a bunch of debt, and spotty track record (for sticking to it), Abeline might be your "last stop" in this industry.

Now the pressure is REALLY ON YOU. Best of luck. And despite the appearance of negativity here on TT towards your decisions - please DO KEEP US POSTED.

Rick

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

• Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
• Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

APU's:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

I was really concerned for Flatie when I first saw this thread. I'm busting my tail so hard right now I just didn't have the time to respond with my concerns. I hope she can survive her first year, but everything Brett said is exactly my reasons for concern. It is just so hard for newbies to understand this initial baptism into this career, and then on top of that you can just about hear whatever you want to hear if you dig around enough.

There is so much misinformation out here for rookies, and sadly way too many take the bait. We try really hard, but it is always an uphill struggle to get people to understand the most prudent and productive ways to build a solid foundation for their new career.

It is of utmost importance to have a long term goal for success. I'd love to have a dog with me, but as a total rookie it's really a distraction that should be avoided, and in this instance it has become a very costly one.

A whole lot has been said here, agree with all of it. Unfortunately I think Flatie has set a really bad precedent before ever leaving the starting line.

On a positive note, life does go on. Flatie, if this is your final decision, totally, 100% commit to it and do not look back.

All I can say to you at this point is "laser focus". Forget about everything else but your training, I mean everything. Focus on learning as much as you can while you are with your trainer, keep a notebook. It's all about you; if you do not know something ask the question, if you need help ask for it, take your time all the time, look both ways before walking from your truck into the TS, frequently GOAL (wear out your door handle), always think twice before you act (carpenters: rule measure twice, cut once; applies to trucking), and above all else NEVER allow the stress/pressure of the moment distract you from performing your job safely.

I do wish you luck, safe travels, and hope that you will consider keeping a diary.

Flatie. Just my opinion. You are making a Huge Mistake by not sticking with Swift. I really do not think you have e thought this through at all. $6000 Is a big loan to pay off. If you get behind on your payments you will go into Collections. You do not want that. Trust me. Been there done that. I have been with a Trainer for 2 weeks. I barely have time for myself let alone a DOG! Having a dog with you your first year WILL spell disaster! Please rethink this decision. You are taking some REALLY BAD ADVICE from someone. The people on this site know what they are talking about. STAY WITH SWIFT FLATTIE. I guarantee you will regret it if you don't. I'm not trying to be a buzz kill, just trying to save your A$$

Flatie. Just my opinion. You are making a Huge Mistake by not sticking with Swift. I really do not think you have e thought this through at all. $6000 Is a nubig loan to pay off. If you get behind on your payments you will go into Collections. You do not want that. Trust me. Been there done thst. I have been with a Trainer for 2 weeks. I barely have time for myself let alone a DOG! Having a dog with you your first year WILL spell disaster! Please rethink this decision. You are taking some REALLY BAD ADVICE from somrone. The people on this site know what they are talking about. STAY WITH SWIFT FLATTIE. I guarantee you will regret it if you don't. I'm not trying to be a buzz kill, just trying to save your A$$

A valient try TM. I too think she is making a mistake. Hope I am wrong. Everything that can be said, has been. Up to her now.

Guys I appreciate all of ur response and opinions bout leaving swift but I have my reasons. Swift Academy is a good school and I will recommend it to anybody looking to start their career. I owe them money and the skills I've learned from the academy and I am thankful for that. Whatever money I owe them , is my responsibility. I will pay them back.I don't have any huge bills anymore coz I cut my lease and sold my car and take off for trucking. Plus I have no kids no child support or family to support aside from myself.

So whatever company I am gonna start my career off will not really mater as long as I will keep a positive attitude. I know taking a dog is a lot of responsibility but I am not saying also I will take dog with me right after I get my own truck. I have a lot to learn in the industry so I have to keep my eyes open but yeap having a dog in my truck in the fiture is another reason why I choose diferent company.

Again thank you all for the concern I really appreciate it :-) I will keep you all posted with my journey.

I wish you all the best, I really do!

So whatever company I am gonna start my career off will not really matter as long as I will keep a positive attitude

Unfortunately it will matter. No matter how good your attitude is, if you get in a fender bender or two and that company fires you you're going to have a really hard time finding work after that. Swift would have been far more tolerant of your mistakes than anyone else will be. But what's done is done I guess.

We're all hoping things work out well for you and I'm hoping no matter what you'll at least come back from time to time and update us on your progress.

My brother in law just quit swift after a week. He said he was paired win an owner op or lease op and sat for 5 days without a load. I tried to convince him to stay and talk to his DM about switching trainers but he's already been dropped off the truck. He already quit Roehl and Usxpress prior, and now swift. I want to help him but his chances are quite slim now.